COLLEGE PARK, Md. -- Head Coach Adam Hughes has announced that the University of Maryland team will go on an 11-day European tour in June of 2020. The team will travel to Amsterdam, Slovenia, Croatia and Italy, giving the team the chance to explore different cultures, compete against various professional organizations as well as respective national teams, all while representing Maryland on the global stage.  

The goal of this tour is to promote individual and team growth within our student-athletes through cultural and volleyball exposure on an international level. The bond that is created through the additional practice sessions as well as throughout the 11-days abroad has the ability to enhance our student-athlete experience beyond compare.

"Looking back on my previous foreign tours," Head Coach Adam Hughes said, "There's nothing like the experience that transpires from the trip. The togetherness, the embracing the unknown, and the organic experiences that are cultivated are some of the unlimited benefits of the trip.
 
This foreign tour experience provides a perfect balance of sport and cultural value. Our student-athletes will grow together, compete against a variety of volleyball styles, and the exposure to international play will allow them to represent Maryland on the world stage and experience what their lives could be playing professionally.

Three of Maryland volleyball's current student-athletes have had the chance to play in international tours - Katie Myers on the U.S. Collegiate National Team and Jada Gardner and Erika Pritchard going on the Big Ten Foreign Tour in Japan this past summer. Katie, Jada, and Erika made major leaps on and off the court as a result of their experiences overseas. 

Tentatively, the first leg of Maryland volleyball's first-ever international trip will begin in Amsterdam, where the team will explore the city, bike, boat, and play a local club team. Next on the itinerary is a stop in Maribor, Slovenia where the Terps will visit Maribor city center and play a match against a visiting federation team and club team.

Next on the trip, the squad will travel to Pula, Croatia, and then Italy to explore the Roman ruins and the Temple of Augustus before heading to Venice and Milan. Maryland will play two matches vs. the Italian Federation Team while in Italy.

The trip will be a memorable experience that each of Maryland volleyball's student-athletes will be grateful for. It will also allow the team to grow together and build chemistry early heading into the 2020 season. 

The Maryland volleyball program is looking to raise $50,000 from private donations. Donation information and further details can be found at terrapinclub.com/vbtour