With Brazil set to host the 2016 Summer Olympic Games, junior Elisabeth Wilson and senior Faith Rolwes already experienced the Olympic hype over the summer by playing for the USA Select League in Brazil.
The invitation email sent to the two athletes stated that the aim of the program was to “expose some of our USA players to some of the best volleyball in the world while growing educationally, culturally and socially,” something Athletic Director Stevie Baker-Watson wants to see more of.
“Anytime our students get to travel abroad… that’s one of the hallmarks of the DePauw education,” said Baker-Watson. “Sometimes, being involved in a sport, it can be challenging to do so.”
Before leaving the country, the two met the rest of the team in Orlando, Florida, where they held practices in preparation for the five games they would play in Brazil. The team took their talents to Brazil from June 7 through 16, travelling “to various cities playing different teams almost every day,” according to Rolwes.
Even though it was Wilson’s first experience out of the United States, she enjoyed the sport aspect of it immensely.
“The volleyball part of the trip was super fun,” said Wilson. “We got to play with girls from teams across the country. It was really cool to see how they play and what it’s like to be on other college teams”.
Baker-Watson saw this as a challenge that, once overcome, could help the two significantly throughout the course of the DePauw season.
“You’re playing a game with other individuals who know the rules of the game but you don’t necessarily know each other and how to play,” said Baker-Watson. “Your communication changes and increases. It gets better.”
But of course, it wasn’t just the volleyball that made the trip memorable.
From trying new foods to visiting Christ the Redeemer in the Rio de Janeiro, it was not your typical “travel tournament”, which the Tigers will experience on the road at least four times during the regular fall season.
“It was really strange to be in a place and not be able to communicate with other people or not know where anything was,” said Wilson. “[But] I am so grateful for the experience because it gave me a new perspective on people who come to the United States and have to learn to speak an entirely new language and learn the culture.”
Rolwes and Wilson’s experience upon returning to DePauw will go a long way in helping the Tigers look to avenge last year’s season-ending 0-3 loss to Carthage in the 2nd round of the NCAA Division III Championship.
The Tigers’ season-opener will be at home in Neal Fieldhouse on Tuesday, October 1st at 7pm.