Photo GalleryFordham women's volleyball standouts
Brianna O'Neil and
Brennan Delsing recently completed the 2015 European Metropolis Tour, a series of USA representative volleyball matches across England, France, Belgium and Holland, which took place June 1-10. The duo was part of an 11-team roster constructed by USA Athletes International Volleyball. See what each soon-to-be senior had to say about their experience.
From O'Neil:
Back in the USA! What a trip. After my experience on the USAAI European Metropolis Tour, I can officially cross two things off of my bucket list: the chance to travel throughout Europe and play international volleyball. Over the course of ten days I visited London, where I watched the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace, climbed the Eiffel Tower in Paris, took a canal tour throughout the city of Brussels, and walked the halls of the historical Anne Frank House in Amsterdam. I also tasted some cultural delicacies such as Belgian waffles, French croissants, and Dutch croquets. While these are only a few highlights of my trip, I must say that being able to represent the USA and play volleyball against teams from each of these countries was probably one of the most unique experiences I have had in my life thus far. Not only did I have fun competing against these teams (and winning all our games, 5-0!), but I also enjoyed building new relationships with the girls on my team and the European people who we met along the way. Being thrown onto a team with a bunch of girls who share the same passion that you have for volleyball and traveling only makes it that much easier to create new, and lasting, friendships. I also loved meeting the other teams and learning a bit about their culture. I was amazed at how many languages most of the European players knew fluently – some could speak up to five, including English. They all were also so welcoming to us, even to the point to which some of them prepared us dinner! This portion of the trip really brought together the whole cultural experience of traveling for me because it exposed me to new languages, foods and customs that differ so much from what I am used to in the United States. Overall, I could not have asked for a better way to make my first trip to Europe and would encourage anyone who gets the chance to play their sport overseas to do so.
From Delsing:
For as long as I can remember I have loved sports and possessed the desire to play at the highest level possible. I worked hard, trained to be my best, and when I was recruited by a Division I volleyball program, I figured that I had finally reached the pinnacle of my athletic career. Last year, my teammate
Brianna O'Neil and I were recruited by an organization called the USA Athletes International, or USAAI for short, to play for an international volleyball team comprised of college-level players from around the nation. We both jumped at the chance to play such high-level competition, represent our country, and, of course, travel around Europe. After over a year of anticipation, we finally made the journey to play overseas for the USA at the beginning of this month. Since returning from the journey, I can honestly say that the experience far surpassed any goals I had created in my wildest dreams.
The tour with the international team lasted about ten days. Between traveling, jet lag, playing and sightseeing, the trip was a whirlwind. We played five matches and, although some games were a true grind, returned with five wins under our belt as a squad. As amazing as the opportunity to compete for my country and visit sights like the Eiffel Tower and the Anne Frank House was, the people that I met on my journey were what made it truly unforgettable. Firstly, my teammates were not only some of the most talented women that I have ever gotten to play with, but also wonderful personalities who each brought something unique both to the court and to the team atmosphere. The girls came from schools like Providence College and the University of South Florida. Getting to know them through playing and spending our days together was so fun, and I know that I have made friends that will last a lifetime. Also, we were lucky enough to travel with a men's and a women's basketball team. Touring the cities with both of these two teams created a great group. It was awesome to meet so many people my age with the same virtues and goals. Moreover, getting to watch these teams play hoops was amazing; the talented players on the men's squad went 5-0.
While meeting all of my USA teammates and travel partners was incredible, my favorite game played was in Holland outside of Amsterdam because of the team of girls that we competed against. This group of young women, aged fifteen through thirty-one, gave our team the most sincere and genuine welcome I have received in my life. They waited outdoors for our bus and greeted each and every one of us with a handshake and a smile before we even stepped on the court. We played the team hard, scraping out a win in five games, and afterwards, the Dutch team treated us to a homemade, traditional meal. When dinner was over, our two teams had a dance party and rap battle outside our bus and exchanged shirts as souvenirs. Meeting girls so similar to me halfway across the world was incredible. I have since become Facebook friends with all of the girls on this team. The hospitality and good sportsmanship we received from some of the teams that we played blew me away; I can only hope that if Americans were hosting a team in the States, we would treat the visiting team the same way.
Overall, the experience was one that I will never forget. I cannot express how appreciative I am to have been able to represent my country in sport and play alongside such amazing women. I am extremely grateful to the USAAI, my teammates, my coaches and all of the family members that have supported me and allowed volleyball to open so many incredible doors for me.
