Testimonials

Irish Roots

“This was a trip that allowed us to meet other division III basketball players from around the country and participate in the game that we share in common. Players ranged from California, New York, Chicago, New Jersey, and New Hampshire. It was with this common love for the game that we traveled to Ireland and not only played basketball but experienced the culture and history of such a magnificent country.”

“It was in three major cities that we participated in competition. In Cork we played against the Neptune lions and a local team. It was in Limerick we played against limerick lions and another local team; and finally it was in Dublin that we encountered the University of Dublin College, Tolka Rover, and the Killester Club. There were nine members on the team and MCLA was represented with two. From the tours during the day we were able to experience the culture of this magnificent country. Some of these places included the famous cliffs of Moher we are known to be one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It was a view that cannot be described in words. Another tourist destination that was a great place to attend was the blarney stone castle, Trinity College, and Phoenix Park as well as the tour of the streets of all three cities Dublin, Cork, and Limerick. Overall it was a trip that is hard to describe anything less than amazing. The hospitality was great and the teammates that we meet at JFK airport have now became friends that shared a trip of the lifetime.” —Patrick Ryan

“I knew going into the trip that I could look forward to a great experience in a foreign country while playing basketball at the same time--a great opportunity for travel and competition--and also figured I would meet new people and build friendships along the way. I never imagined the experience would be as memorable and powerful as it turned out to be. The group of athletes on our trip was a special group that got along exceptionally well, and after spending 10 full days with one another it was really hard to say goodbye. I made friends on that trip that will be friends for life.”

“The trip to Ireland with USAAI was the trip of a lifetime. It was the greatest trip I've ever been on. I have made some great friends and the basketball was awesome. It was an awesome chance to play basketball but it became so much more then that. I met people that will be in my life forever. The tour guide really made the trip exciting. He made everyone feel comfortable. I had an incredible time. I plan on going on another trip soon. I would recommend traveling with USAAI to anyone. It was an experience I will never forget. I'm so glad I got to be apart of the Irish Roots Tour 2009!” —Lauren Sahli

“This was a trip of a lifetime! I never thought I would have the opportunity to play for my country overseas, but when I received this invitation I knew it was something that I could not pass up! Not only was I able to play the sport I love, but I was also able to see a country I had never seen before and meet a great group of people who I now call friends.” —Michelle Reddinger

“The USAAI experience was unbelievable. I was able to meet new people who I will remain in contact with for the rest of my life. I learned the game of basketball better by playing with different people in a different atmosphere. Everything about the trip was amazing from waking up early to go sightseeing to traveling all over Ireland to play basketball. The people were amazing and the country was amazing. This was by far the most amazing experience of my life and if I could do it all over again I would.”

World Games

“Traveling with USAAI and participating in the United World Games was an experience I will never forget. Not only was I able to visit countries and partake in their cultures, I was also given the opportunity to play the sport I love and make new friends doing it. I would definitly recommend this experience.” —Natalie Greene

“I really enjoyed my trip. My team and I really made the best of it and I wouldn't have changed anything. It was fun and I enjoyed all the tours and sights we saw.”

“I was so excited when I received the invitation in the mail. I then had to convince my parents to let me go and that didn't take much to do they were all for this opportunity. Raising the money was a lot of work, but I learned alot through this process. Like how much organization it takes to put something together. The trip it self was amazing! Being in the Opening Ceremony Parade was something I will never forget. I couldn't believe all the diffrent countries that were represented. I would definately do it all over again. Thanks USAAI.” —Kelsey Bernhart

Scottish Open - Volleyball

“I had never travelled outside of the US until I was invited to play volleyball in Scotland through USAAI. My experience there has opened my eyes to all the world has to offer. I was exposed to an entirely different culture, which turned out to be a life changing experience and incredible opportunity of self-growth. Not only will I be traveling with USAAI again next summer, I will now make world travels an intimate part of my life.”

“Ashley Ellingson My USAAI experience was awesome! USAAI gives student-athletes an opportunity to travel abroad who may not have traveled abroad before. It was a great balance of seeing different sights and learning about Scotland and also playing in a different country. I felt honored to be apart of this team. I can't put into words the wonderful experience I had. It is so hard to explain the experience that I had. I am very grateful for the opportunity and will remember it forever!”

“Traveling with USAAI was an experience I will never forget. I was able to make new friends and play volleyball internationally while touring the country. It was a remarkable experience that I'm very fortunate to have had.” —Emily Morris

“If you like meeting new people and experiencing a new culture, then I would definitely recommend taking part in one of these trips. These memories will last a lifetime and so will the friends. It is something you will never forget, even going on only one trip, you will remember it forever.” —Michelle Maciejewski

“I love this trip. I would love to go again.”

“The tournament is not that hard, but doesnt matter, it was fun and we met a lot of great people...do it more for traveling than volleyball and take advantage of everything”

“The trip was an amazing experience, which I will probably never forget. It was really easy to get along with everyone on the trip and the sights were incredible. I am so glad that I took this opportunity. It was really neat going to another country and experience the culture that is unlike the one we are used to. This was definitely one of the best trip I have ever gone on.”