Excel athletes leave for Conegliano, Italy on July 6th! Excel unites with Spes Conegliano to train and educate female athletes ages 14 through 17. American and Italian athletes will share 20 days together learning each others culture and language. The first ten days of their adventure will be spent training, competing and exploring northern Italy. No trip would be complete without a visit to the southern Alps in Cortina and shopping in Venice!
Following 10 fun filled days in Italy, the athletes will travel to the U.S. for the remainder of their journey. Athletes from Italy, Germany and the U.S. will spend the next 10 days training, competing and exploring north Texas together. Excel athletes will introduce their international sisters to their family traditions and daily Texan lives.
While in the Plano, our international friends will learn conversational English and indulge in the myriad of cuisine and shopping options available in the Dallas metroplex. Highlights of the special events scheduled include the Mesquite rodeo, Rangers game, visit to Austin Ranch and a tour the Dallas Cowboys stadium.
Teams from Italy, Germany and the U.S. will compete in an International Challenge on Friday, July 23rd 4pm at Cotton Wood Church in Allen. The International Challenge is a non-sanctioned, public tournament hosted by Excel Volleyball Club. The national award winning Planoettes from Plano Senior High School will provide half-time entertainment.
Excel Volleyball introduced their International Program in 2008. Excel formed their first Sister Club relationship with Blau-Weiss Dingden of Germany under the direction of Mario Barbaresso. In July 2009, Excel Volleyball Club members endeavored on their first international exchange trip to Dingden, Germany.
The Excel Volleyball International Program is an excellent opportunity for young athletes to be immersed into other countries cultures. This unique program introduces athletes to other ways of playing the game of volleyball. Sherri Hausner, Club Director commented “ The Excel International Program gives athletes an extraordinary opportunity to explore other countries while playing the game they love! The athletes and coaches are building life long international friendships.”
