DENVER – The Roadrunners have made their way back home from a journey that began on Sunday, June 18, and ended on Thursday, June 29.  Following a couple of days to reflect on the experience, we caught up with Head Coach Jenny Glenn to give us her perspective on the week that was:

You have traveled quite a bit internationally. Why do you believe it is important for students to also have these experiences?
Jenny Glenn: I am a firm believer that traveling and experiencing other cultures changes you. Your world becomes bigger and your perspectives change. I love watching young people experience this for the first time or in a new way. We tend to leave the experience more grateful for what we have in the United States as well as more respectful of the differences that we have with others. 

Why did you select to travel to these locations?
Jenny: When I travel internationally with a team, I am always searching for a unique experiences that will allow us to experience international volleyball but also get a glimpse into how most of the world lives each day. This area was a perfect fit. Europe, and specifically Croatia, is a great place for playing a high level of volleyball while experiencing the ancient history that we don't have in the United States. But most importantly, we chose Albania so that we could visit Amela's hometown, meet her family, and see where she came from. When you have the opportunity to visit someone's hometown while traveling, it is so much richer of a cultural experience and Shkodar, Albania and the Qershia family did not disappoint. 

Connecting with Amela's parents and playing in her hometown was an obvious highlight of the trip. Do you have any other highlights that stick in your mind?
Jenny: Yes, I think I can speak for the entire group that Albania was an amazing experience for so many reasons. My other top highlights were when we were able to interact with the Croatian and Albanian athletes. We had the opportunity to both share a meal with them as well as intermix a bit on the volleyball court. We spoke the international language of volleyball and got an amazing experience that transcends tourism. 

Did you see any changes in the team over this trip even though it was such a short time?
Jenny: Yes, it was really fun to watch our team unite over the course of the trip. One of our main goals was to grow as a team as we added our five incoming freshmen to the group. I loved watching our athletes break off into different groups each day and learn more about each other. I also saw growth in gratitude, patience, and understanding of why we do the things that we do. 

What do you want to say to the donors who made this trip possible?
Jenny: We are so thankful for all of the individuals who contributed to making this trip happen. We knew it would be a big fundraising endeavor but we also knew that we couldn't let the opportunity to visit Amela's home pass us by. Thank you for your generosity and for contributing to a truly life-changing trip. 

Anything else that you would like to add?
Jenny: Our three primary goals leading into the trip were to broaden our perspective through the experience of a different culture, gain a unique international volleyball experience, and grow in our team unity. I am so pleased at how each of these goals was accomplished in addition to so many more beneficial experiences that will help us all moving forward. 


Previously on tour:

ZAGREB, Croatia – Pozdrav! Welcome to the MSU Denver Volleyball travel blog! We will be updating this page as we trek through Europe. Throughout the trip, we will feature short interviews with members of the travel party.
 
First up … Zagreb, Croatia! We left on the afternoon of Sunday, June 18 and arrived in Croatia on the afternoon of Monday, June 19. We explored the city center and main square before enjoying an authentic Croatian dinner. After that, it was lights out.
 
Tuesday started with a walking historical tour of Zagreb.  We saw historic landmarks from the 11^th, 13^th, and 19^th centuries. The highlight came at noon when the tower cannon fired from Lotrščak Tower. We closed the evening with a match against the U17 Croatian National Team.
 
Let's hear from the Alumni joining us on this trip:



What have you been up to since becoming an alum of the volleyball program?
Alexis Benda: I have been coaching club volleyball as well as being the volunteer assistant at MSU Denver. I have recently accepted a job to become a special education teacher in Lakewood. And I've been traveling!
 
Caiden Rexius: I have become the club director for a team in Denver. I am planning my wedding that is in December. I got engaged on the Alps and bought a house. That is about it.  😊
 
Kelsey Gordon: I am figuring out my next steps here in Europe. I also got a cat whose name is Pad.
 
How do you feel about the opportunity to travel internationally with this team as an alum?
Alexis: I am proud to represent MSU Denver. Being able to experience this as an athlete six years ago made a huge difference for us as a team. I am excited that these girls get this same opportunity now.
 
Caiden: I live for it. I am feeling very thankful and proud to be a part of MSU Denver Volleyball. Letting me come back is a huge blessing and I am so thankful. #USA.
 
Kelsey: I am very thankful to be included in this opportunity to represent our University on the international stage. I am very excited to get to learn more about European culture as well as being able to explore new countries. Not to mention finally being able to meet Amela's family!
 
This is your first time to Zagreb. What has been your favorite part?
Alexis: Definitely the walking tour. Getting to learn the coolest small facts about all of the cool places is amazing.
 
Caiden: My favorite part has been learning the history of the city and experiencing the culture.
 
Kelsey: My favorite part has been getting to walk around and seeing the amazing history, architecture, and food of Zagreb. As well as the cannon going off at noon.
 
What are you looking forward to on this trip?
Alexis: Meeting Amela's family and getting to see their face light up when they get to watch her play live for the first time in her college career! A close second, trying the best bread of all of the time.
 
Caiden: I am looking forward to going to Split and getting meet Amela's family and see where she grew up. I can't wait to learn more about her culture.
 
