Green Bay volleyball players Vanessa Buman and Lydia DeWeese were both invited to play on different BIP All-Star Teams this summer, teaming up with other standout players from across the country as they compete throughout Europe. Buman and DeWeese are taking the time to write about their exciting experiences, providing GreenBayPhoenix.com with frequent updates during their trips. 

ABOUT: Bring It Promotions (BIP) is a full service volleyball agency with partners and staff across the globe. BIP specializes in international volleyball tours and events as well as professional career development.

Vanessa Buman is playing with the BIP Midwest U22 All-Stars and Lydia DeWeese is competing with the BIP Southeast U22 All-Stars.
  Vanessa | Monday, July 17, 2017 | Italy to USA

End of the tournament and final Goodbyes!

We finished the tournament in 3rd place out of 21 teams. It was amazing for not meeting the girls before. All the teams except us, and one other team were federation teams, which means that they had all tried out and made the team. So we beat international teams that had been put together and had practices. We were very proud and our coaches were proud as well! That night was the championship match and the closing ceremonies. We got to walk up and get our bronze medal and take pictures. After that we went back to the hotel and there was a DJ set up next to the pool. We danced all night with all the other teams. Getting up the next day was kind of rough, but we had to make it to beautiful Venice. Once we made it, it was unbelievable. Walking around, across the bridges and seeing the water as roadways was one of the coolest sights of the trip. We did not spend nearly enough time in the city. We went back to the hotel and had to be up at 3:15 to catch our flight at 7:20. The 10 hour flight coming home was so long and we couldn't wait to be home. Everybody made it home safely and came back with amazing memories and tons of new friends and stories to tell. Thanks for reading these and all your support! It has meant the world to me to be able to travel and play the sport that I love! I can't wait to see you at some home volleyball games! Until then Go Phoenix!

Lydia | Sunday, July 16, 2017 | Italy to USA

Currently sitting in the Venice airport waiting to board my flight back to the states! The last couple of days were wonderful! Our last day in Croatia we played our final match against a Czech team then after had time to relax by the pool before heading down to watch the championship match for the whole tournament. At the match we were able to exchange tee shirts and jerseys with girls from other countries and I was able to get some from an Israeli and an Italian team. After the match were the closing ceremonies where they crowned the winners for the U17 division as well as our division, U23. They also had an all-tournament team and excitingly enough I was one of the players named to the team! 
 
After the awards was a giant party back at the hotel where we all danced and celebrated the end of the tournament! It went well into the night so we didn't get much sleep before shipping out on busses to Italy the next morning. But my oh my was Italy beautiful! I was sad to leave Croatia because Pula was gorgeous, given the sea and beautiful historic city but Italy was a dream. We stayed in a hotel a little way outside of Venice, but after everyone made it in the busses we got to go into the water street city. Venice was incredible from the canals to all of the winding streets and huge old buildings. Piazza de Saint Marco was one of my favorite sites to see! Of course we had to get some pasta and gelato! After a full evening in Venice we came back to our hotel and enjoyed some time as a team together one last time before leaving this morning for our flights. 
 
Overall this trip was truly an adventure of a lifetime and I'm so grateful to have been able to see all sights we traveled to and experience the magnificent, historic cities around Europe. AND get to play volleyball while doing it? Indescribable! I absolutely loved traveling with such a fun team through such an amazing part of the world. Based on all the pictures I took along with some great laughs with teammates and coaches along the way, it's safe to say that I will never forget this incredible adventure! 
Ciao! 

Lydia | Thursday, July 13, 2017 | Croatia

These past two days in Croatia have been beautiful! Have seen some tough competition on the volleyball court but also some pretty amazing sights around Pula! Explored and shopped in the city center yesterday while also enjoying some time in the Adriatic Sea which, let me tell you is so blue! It's also very salty, so you float really well and don't have to tread water very hard. Feels good on the sore muscles. Then today (don't tell my coach), our team went cliff jumping at a national park close by. Jumping off those massive rocks was such an adrenaline rush and having a team to cheer everyone on made it even better! The sea, again, was so clear and there was even a cave nearby the area we were jumping where you could swim into and look up to see holes in the rocks where the sun was coming through, it felt like a dream! There were all these little fish and jellyfish all through the water too. Being there was so surreal and we ended the little road trip with a perfect scoop of gelato! 
 
