SPRINGFIELD, Ohio—Wittenberg women's basketball will enjoy a jump start on their preparations for the 2018-19 season with a 10-day trip to Australia starting on May 14.
Wittenberg will depart from Columbus on May 14 and return on May 24 with games in-between against the Casey Cavaliers, the Ringwood Hawks, and Sydney University. The Tigers' competition in the land down under is the equivalent to NCAA Division II talent, making the trip a great test for head coach Kelly Mahlum's team. The trip will be divided in two-legs; the first in Melbourne, then the Tigers travel to Sydney later on in the week.
"I am extremely excited for our team trip to Australia as it provides an experience of a lifetime.
Not many people can say they took a trip to another country with their college basketball team. This trip is special to me because I am able to provide an opportunity for our players to experience a new culture and become more globally aware. We have a few players that have never traveled abroad and to travel with them on their first trip is amazing. We ignite the 'travel bug' in them that leads to new adventures in their future," said Mahlum.
Outside of competition, the Tigers will be taking in all that Australia has to offer while also giving back to the community. On Thursday, May 17, the Tigers will hold a basketball clinic for underprivileged youth in the area prior to tip-off before their first game against the Casey Cavaliers.
Wittenberg women's hoops will also enjoy the view from Eureka Tower and travel to Healesville Sanctuary which serves as Australia's premier wildlife park. The Tigers' final day in Melbourne features an Australian Rules Football game, the nation's highest grossing spectator sport.
The second-leg of the Tigers' trip takes place in Sydney, where Wittenberg starts their trip with a walk on historic Coogee Beach, before a pre-game meal is served on Bondi Beach prior to taking on Sydney University.
The Tigers adventures will conclude with a trip to the Sydney Opera House, before the team departs back to Columbus on Thursday, May 24.
Wittenberg finished 16-12 in 2017-18 and went on a run all the way to the NCAC Tournament Championship after upsetting the #5 team in the nation in the conference semifinals. Wittenberg and Mahlum lost two players to graduation off the 2017-18 team, returning a talented squad to the floor this upcoming season in Springfield.