University of Minnesota Athletics
Goehner Gains Experience Abroad
7/6/2015 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Written by Rachel Timmerman, Athletic Communications student intern
Outside hitter Alyssa Goehner just returned from two weeks of representing the Golden Gophers abroad.
The sophomore spent the beginning of her summer playing in the inaugural Big Ten Foreign Tour, competing in seven matches and hosting a volleyball clinic.
Goehner was set to play with the USA Volleyball Collegiate Team in New Orleans when she was offered the opportunity to play abroad.
"Hugh texted me probably a month or two before the trip and was casual like, wanna go to Europe?" Goehner said.
Thinking about what's best for the team, Goehner made the decision to compete in the Big Ten tour abroad.
"On the Big Ten team I was listed as an outside, and I'm an outside [for Minnesota], so just looking at the season, I think it'd be beneficial for the whole program if I trained during the summer as an outside."
Goehner's versatility was utilized abroad, helping to improve her already strong passing game. In her rookie season at Minnesota, she collected 267 digs, ranking second on the team.
"Being over there improved my passing skills," she said. "The balls are really hard, they pump them up super big, so playing with a harder ball and tougher serves made my serve receive a little better."
Even though Goehner has been to Europe before, she said it's just as exciting every time.
"I'd been to all the places but it's just really cool to go back and see those things again," Goehner said. "It was another great experience."
The 14 Big Ten players traveled to Slovenia, Croatia and Italy, playing against the countries' national teams. Although playing was the main focus, the team still had time to enjoy the sights and experience the new cultures.
"We got to go shopping in downtown Slovenia, went to Croatia and stayed in a hotel right on the Adriatic Sea, and walked around Venice," Goehner said.
In addition to sightseeing, the team participated in community outreach activities at a school in Slovenia.
Goehner still has three years wearing the Maroon and Gold, but said she can see herself sporting different colors in the future.
"One day I would definitely love to play overseas," Goehner said. "It was a good sneak peak experience."