Got to play a little team sand volleyball tonight as the sun was setting which was some fun team bonding. Just as I said before with always having good views in Europe, the same goes for having a good time! It's been such a blessing to be a part of a team that can still have such fun together no matter what the outcome on the court. I'll miss Europe for sure when this comes to an end, but I'll miss the girls just as much! 
 
Tomorrow is our last match here in Pula and while we've faced some good teams from Slovenia and Israel these past few days and are hoping to pull out a big win for our last hurrah! Then we head to Venice the next day. Sad to see it start to come to a close but excited for the next couple of days!

Vanessa | Thursday, July 13, 2017 | Czech Republic

Finally the TOURNAMENT STARTS!

We wake up in the morning, go get breakfast and head to the gym. We had a match against the Czech U23 team. The way that the tournament works is that you play each team 3 times or games and if you win a game then you earn a point. We won all three games so we earned ourselves three points. After that we went back to the hotel, threw on our swimsuits and headed to the Adriatic Sea. We took pictures by the water and jumped in a few times. The water was super blue and clear. It stayed around 90 degrees that day!! The rocks that we climbed on were really sharp and I got a few bad scratches, but nothing to stop me from playing volleyball! We had another match to play that night, so we didn't want to stay in the sun for too long. After being by the Sea for an hour or so, we came back and took a nap.

When we woke up it was time to leave for our second match of the day! Up next was Israel. We ended up winning the first two games and dropping the third. Still not bad, so we earned 2 more points. We had to play one more team in pool play and that was the USA Collegient National Team. We played them the next morning. We stuck with them the whole first set only losing by a few points. The second set we could not get a rhythm. The third set we got out to a 8-2 lead quick. After that we kept doing what we could do best and Won! We earned one point from that match and were very proud! We heard rumors that the USA CNT was that best national team that they have ever had, and we almost stole two sets from them! Anyways, that was a big highlight of the week! We ended pool play in third place behind USA CNT and Mountain West. Which meant that we had to play a challenge match later that night. Sure enough, we have to play the Czech U23 team again! Now the games are best 3 out of 5, like they usually are and there aren't anymore points. We end up winning the first 3 games in our best effort to conserve our energy for the rest of the tournament.

After the game, we come back, eat, and get ready to go into the city and tour the ancient colosseum! It was breathtaking! The sun was setting and I was in awe! We got to go underground where they kept the animals and had tons of clay, handmade pots and remains. After the colosseum, we walked down the side streets with many souvinere shops and bought a few gifts for family and friends. Of course we all had to try the gelato again, because it is different st every place!! I also tried a apple and banana smoothie and it was great! We then walked back and that was the end of the day. We are all very tired and fatigued, but the experience and memories we are make keep us moving on! Fun Fact: Ice does not exist in Europe! Well it does, but it is very very rare! You can't buy a bag of ice, you can't ice your shoulder or knees, and there is no ice water.

Tomorrow we play the Czech Junior National Team and it should be another tough game! Wish us luck!

Lydia | Tuesday, July 11, 2017 | from Slovenia to Croatia

Left Slovenia late Monday morning and hit the mountainous road towards Pula, Croatia. We bussed down with another American team and after crossing the border we drove about an hour or so before arriving in Pula! The city is beautiful, right on the coast of the Adriatic Sea! Pula is also home one of the last 4 colosseums in the entire world which is pretty cool! After eating and getting ready we headed down to the heart of the city for the opening ceremonies for the Global Challenge 2017! The ceremony was held outside an old temple and it was so fun to see all the teams from countries all around Europe. We even got to dance with a team while waiting for it all to begin. Despite not speaking the same language, dance moves still translate well! After the ceremony we got to see the colosseum before heading back to the hotel. It was amazing to see it all lit up at night. 

