Wittenberg volleyball visits Guell Park, designed by Gaudi.

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio - The Wittenberg University volleyball team didn't just play a bunch of matches in Spain. The Tigers bonded as a team, and grew as individuals in a rich and rewarding cultural/education/athletic experience that none will soon forget.

Eight current Tiger players, five alumni and Head Coach Paco Labrador flew to Barcelona on May 24. They played a total of five matches against provincial semi-professional and pro club teams in Barcelona, Madrid and surrounding communities through June 4. Click here for match results. Between matches, they visited several famed Spanish sites and attended Olympic qualifying men's volleyball matches among national teams from Cuba, Spain and The Netherlands.

"I'm proud of the players' ability to adapt to foreign environments," Labrador said. "The players were flexible with a difficult playing schedule, in combination with a very full sightseeing and educational calendar. They showed great enthusiasm and maturity.

"They didn't just go there seeking out a volleyball court and a McDonald's. They took advantage of the opportunity by trying new foods, learning about a new culture and even attempting to communicate in the native language."

On off days, the team visited famed historic Spanish cities Toledo and Segovia.

"I really enjoyed seeing the team climbing the spiral staircase of the castle in Segovia, appreciating the marvel of the Roman Aqueduct there and witnessing the awe-inspiring alter in the Cathedral of Toledo, to name just a few of the cultural opportunities," said Labrador, whose parents hail from Cifuentes, Spain. "We have shared a great deal on the volleyball court - this was an opportunity to share my heritage with them."

Bring It Promotions, a European-based company, helped coordinate the trip. Not coincidentally, the company also places American players with European semi-pro teams, something that may be attractive to members of a program that has produced nine All-Americans since 1996. Four of them, two-time first-team All-America honoree Sarah Yuskewich, third-team All-American Kristin Fox, honorable mention All-American Emilie Schmid and 2002 second-team All-American Monica McDonald, made the trip.

Labrador said he plans to make summer trips abroad a "tradition" for his program. "I plan to make it a regular practice that anyone who plays four years in our program gets the opportunity to go overseas to experience another culture and play competitively," he said.