Congratulations to our IPV 14 Black coaches, Sam & Courtney as they embark on a trip to Italy soon with one of two 21 & Under US teams for some competition and sightseeing.
They were recommended by their Benedictine University Volleyball coach and invited by Beyond Sports to join the teams.
Sam has coached for IPV for three years and was an outside hitter and a primary passer over the last three seasons at Benedictine University as she gained more playing time. In 2023, she played in 104 sets achieving 123 kills, 318 digs, 481 serve receptions. In 2022, she played in 99 sets achieving 145 kills, 260 digs, 478 serve receptions. In 2021, she played in 82 sets achieving 108 kills, 142 digs, 248 serve receptions.
Courtney has coached with us for two years and was the libero over the last three seasons at Benedictine University. In 2023, she played in 104 sets achieving 541 digs, 627 serve receptions. In 2022, she played in 99 sets achieving 477 digs, 616 serve receptions. In 2021, she played 94 sets achieving 376 digs, 644 serve receptions.
Their 12-day trip will include stops in Rome, Tuscany, Florence and Milan.
We wish them the best and can’t wait to hear about their trip and see photos.
Itinerary
DAY 1
Travel day! Depart from your preferred U.S. airport on an overnight flight to Italy.
DAY 2
Arrival in Rome! Connect with Beyond Sports staff at the Rome (FCO) airport and transfer to the hotel. Free time to explore before afternoon hotel check-in. Evening practice session with your new teammates followed by welcome dinner and trip orientation. Overnight in Rome.
DAY 3
Morning guided tour of Vatican City including Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museum. Afternoon free time to continue exploring Rome. Match #1 in the evening. Overnight in Rome.
DAY 4
Walking tour of Rome including Trevi’s Fountain, Spanish Steps and Navona Square. Entrance to Roman Colosseum and Roman Forum for guided tour! Match #2 in the evening. Overnight in Rome.
DAY 5
Morning transfer to the Tuscany region of Italy. Stop along the way in the nearby city, Lucca, for a bike tour and free time. Evening hotel check-in. Optional trip up the mountain on a cable car for beautiful views of the town and surrounding region. Overnight in Montecatini Terme.
DAY 6
Morning guided tour of Florence with stops at Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, Gates of Paradise and Giotto’s Bell Tower. Match #3 in the evening. Overnight in Montecatini Terme.
DAY 7
Morning departure for the Italian Riviera and the beautiful Cinque Terre villages. Full day to explore the beaches of Cinque Terre and the five villages that make up this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Late afternoon return to Montecatini Terme.
DAY 8
Morning transfer to Milan/Lake Como and the Lombardy region of Italy. Stop at a local farm along the way for a group cooking class and lunch. Evening hotel check-in. Overnight in Milan/Lake Como area.
DAY 9
Morning tour of Milan followed by afternoon free time to shop in the city center. Match #4 in the evening. Overnight in Milan/Lake Como area.
DAY 10
Morning boat tour on Lake Como including a visit to Bellagio; known as the “Pearl of the Lake.” Afternoon free time to enjoy Lake Como at your leisure. Farewell dinner in the evening. Overnight in Milan/Lake Como area.
DAY 11
Travel day! Depart from the Milan (MXP or LIN) airport with friendships and memories to last a lifetime!