Today was the first day of play! Basically sleep, eat, volleyball all day long but it was an amazing experience to compete against teams from Slovenia and Italy! The gym is quite toasty but it doesn't take away from the experience to be able to play in this tournament. Last game of pool play tomorrow morning! It's currently storming here in Pula so hopefully the weather will clear up for some swimming and exploring more of the city tomorrow!

Vanessa | Monday, July 10, 2017 | from Czech Republic to Austria to Slovenia to Croatia

Travel, Travel, Travel!
 
Most of Day 4 was spent resting and taking a short tour around Prague, it was one of our last days, so we got to chose what we wanted to do. We had walked around so much and got to know the place so well that we could go on our own and not get lost. Of course we went shopping!! Items are slightly cheaper here as the Czech Koruna is about 22 to 1. We went to a bunch of souvenir shops and bought some things for the people back home. I also like to get a pin of the flag of the place that we are at. I have a whole lanyard filled up at home of all kinds of pins. After we were done shopping we ate some food. I had pizza and gelato! It was incredible! After that we went back to the hotel to rest up for our friendly match against the Czech U17 team. The air conditioning sure felt good on the 88 degree day!! Soon enough we were on the tram to play our first match! The gym had no air conditioning and we ran out of our water real quick. We played really well and definitely had to adjust a few things as a team! Being drenched in sweat was definitely an understatement. You could tell that the Czech teams bodies are well acclimated to the heat as they did not have to get a towel to wipe off the floor After someone dove. Otherwise someone would slip and fall, as did happen a few times. Our jerseys ended up being a totally different color than when we first started, but it was well worth it and such an amazing experience. After the friendly match we went and grabbed another authentic Czech meal, Schnitzel! I would say that it is comparable to fried chicken! Mmm it is soo good!

On to the next day. Today we woke up really early to travel to Vienna. We toured Vienna for about 2 hours. We saw a secret chapel, went in a few utterly amazing churches, and ate a foot long brat and bun! Certainly close to being as good as our Wisconsin brats!! We couldn't tour Vienna for very long because we had to get back on the road to travel to Bled, Slovenia. Once we got to Slovenia, we threw our luggage in our room and ran outside the hotel to the mountain next to it. We rode a ski lift up to the top of the mountain and were able to Alpine Sled down! It was like a roller coaster, but with only one car, and you could control how fast you wanted to go down the mountain! It was a once in a lifetime experience and will never be forgotten! After that we had to quick change and head to the gym for a friendly match against the Czech U23 national team. This time we played even better and were clicking on all levels! That night, we went to bed and had to wake up early again to travel to Pula, Croatia.

Pula is such a beautiful city. Driving into Croatia we saw mountains, rivers, sunflower fields, and lots of water! Taking lots of pictures is an understatement. Once we arrived in Croatia we immediately ran down the stairs from our hotel to explore the Adriatic Sea! It is beautiful! We jumped into it off rocks, but stayed away from the beach because there are sea urchins that many people warned us about! We got out after a few hours, otherwise we would drain all of our energy. It was also above 90 degrees all day. That night, we had the opening ceremonies of the 13th Annual Global European Challenge Tournament! There is a total of 21 teams from all over the world that have come to play volleyball! Seeing all the girls from different countries is so humbling and exciting all at the same time!! We all have Volleyball in common, which is the coolest thing ever! The ceremony started and each team was called up to take a picture and wave at the camera. There was lots of singing and dancing during the ceremony. Afterwards we went back to the hotel and crashed! Long days of travel and play tire us out! We can't wait for the next few days, when the tournament actually starts! Follow us in the tournament as the games actually count now!!
Till next time, Go USA and Go Phoenix!!

