March 10, 2014
LEXINGTON, Ky. – The Kentucky volleyball team will embark on a 14-day trip to China from May 20-June 4 to experience three main elements of education, cultural experience and competition. An all-encompassing journey through city destinations of Shanghai, NanJing and Beijing will highlight the trek. The trip will be funded through staff and player donations along with revenue from camps, the coaches’ clinic and private contributions.
“We are thrilled to be able to take our team on this journey to China,” UK coach Craig Skinner said. “The educational, cultural, and volleyball experiences will be like nothing any of our players have been through during their careers. We are very thankful to get this once in a lifetime opportunity.
“The preparation for the 2014 season that this trip can offer our program is extraordinary and unique,” Skinner said. “The shared experiences that our team will have are impossible to create during a normal year which can help create a powerful bond within our team.”
Prior to departure, the team will have a week of training and learning days. A professor will travel with the team to China and complete coursework for credit with the team in addition to the volleyball competition.
Kentucky will connect with its “Sister University” of Shanghai University. Throughout the journey the squad will have eight different competitions combined with practices which will be completed in various locations.
This is the second time in the Skinner era the team will travel across the seas for a training trip. Previously Kentucky spent time in Europe during the summer of 2010.
2014 is the “Year of the Horse” in Chinese culture, a fitting beginning to the cultural experiences on the horizon for the team. In addition to the education and playing experience, the squad will look to seek understanding of the Chinese culture and create a bonding partnership between teams and university programs in China.
Additional information about the trip and how you can follow along with the team’s journey will be announced at a later date.
Visit UKathletics.com for the most up-to-date information on the Kentucky volleyball team and all 22 varsity sports. For additional info on the volleyball team like Kentucky Volleyball on Facebook or follow the team on Twitter at @KentuckyVB.
