LAKEWOOD, CO – A one-week adventure that crossed language barriers and prepared the 2019 volleyball squad not only for the season but showed the team new life experiences.

Recently returned from Puerto Rico, the Cougars spent time serving in an orphanage, teaching the game of volleyball through clinics while also have some fun as well.

"As we have talked to the players, the theme the coaches are hearing about from the trip is the idea of having a shared human existence even with a language barrier. But despite that barrier we were able to have a love and appreciation for a different culture," said head coach Bobby Blanken.

"Being able to bring joy to children in the orphanage was opportunity for each of the players really enjoyed. To then have a clinic to teach the game of volleyball was a thrill watch. As a coach to watch the team take ownership of the process brought me a lot of joy. It made the experience memoriable for me."

Each day the team had an early wake-up call then breakfast together before heading towards a service project a competitive match or exploring the island. The team finished every day with a devotional.

In their own words

LEARNED ABOUT THE TEAM:

Katie Henry – "I learned that our team has incredible hearts of service. It was so cool to watch everyone jump right in to whatever service project we were doing. One day we went to an orphanage and to watch the team find kids to love-on right away was probably the coolest things to watch. Everyone's heart was geared towards service."

Abi Bartalo (former CCU player & current graduate assistant coach) – "The trip was unique in that the players could interact with each other and the community. These trips give you a unique perspective on what drives and motivates each athlete. Plus it gives each athlete a better connection with their teammates."

HOW TRIP WILL IMPACT THE TEAM FOR 2019

Coach Blanken - "You have to bond in order to battle. We were with each other so much. To have those shared experiences wouldn't even compare to a week of practices. I really believe this experience will translate positively during the season."

Katie – "This trip will do wonders for the team. Just getting to practice early and get reps will help us iron out any bumps early. The biggest benefits will come from the relational side. Getting the opportunity to get together early and be together 24/7 will definitely manifest itself in a positive way on the court."

Jasa Scheierman – "We were struggling to see the tension between the mission outreach and the overall fun involved. There were two components. Through those two outlets, we were able to get some great team bonding and have great conversations. Not many teams get this opportunity. I think this trip will help with our relationships off the court as the season progresses.

HIGHLIGHT OF THE TRIP

Katie  – "Running a volleyball clinic for ages 5-17. It was a crazy range of ages but I took the little ones who couldn't play volleyball at the end of the clinic and we played duck, duck, goose with them. Getting to see how excited they were and getting to connect with them and share a friendship with them was one of the coolest parts."

Maddie Burns – "The most impactful thing for me is when we went to the children's home. It was cool to bond with the kids and connect with them even though there was a language barrier. To connect with people in an impactful way no matter what we did. Even though we couldn't connect verbally, just to pour love into the kids who haven't seen much love was impactful to me."

Jasa – "There were a lot of great experience. The second team we got to play we were able to pray with them in both English and in their language. It was so beautiful to pray in English and then listen to them pray in Spanish. Even amid the language barrier we were able to experience the power of Christ in that moment. It was so cool to step back to look at that and realize we came together because of volleyball."

Abi – "The homeless outreach we did gave everyone an opportunity to learn and serve. It helped give us a new perspective. It also allowed each player to serve in their strengths. Each player was able to harness their strength through that service opportunity.

BACK IN THE STATES

Katie– "I would love to live anywhere outside of the mainland so I would go be back. One thing that hit me was the homelessness in Puerto Rico. Getting to see that so prominently and recognizing that it is also in Denver. While not as bad in Denver as it is in Puerto Rico, I've realized that the problems that are there are also here too. I was see things differently, especially the homelessness."

Maddie– "I have a new appreciation for volleyball. To have the ability to travel and play teams in Puerto Rico and to connect on a sports level then to see how universal the sport of volleyball was really unique."