Kelsey: Getting to meet Amela's family, playing some volleyball in Europe, and being able to experience more European culture with my Roadrunner family.
 
Is there anything that you would like to tell everyone that could not join us on this trip?
Alexis: It takes an army of people to get us all out here. So for those who helped ... admin, friends, family, and those who donated, thank you! MSU Denver volleyball has such a great support system and we're so so thankful! It's an experience of a lifetime and we're having a blast.
 
Caiden: If you get the opportunity, go to Europe!!
 
Kelsey: To everyone who has helped support us and allowed us the opportunity to come to Europe: from the bottom of my heart, thank you for allowing us to experience this opportunity. It truly is a trip of a lifetime and I am so blessed to be part of it.
 

SPLIT, Croatia - And now, we head to the coast of Croatia in the port city of Split!

After arriving late Wednesday night, Thursday proved to be a full day. We started with a boat ride to take us along the coast to The Riva.  We had an opportunity to explore the city and do some sightseeing followed by a stop at a local beach to take a dip in the Adriatic Sea. In the evening, we played another match against the Croatian club team Marina Kaštela in their local gym.

Friday, we journeyed to the historic city of Trogir. There were many sights including a medieval fortress, a Roman palace, and a local farmers market. Tonight, we will have dinner overlooking the Adriatic Sea and venture back to Split to take in more of what the city has to offer.

This trip has seen many firsts. Let's hear from the newest members of the Roadrunners team on what their experience has been like so far...

What has this trip to Europe been like for you?
GabriElle Brewer: Getting to experience the cities and be with the team for the first time has been fun.

Autumn Gibbs: I think it has been a really cool opportunity to play volleyball and experience it with all of these girls, the coaches, and others that support us.

Megan Hagar: I think it has been really cool to see a lot of different cultures in each city.

Alivia Huxoll: It has been great. I've seen a lot of new things that I haven't seen before. I have been experiencing a lot of new firsts.

Kryssa Moerman: It has been really different to see all of the cities and cultures. This has been really fun.

What is it like being with the team for the first time?
GabriElle: I think it has been a really good way to get to know the team before the season starts. It has been really easy to get to know everyone and it has been fun to get to know them too.

Autumn: I think it has been great getting to know everyone. They are so nice and welcoming. You can tell that they genuinely care about us. They are good people and great role models.

Megan: It has been nice to get to know them from the volleyball perspective. We got to play with them a little in Denver before coming to Europe. Now, being in Europe, we get to see them in more of a chill setting.  

Alivia: Being able to get a jumpstart with the team has been really nice. It has been help in the preseason.

Kryssa: This tam is really good friends with each other off of the court. They have a great culture.  

What are you looking forward to for the rest of this trip?
GabriElle: Even though I just met Amela, I'm really interested in where she came from and meeting her family. We know some of her volleyball life and her personality, but I'm interested in seeing what her experiences were like before coming to the United States.

Autumn: I think it is really cool that we are going to be giving back when we get to Albania. Amela planned all of that and the team is really supportive of her.

Megan: I'm excited to see Amela in her element with her family and continuing to get to kow her.

Alivia: I'm excited to see how they do things in Albania and the other cities that we are visiting during the rest of this trip.

Kryssa: I'm excited to see the difference in cultures. From Croatia to Montenegro, to Albania, they are all different and I want to know more.


DUBROVNIK, Croatia – The European volleyball journey continues!

Saturday featured a travel day to Dubrovnik. The scenery was spectacular along the Croatian coastline. The glorious views en route included crossing the bridge to Pelješac. The bridge opened only one year ago and connects Dubrovnik to the rest of the Dalmatian coast.

Following dinner Saturday night, some team members took to the dance floor to show off their skills to music including Chubby Checker, ABBA, and other tutti-frutti classics. Other team members took in a children's dance recital in the evening.

Sunday featured a day trip in to Dubrovnik. The classic fortress has been featured in the HBO Series Game of Thrones and served as the primary visual site for King's Landing. Looking around, you could almost see dragons in the air.

Let's hear from the student-athletes…

We were able to spend a couple of days on the coast and visited the historic city of Dubrovnik. What did you think of this fortified city?  
Ember Canty: It was cool to see the small town. The beauty, the culture, and the architecture were all amazing.

Mikayla McClinton: I thought it was beautiful. To be able to walk around the streets and walk into all of the churches was fun and interesting. There is so much to do and see.  It was truly amazing.

Skyler Michael: I thought it was a really good city to get lost in. There were a ton of nooks and crannies down the streets where you could find anything and everything.

Maddy Williams: Honestly, it wasn't what I expected. The inside was cool and when we went outside of the walls and saw the water and the cliffs, I thought that was great.

What has been your favorite part of our time in Dubrovnik?
Ember: The Adriatic Sea. It's nothing like we have in the United States. I would also add in the time we spent with the team and getting to hear their stories.

Mikayla: I had a great time on the beach. We found a new group of people and were dancing after dinner one night. It was fun to experience that with everyone.

Skyler: There's too many to pick from. I enjoyed going to the the cathedral and seeing all of the architecture.

