Sophomore snags Vol Court business prize

September 24, 2026 - 19:02

Kendra Mueller, a sophomore majoring in marketing, took first place at this semester's Vol Court competition held on Sept. 16. She finished ahead of 22 other participants in an event designed to be fast and friendly.

Vol Court is organized by the Anderson Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, which operates within the Haslam College of Business. The competition gives students a chance to present business ideas in a short amount of time and receive feedback from judges and peers.

Breanna Hale, executive director of the center, said the main goal is to get students comfortable with pitching their ideas in front of an audience. She noted that the event is less about perfection and more about learning how to communicate a concept clearly and confidently.

Mueller's winning pitch stood out among a diverse group of entries. Participants came from different majors and backgrounds, each bringing a unique perspective to the table. The atmosphere was supportive, with students cheering on their classmates throughout the rounds.

The Anderson Center regularly hosts events like Vol Court to encourage entrepreneurship across campus. Students who take part gain practical experience that can help them in future business ventures or job interviews. Mueller said she plans to use the feedback she received to refine her idea further.