Seven months ago our daughter, Ashley, having graduated from the university of South Carolina, informed us that she still had the desire to play volleyball. She had worked seven months for Merrill lynch after graduation and had heard of a European volleyball tour. Having very little information about such a tour, my husband and I were skeptical. She made the decision to go on the tour, but it was not easy for us to see her leave. Today, as I sit here in Spain visiting Ashley for a week, I know she made an excellent decision and the best decision for her at this time in her life.
She flew into Muenster, Germany, where she met Tim Kelly and 15 other girls that were ready to play volleyball. In three weeks of travel she was able to see places she had never been before, met some lifelong new friends, and ended up signing a contract with a team in Almeria, Spain.
Now, being here and seeing her after she has spent seven months in Spain, I see an extremely happy daughter that has close friends like we think we only make in college. Her team is kind, caring and hilariously funny. Her coach has been there for her and helped her in critical situations.
Also, during this week in Spain, I was finally able to meet Tim Kelly since he brought another tour team to Almeria from the USA to play against Ashley’s team. I was able to see how well the tour operates and how safe and exciting the tour is for the American girls.
There is not a better experience for our daughters to be able to do what they love the most - play volleyball - and be immersed in another culture and language. Email me if you have any questions. I love talking about it. Connieedlund@hotmail.com |