Lydia | Sunday, July 9, 2017 | from Germany to Austria to Slovenia

These past few days have been amazingly insane! Three countries in less than 24 hours, if that's not a whirlwind I don't know what is. Began the day in Germany, drove to Dachau which was quite a humbling experience. Lots of different emotions while walking through the concentration camp there, but I am grateful for the opportunity to have been there. After Dachau, we drove 2 hours to Salzburg, Austria where we toured the town in two quick hours! Couldn't quite keep a tune like the Von Trapp family but we still saw some amazing views from the fortress there as well as all the gorgeous old buildings. Even got to eat a giant brautwurst to truly too off the quick time there! Then after Austria we drove another two hours to the beautiful city of Bled, Slovenia. This is one of the most amazing places I have ever been from the mountains to the blue lake and the charming town that surrounds it.

Last night we got to just walk around and take in the city and then today we continued to walk and take in the views of this place. We also played against the U18 National Slovenia team who were great competition! After competing with them, as if we didn't already do enough exercise, we got to bike around the whole lake! There is really no place that has a bad view in this city and I'm not going to lie, I'll be sad when we have to leave! But I'm excited to begin competing in the Global Challenge tournament in a couple short days! It's been a dream to be able to travel around like this so far as well as meet and play with such an amazing group. Looking forward to seeing Croatia tomorrow! 
 

Lydia | Friday, July 7, 2017 | from Germany

Yes I'm going to be cheesy and say guten tag! Just finished two whirlwind days in Munich, Germany! Literally hopped off the plane and met up with my teammates and coaches then we were off to our hotel to drop off our things and go! Spent the afternoon in Marienplatz, Munich where we saw gorgeous architecture and along with several shops and an open marketplace. It is quite an experience to meet a bunch of people then explore an entire area of a city together, but the girls are awesome so it's been enjoyable to say the least! I've loved getting to know everyone while just taking the all sights and sounds of this city. 
 
Later in the evening after a full day of walking, we sat and ate together at a bier garten which was basically one giant German cookout. After the bier garten we came back and slept in beds for the first time in roughly 30 hours. As you can imagine, sleep felt heavenly! 
 
This morning wasn't early thankfully, and after some much needed coffee and breakfast, we got to explore the 1972 Olympic Park in Munich, where naturally I flew the Phoenix! That was incredible to be able to experience a place that was not only historically significant but also a major sports landmark as well. 
 
Finally, after all of our sightseeing we got to play! We competed against a local volleyball club in town and although we only won one of the sets, it was definitely still a rewarding experience to be able to play against an international team! That was the first time I'd ever played a team outside the states and while there are some differences it's still the game we all know and love! I'm so excited to continue to play and connect more with this team and compete against more international teams. I look forward to learning more cities and trying all the local foods here as well. What can I say, this girl loves her food...especially when it's new, delicious and European! 
 
Tomorrow we head out to Salzburg and Slovenia so full day of travel so until then, gute nacht! 

Vanessa | Friday, July 7, 2017 | from Czech Republic

Ahoj z Prahy!!
That means hello from Prague! After a day of tiring travel, we finally got to spend the whole day here. Prague is known for its beer and beautiful women. There definitely are a lot of beer signs, mugs, and souvenirs down every alley way. I was a little nervous to try all the different foods, but so far they have been amazing! We have tried so many different things like pastas, pizza, weird candy, gelato and so much more! Each one has been better than the last! Today we got to practice! We had to learn the international rules and shake the rust off after all the traveling. We have to get used to the different balls, different substitution rules, and the different calls.

After practice we showered and walked across the famous Charles Bridge to the market square. We saw the Prague Castle, where the president was actually there because his flag was flying! We walked up 287 steps up the castle tower! Our legs were shaking, but the views were unreal! After taking tons of pictures of everything we saw, we walked back to the hotel and sat down a bit before dinner. We went to U Fleku and had an authentic Czech meal. It was amazing and totally unexpected! We also saw a show at dinner where they played authentic Czech music and danced for us.

We finished the day out with walking back down the beautiful cobblestone streets. Dodging the tram and crazy small cars everywhere while trying to take pictures was very challenging! We totaled over 18,000 steps, not including practice and hundreds of beautiful pictures. The architecture and colors here are unbelievable and I cannot wait to travel more tomorrow! Fun fact: Prague is 7 hours later than Wisconsin time! Goodnight from Prahy!