Sports can bring people together from all corners of the world. The University of Iowa volleyball team is soared through their first six games, going 6-0. That matches the best start to a season since 2009.
“We want this program to be respected and be in the tops of the Big10,” says Head Coach Jim Barnes. “There’s a lot of things to be achieved here, and we’ve brought in the right players who have those same aspirations.”
They might all wear the black and gold now, but their journeys to Iowa City are a bit different.
“I’ve learned so much about different cultures and experiences,” says Gabby Deery, an outside hitter in her junior year.
Six different countries are represented on this Iowa team Including Carmel Varez, who’s from Estonia.
“Everyone is so supportive…I just feel so confident going back in and doing my job,” says Varez.
“Iowa is the place to be,” says Barnes. “We have some good contacts in Europe; they tell us about some of the best players there.”
There is one native Iowan on the team: Gabby Deery from Burlington.
“It has challenged me as a person to step out of my comfort zone, meet new people, and embrace them into our Iowa culture. And, show them what Iowa can truly offer,” says Deery.
While players may have been recruited from 6 different countries, they all speak the same language: volleyball.
“These women are extremely dedicated; they want to win. They want to turn this program into a winner just like me and our coaches – that’s what we’re here for. We’re not even close to our potential,” says Barnes.