HONOLULU – The University of Hawai'i women's volleyball team embarks on a historic European adventure this week when it departs Friday on a 14-day, four-country cultural excursion. The 'Bows are making their first trip to Europe in the 42-year history of the program, starting in Italy before traveling to Slovenia and Austria and finishing the trip in the Czech Republic. The team will take on top-notch European competition and mix in sightseeing and other culturally enriching tourist activities.

"After finals now everyone is focused on the trip and is excited," said Dave Shoji, who will be entering his 41^st season with the 'Bows this fall. "I think we're playing six out of 12 days and even on days we play we'll have cultural activities. I'm sure we'll do a lot of walking and sightseeing and taking in the history of each country we're in. The volleyball is almost second on the trip although we will get some practice, but just the experience of being in Europe is going to be tremendous for the team."
 
The trip will be an invaluable learning experience for the 12 players on the travel squad, 10 of whom are returning this fall. The Rainbow Wahine roster includes Kendra Koelsch, Clare-Marie Anderson, Megan Huff, Tayler Higgins, Nikki Taylor, Olivia Magill, Tai Manu-Olevao, Kalei Greeley, Savanah Kahakai, Emily Maglio as well as outgoing seniors Kalei Adolpho and Ginger Long.
 
"We're pretty excited and it'll be a new experience for all of us," shared Nikki Taylor who will be entering her junior season this fall. "We're looking forward to learning about the different cultures, meeting new people and eating different foods. We'll also have a chance to spend some time together as a team."
 
Ginger Long, who graduated this spring after playing her fourth and final season with the 'Bows, will also join the team on the trip. "Kalei (Adolpho) and I both are grateful for the fact that Dave (Shoji) wanted to include us. The fact that he did makes us want to work really hard as members of a B-side and trying to help prepare everyone to take that step to the next level. Going to Europe, for me, has always been a cultural experience I wanted to have."
 
The team arrives in Milan where it will stay three nights and play two matches. The 'Bows will then stop over in Venice for a night before traveling to Maribor, Slovenia for a three-night, two-match stay. UH will continue to venture north, stopping for a night in Vienna before concluding the trip with two matches in Prague.
 
The opponents include to-be-determined clubs from the Italian, Slovenian, and Czech Federations as well the Tunisian Senior National team. The 'Bows will visit popular tourist destinations such as Lake Como in Italy and Doppler Hisa in Maribor City, and enjoy a morning ropes course and alpine slide on a day trip to the Slovenian Alps.