Italy Experience by Brittany Blackman

Going to Italy was by far one of the best experiences I have ever had! Never in my life did I think I would visit another country!!! It seemed to me that the culture and atmosphere was much different than ours in the states. Here, everything seems to be so rushed, however; Italy seemed so much more laid back and relaxed. I absolutely loved it there and wouldn’t mind visiting again or possibly living there for a year or so! The scenery was more than I ever imagined, so beautiful, pictures cannot even begin to describe it. After competing against professional and national teams while in Italy, I could definitely see myself playing for a year or two overseas professionally one day.

Italy Experience by Ginnie Talley

After being home for almost a week now, I have been able to fully reflect on my trip to Italy. So much of it seemed surreal while I was there, but now that I have reread my journal entries I have learned so much about myself and my teammates. We got to experience so many things while overseas. The feeling of exhaustion mixed with the unknown and excitement of being in a new place with different food, language, and customs. Everyday we all awoke with a little bit of anxiousness, but quickly adapted and had tons of fun!
Unlike our detailed scheduled here, we had to quickly become accustomed to just being able to "go with the flow" and be able to deal with a change of plans. Just this alone, helped us grow as individuals and a team. We had to rely on one another to help communicate, or navigate the cities we explored. Not only was the schedule different, but the food and culture was something we had to welcome everyday. I never thought I would have grown as much as an individual and as a teammate through this experience as I did, and I am truly grateful for the opportunity that was given to my teammates and me. It will be an experience that will be remembered and cherished forever.

Italy Experience by Kelley Taylor

Just as I expected the trip to Italy was amazing! Never in my life did I think I would get to see the unbelievable things I saw. Being away from the hustle and bustle of my day to day life gave me time to be truly thankful for the things God has blessed me with. I am so happy to have shared this experience with twelve of my best friends and a great coaching staff! I am so excited about the rejuvenation and bonding that happened between our team on this trip! From some intense volleyball games, to some awesome sight seeing to some amazing shopping, Italy was everything I thought it would be and more!

Italy Experience by Janice Rivera

Italy, Italy, Italy!!!! There is so much to say about this great opportunity that was given to us. It was always a dream to mine to go to Italy and to have the opportunity was amazing. Every city or small town we passed made me love Italy even more. Italy has such unique culture that was so inviting that it made me want to come move there. The memories I had there will be treasured forever. I believe Italy also united us as a team and I really thank Winthrop University and the volleyball program for giving us this opportunity.

Italy Experience by Kaley Viola

I never thought Italy was going to be like it was! It was an
amazing trip and although I knew it would be great, it
definitely exceeded my expectations. It will be for sure
remembered and appreciated for the rest of my life. I am so
thankful that Coach Polhamus and everyone else made this trip
possible for us to go. I experienced so many wonderful
moments and learned so many new things while on the trip. I
got to see ruins from sooo long ago and it is astonishing to
me that places like the Colosseum in Rome are still around
today. A huge highlight to this trip was getting a lot closer
to my teammates and really getting to know some people better
than I already knew them. That made me really excited! Also
being able to play other teams in Italy was a culturing
experience. Their style of play differs from ours and it was
interesting to notice this when we were playing these teams.
My favorite place over this trip to see was Rome because it
is a very beautiful and huge city. It was a challenge
everyday we were there to figure out our way around the city
without getting lost, but it was a very fun challenge. Plus
everyday we would go different routes and see so many
different places which made it very fulfilling. Altogether
to wrap up my feelings about this trip, it was an amazing
time. I had fun getting closer to people I really care about,
I enjoyed playing volleyball against Italy teams, and I fully
enjoyed getting to see a place that I may not have been lucky
enough to see during my life! I am so thankful for this whole
trip and I will remember everything about it forever!

Italy Experience by Kelsey Harrison

I love traveling and am so glad I got the chance to travel to Italy. It was a great experience and I am so grateful that I got to spend it with my team and family. Italy was so beautiful and green. I loved being able to see every aspect of Italy, from the mountains to the beach. I want to thank Coach Polhamus for all of her work to organize our trip. I'll always remember all the memories that were made on our 10 day trip to Italia.

Italy Experience by Chrissie Albers

When I first heard that our team would have the opportunity to travel to Italy, I was shocked and so excited! I've always wanted to travel abroad but didn't think I would get the chance this early in my life. Words cannot explain my experience. All I can say is that, it opened my eyes. I came back to the US with a new outlook on my life and what is important to me. I won't ever forget the memories from Italy or the things I gained from my experience there.

Italy Experience by Becca Toor

Words can't describe how much of an amazing experience Italy was. I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to spend the time with my teammates overseas. When I first heard that our team would travel to Italy, I thought I was dreaming. Italy was everything I expected and more. It was so beautiful, half the time I felt it wasn't real. It was also an experience to learn from. I am now aware of the many things I take for granted in the States. The competition was exactly what our team needed, it was awesome to see the similiarities and differences in Italian teams. I can't wait for next season to begin, it's time to win! Italy is a trip I will never forget.
The memories and the stories will last a life time.

Italy Experience by Kelsey Hall

Italy was an amazing opportunity that I will probably never get to have again. I want to thank Coach Polhamus and everyone who made this possible for me to go. This experience gave me a better appreciation for what I have and who I am. I would hate to pay every time I had to use the restroom in public. I also experienced what it’s like to not be so organized and have a structured plan. It was nice to not be in a rush everywhere I went and be on and around people who rely on cell phones. I also enjoyed the opportunity to actually see history that I have been seeing in pictures and text books ever since I started school. This was a great trip for me as a player, a teammate, and a person.

Italy Experience by Kellie Sellers

The experience I had in Italy with my teammates, coaches, and family was amazing. I learned so much about the Italian culture, people, and what volleyball is like in another country. Traveling to Italy and tasting new foods and meeting new people really made me appreciate Italy and all it has to offer. Although I loved Venice and Rome the most, I must say I am really grateful for my family, friends, teammates, and home in America. I've learned to appreciate what I have and all that I am capable of doing. It was nice to get away and experience this new culture but I am also happy to be home with my warm bed, warm shower, my hair straightner and computer! But overall, Italy was a great bonding experience for my teammates and me and I am so happy that we got to experience this once in a lifetime opportunity!
I would like to thank all of those who made it possible for my team and myself to take this amazing trip. We couldn't have done it without you!