March Exposure Tour 2006
Spain, March 10-20, 2006

Editor’s Note: This was Erikka’s third tour with BIP and we are so lucky and happy to have her on “staff”. She’s a not only a great trainer and team-builder for the girls, but also a tireless source of positive energy and laughs which is priceless on a grueling 10-day tour!

It always amazes me how much the players change in such a short time on tour. They walk in the door the first day, exhausted from the flight out, excited to make a professional team and ALWAYS wondering if they are going to make enough money to buy a house, car and retire after their first year. They then attend a practice, deal with jet-lag )if they took a nap before they were supposed to), eat food that is different, and breathe smoke in every establishment they walk into and you begin to see a serious look come across their face..."Is this REALLY what I want to do for 9 months...or longer?"

This tour was again an awesome experience. There were 14 very motivated and talented women that were on a mission to make Spain their next stop. The cities were amazing and the food was great. Some of us got to experience a Tapas Bar, and are now searching for them all over the US. The culture in Spain is very open and welcoming, along with the time we got to spend with several American players in the cities that we played, we began to blend in with the people, and even start to use our VERY BROKEN Spanish to communicate.

The “Tapas Night” in Madrid

I will have to give high-fives to the players that went to the Jack Johnson concert in Madrid. What a cool experience, to be in a Bull-fighting arena and see an American sing! Pretty cool!
 
Again, I will have to say that the tour was special because of the people that were involved. As a coach, I really appreciate the time that I get to spend with these women and am excited to run into them the next time I am involved in a tour. We tend to "BOND" on these tours, always looking out for each other, so it is always a re-union when we cross paths again! I look forward to seeing you all again!

Erikka and MC taking Madrid by Storm!

When I think about all of the cool experiences that we had as a team, as friends, and as individuals wandering around just trying to figure out where the bathroom was sometimes - I would have to say that we also had one of the "BEST" Tour Managers that you will find. Tim provided an incredible tour as well as an educational and professional experience. From the dining, to traveling as a team, to “Where can I do laundry?”, to “How do I call home?”, Tim was always there with years of experience, tact, and a firm guiding hand to give us all a great adventure. Thank you Tim! Spain was AMAZING!