UNM Volleyball Team Gears Up for Exciting European Tour

The New Mexico volleyball team is set for an adventure across Europe, with all arrangements finalized. Flights and accommodations are secured, and players are just putting the finishing touches on their packing, making sure to include essentials like comfortable walking shoes and their passports, which are primed for stamps. “I think it’s insane, actually, that we get to do this,” expressed redshirt sophomore Zoe Leonard. “This will be my first time (out of the country), so I’m excited. I’m a little nervous for the flight because it is so long and I’m a taller human being. Leg room can be kind of tough.”

The Lobos will embark on their journey this Tuesday, visiting four countries: beginning in Prague, Czech Republic, then moving on to Maribor, Slovenia, followed by stops in Venice and Milan, Italy, before concluding the trip in Vienna, Austria on June 14. This trip has been made possible thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor.

The itinerary includes a blend of volleyball matches and sightseeing, featuring five games against international teams, an exhilarating alpine slide in Maribor, shopping excursions in Milan, and a picturesque tour of Venice. “It’s like a melting pot, just getting everybody finally together, getting in the jam and getting to do some things practice-wise,” shared first-year coach Brian Hosfeld. He noted that new players will join the team in Prague. “But really, it’s probably the time outside the gym where they’re creating relationships, friendships, getting to know each other on a different level as far as what motivates them and why they’re doing what they’re doing, getting to experience the culture.” His advice to the players? “Soak it all in.”

The decision to head to Europe stems from Hosfeld's prior experiences with similar trips while coaching at Texas and Baylor. He believes this tour will offer the Lobos beneficial competition. The players are also eager, with junior Seenane Brewer excited to explore Venice due to her old teammate’s recommendations. “I definitely want to try the pizza, the pesto, all the pasta. I’m really excited about the food,” she shared. As an art major, she looks forward to capturing the beautiful scenery in her sketchbook.

In addition to matches, there will be opportunities for practice, a crucial aspect for a program that has faced challenges recently, missing the Mountain West tournament for two consecutive seasons. The Lobos wrapped up last season with a record of 13-16. “Being able to go overseas, we know not a lot of teams get that opportunity, so being able to go and fight for our name is really exciting for us,” sophomore Addison France remarked, emphasizing the team’s determination to showcase their growth from last year.

As the Lobos prepare for this unique experience, there is a palpable sense of gratitude among the players. “There’s a lot of overwhelming gratitude and gratefulness,” Brewer added. “I don’t think I would have had this opportunity by myself financially. So being able to do this with my coaches, with my teams, is going to be such a surreal experience.”