Maddie: I really liked how slow the European lifestyle is. It is so relaxed.

What are you looking forward to as we move to the final segment of the trip?
Ember: Obviously, getting to see the little bits and pieces of Amela's life in her home country. I'm looking forward to understanding a little bit more about her story.

Mikayla: Meeting Amela's parents. Getting to see where she is from will be wonderful.

Skyler: I am looking forward to getting know more of Amela's roots. Getting to see her "Albania side" is exciting.

Maddie: I have been really excited to see Amela's home. We will get to see more about who she is and where she is from.


KOTOR, Montenegro – On Monday, the team made their way to Kotor in Montenegro. Kotor is an ancient city that dates back to the fifth century B.C. We only spent a brief time in this beautiful city before moving on and making our way to Albania where we will spend the majority of the remainder of the trip.

Once again, let's hear from the team:

What did you think of the city of Kotor?
Rylee Hladky: I really liked the city. It was like Dubrovnik but a smaller version. It seemed very quaint and didn't have as many tourist.

Maddie Lindsay: The first thing that impressed me was the mountains. It was right on the mountain. Coming from Utah and Colorado that's where my heart is at. And of course the cats!

Abbie McCrimmon: I thought it was pretty. My favorite part was going up on the fostress wall and getting to look down on all of the boats. We also saw a lot of cats.

Have you been surprised by anything on this trip?
Rylee: Yes, naturally, when you are in a new place, there are things that are different. I was surprised at how much English was spoken in Croatia.  hey have their own language and it is impressive that you can communicate with almost anyone.

Maddie: I've been surprised by how quickly the team has bonded. That has been awesome. We are also seeing a different style of volleyball that is something different compared to what we normally see at home.

Abbie: I have never been to Europe, so the architecture has been a highlight. It is different than anything you see in the United States.

Can you describe what it has been like going on this trip with your teammates?
Rylee: I didn't know what to expect with all of us spending this much time together. We have done it though, and getting to know everyone has been amazing.

Maddie: I feel like it has been a constant realization of new experiences being with my teammates. We spend a lot of time just in a gym or in Denver.  This trip has been really surreal.  All of my best friends are here and that's awesome!

Abbie: How cool it is that we are all on the trip together? We all have different experiences. We get to bond over it. Sharing those experiences with my teammates has been my favorite part.


SHKODER, Albania – And now for the moment we have all been waiting for …  Meeting the Qershia family!

When the team arrived in Shkoder on Monday evening, the parents of senior student-athlete Amela Qershia were there to greet us. We checked in to our hotel and sat down to a meal together before retiring for the night.

Tuesday brought a jam-packed schedule. The team started the day with a match against the club team that Amela played on before coming to MSU Denver. We went to a local coffee house with everyone following the match. After lunch, the team went to a local youth camp with over 800 kids. The team danced, played games, and talked with the youth until late in the evening.

The final full day in Albania began with a visit to the Qershia home. The team was able to visit with Amela's parents while taking is some authentic Albania fare. On our way out of Shkodër en route to the capital city of Tirana, we visited Kalaja e Shkodrës and took in the breathtaking views of the city below and the surrounding land from the ancient fostress. After arriving in Tirana, the team took on the U21 Croatian National Team.  An early wake up call and a full travel day is all that remained.

Let's hear from the student-athletes:

What has been the best part about being in Amela's home country of Albania? 
Riley Anderson: Just seeing Amela in her natural habitat and seeing her talk to everyone is so cool. She does speak two languages and seeing that pretty amazing.

Delaney Eckhardt: The coolest thing about this is seeing how happy it makes Amela's parents and how much love her hometown has for her. It has been great getting to know more about her and her culture.  Also, the community service we did was awesome.

Amela Qershia: I have enjoyed having everyone in my home country. They got to see how I grew up and learn a little more about why I am the way I am. It has been a once in a lifetime experience for us and we have had a chance to bond.
 
What has it been like to have your team with you on this trip?
Riley: I think it has been a different experience than if you were to just come by yourself. We were able to explore the towns and see new things. My teammates showed me things that I may have missed if I were just on my own.

Delaney: I think it was cool to be able to go with different groups every day. You could go with just the first-year students or a group of seniors. Over the time, you could feel the unity in the team growing. You were able to go and experience more with them.

Amela: I think our unity has grown. Seeing each other in a different dimension from the volleyball court has been amazing. It's not just the players though.  It has been great seeing the staff and the coaches and getting to know them more and bond with them as well.
 
For everyone that could not make the trip with us, what would you want to share with them about this experience?
Riley: Once thing that I would want to share is that you can feel how different the culture is here. They have been so welcoming and nice.  I think that everyone in America should get to experience that at least once. They want you to be a part of their family.

Delaney: I think that I would want people to experience the family-oriented style that is here. No one is left behind and everyone can be at the table.  Amela's parents offered us to stop by if we are ever here again and they truly meant it.

Amela: I would say that the perspective here is something I would like people to see. We don't have much, but we do have stuff to offer like our generosity.  No one is left behind and we have a strong family atmosphere.