March 7, 2013
SEATTLE - After finals wrap up this June, the Husky volleyball team will start its summer vacation with an extra-long road trip. For the first time since 2006, the Huskies will embark on a foreign tour, which will take them on an exciting adventure to Europe for 13 days in June. The trip will include a number of matches against competitive teams from Slovenia and Italy, and will feature stops in Austria, Slovenia, and Italy. The once-in-a-lifetime type opportunity will begin on June 16 and conclude on June 28, with most of the travel being spent within Italy. The Huskies will leave their familiar home court and enter a new world of volleyball, while experiencing different cultures and exploring historical cities and sites. The team hopes for an eye-opening volleyball experience, says Head Coach Jim McLaughlin. "It's a great educational opportunity, not just in volleyball but to travel the world, there's a lot of benefit. We also get ten more practice dates, we get eight more matches. We get more opportunities to respond to good situations in terms of volleyball and develop people in a big year where we have a chance to go to the Final Four, so that's one of the reasons we're doing it this year." The volleyball court is not the only expected area of growth and knowledge for the team, as these student-athletes will be given the chance to exercise their minds and earn a few credits during their stay in Europe. Professor James Clauss, Director of the Honors program at UW, will be joining the team to give special behind-the-scenes tours and conduct educational workshops throughout the trip. The itinerary is still subject to change, but planned stops include Maribor in Slovenia, and Venice, Milan, Perugia, and Rome in Italy. Opponents are still being finalized as well. As expected, the team enthusiasm about the opportunity and the amazing experiences they will be exposed to during their tour is extremely high. Washington Volleyball last took a foreign trip in June of 2006, when the team traveled and competed in China, visiting Beijing and Shanghai. "It's a great thing for everyone involved in the program and will hopefully be an experience they can recall the rest of their lives," said McLaughlin. The trip is also open to any supporters and fans of Washington Volleyball who would like to join in. The tour company working with UW, Bring It Promotions, has set a rate of $2295 per person for guests of the program. As official members of the travel party, participants will have the opportunity to explore the cities on their own as well as inclusion in several team functions. Interested persons should contact Jimmy Bowen, Director of Operations at 206.543.0432 or by email at jrb5151@uw.edu. |
