Pioneer Volleyball Travels To Croatia And Bosnia And Herzegovina

PLATTEVILLE, Wis. – In late May, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville volleyball team sent eight student-athletes, three managers, one coach, and four family members on a 10-day trip to Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina to experience the culture of the two countries while also playing three volleyball matches against local teams.

The Pioneers took on the University of Split and OK Brada in Croatia, before traveling to Bosnia and Herzegovina for one day to play Mostar. Along with the competition, the team was able to experience the culture of the two countries while also doing a bit of sightseeing.

"Our team's international trip to Croatia was the experience of a lifetime," said Jaelyn Stadler. "Not only did we get to test our volleyball skills and strategies, but we also got to meet new people, try new food, and observe an entirely new culture. My favorite part was having the freedom and opportunity to explore the different cities we visited. We were able to fully immerse ourselves into the European lifestyle and visit at our own pace. The biggest thing I learned from our trip was that you can enjoy more by slowing down, by relaxing, taking your time – the world isn't going anywhere. I thought the whole thing was an amazing opportunity, and I would definitely do it again."

Some of the places the team was able to visit over the 10 days included fortresses from the TV show Game of Thrones, the waterfalls in Plitvice National Park, and several islands in Croatia. The Pioneers spent time in the Croatian cities of Split, Dubrovnik, and Zadar for most of the trip, before spending one day in Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

"Seeing our athletes experience a different culture was my favorite part of our European trip," said associate head coach Nick Pinnola. "It was the first time for all of us visiting Croatia – aside for Elton, our tour guide – so the history and culture were new for everybody. I hope the athletes left with an altered world view and gratitude for their lives after learning about the Croatian/Serbian war in the 1990s. I also hope we all have a better understanding of how the lifestyle different overseas can be translated to the life in the U.S. I am grateful for the opportunity to experience Croatia and I hope to return someday!"