Wahine embark on program’s first training trip to Europe

Pallavolo. Volejbal. Volleyball. Odbojka. Whatever the sport is called around the world, there is one thing that needs no translation: Playing the game at the highest level requires hard work and commitment.

That will be part of the educational experience for the Hawaii women’s volleyball team on its first European training trip in the program’s 42-year history. The Rainbow Wahine leave Friday for a 14-day, four-country adventure with matches against Italian, Slovenian, Czech and Tunisian teams packed in between cultural excursions, sightseeing and Alpine cross-training activities.

It’s something that Hawaii coach Dave Shoji had been thinking about for a number of years and, as he enters his 41st season with the Rainbow Wahine, "it finally worked out," he said.

"It has a dual purpose. Obviously this is a cultural experience, getting to take a group of young women on their first trip to Europe. That’s the best thing we’ll get out of this. And it’s a great opportunity to play some really good teams."

Ten of the 12 returning Wahine players are making the trip — walk-ons Katiana Ponce and Gianna Guinasso are not — plus two who are foregoing Saturday’s graduation ceremony in middle Kalei Adolpho and outside hitter Ginger Long.

The tentative schedule has two matches in Milan, Italy; three in Maribor, Slovenia; and two in Prague, Czech Republic. Sandwiched between the competitions are excursions in Milan, Lake Como, Venice, Maribor, Vienna and Prague.

While Shoji has never visited any of the places on the itinerary — he’s been to Germany often to see his two sons play professionally — assistant coach Robyn Ah Mow-Santos is very familiar with the Italian cities. During her pro career, she played for Metodo Minetti Vicenza, an Italian Serie A1 team based about an hour west of Venice.

"I hope that the girls see there’s another whole level of volleyball," said Ah Mow-Santos, a two-time All-America setter at Hawaii and three-time Olympian. "Hopefully they see the work ethic that they can use in our gym.

"This will be a different kind of gym culture, a lot different from what we have here. They’ll see what it’s like being on a pro team and hope it opens their eyes."

The first stop the team makes after arriving in Milan is the Italian National Training Center, where the Wahine will practice and have lunch while waiting for their hotel rooms to be ready. The INTC is where the two matches against Italian Federation teams will be played.

The NCAA allows for teams to take a foreign trip once every four years. In the past, Hawaii has gone to Japan, the last time during spring break in 2001.

"I think we’ll get much more out of going to Europe, where the teams play more of our style of volleyball," Shoji said. "The Japanese teams are smaller and quick and we don’t play (NCAA) teams like that. We’ll be seeing bigger teams that are more like those we’ll play during the season.

"We’re really excited for the players and staff. It’s a great experience for all of us."

The tour is through Bring It Promotions, run by former Utah women’s assistant Cory Solomon. Solomon will be the tour guide in Slovenia and the Czech Republic, while former Brigham Young-Hawaii volleyball player Federica Tonon, an Italian national, will be the guide in Italy.

The Wahine expect to see at least one former player during their time in Europe. All-conference middle Maja Gustin, who had more than 1,000 kills and ranks in the top 10 in blocks and aces, returned home to Slovenia after graduation and has been playing professionally since.

Shoji said that his staff didn’t have any input on the tour stops but knew they likely would go to Italy and Slovenia, the latter where Solomon lives. He said that it’s not being used as a recruiting trip, but "we know we’ll see some good, young players," Shoji said. "You never know if any would want to come that far (to Hawaii) to play.

"I think this experience is going to be very important as we want to get better as a team. We’ve been thinking about this for so long and, now that I’m reaching the end of my career, I was a little more willing to consider it. This is a good year to go."