SPRINGFIELD, Ohio--For the fifth time in the last thirteen years, Wittenberg Volleyball Head Coach Paco Labrador led his nationally ranked squad on an off-season training trip to his ancestral home of Spain.

Thirteen current Tiger players, Labrador, assistant coach Evelyn Carus, assistant athletic director Leah Poiner and Psychologist/Team Building expert Dr. Michele Nicopolis made the most of a 2016 excursion that spanned 13 days in May and June. The Tigers played five matches against semi-pro teams, a club team and the Spanish junior national team, while also taking part in a wide variety of educational opportunities and cultural experiences. 

The travel group was exposed to different kinds of food, customs and traditions, in addition to sightseeing trips to such sites as the Royal Palace in Madrid, the Roman Cathedral in Toledo and the famous Alcazar of Segovia. Labrador's father, who resides in Spain, led the group on some of the tours

From the players:

"The smaller cities like Segovia and Toledo were my favorite parts...The views and architecture were absolutely breathtaking, and that's when everything really sunk in that I was actually in Spain!"

-Megan Flaherty '19

"Spain was an experience that most teams at universities never get to experience.  We learned about Spanish culture and volleyball and each other; it was something we will all remember for the rest of our lives as an amazing two weeks!"

-Maddie Fischer '18

"Every day in Spain was a new adventure, each city was rich in culture and new experiences.  It was so interesting seeing buildings and art that I've learned about in class.  Our matches against the Junior National Team were intense!  It was nice to see our spring season practices and pre-Spain training week come together against a taller, experienced team."

-Madison Manger '19

"Traveling in Spain was a fantastic time because we got to see firsthand the differences between Spain and the US.  The volleyball teams we played were very well trained and played with great ball control. My time in Spain was even better because I got to experience it all with my teammates.  It was something new for all of us, and I became closer with many of my teammates throughout the trip.  It was a trip that I wish I could go on again and an experience I wouldn't trade for anything.

-Courtney Huck '17

Europe is a different culture period, but the Spanish culture is incredible.  The food, the architecture, just the overall way of life is vibrant and colorful.  Plus, the diversity in the places we visited mesmerized me.  One minute we were exploring the bustling streets in Madrid or an ancient aqueduct in Segovia and the next we walked through the stunning cathedral in Toledo and tanned on the shore of the Mediterranean Sea in Valencia."

-Camila Quinones '17