Barry University women’s volleyball team traveled to the Northeast over the weekend to compete in the East Stroudsburg Invitational in Pennsylvania. In his fourth season, Buccaneers coach Steve Hendricks continues to strive for the program's goal of strong pre-conference competition, while visiting different areas of the United States and experiencing culture and historical sites. The team flew in and out of New York City, and made the short drive to the Pocono Mountains and East Stroudsburg, Pa.
Arriving in the city and maneuvering three minivans across Manhattan to reach East Stroudsburg University, the team quickly experienced the hustle, excitement and stress of driving in NYC. With views of the iconic NYC skyline, a drive along the Harlem River and a pass by the United Nations Building, the view through the windows was ever-changing. After crossing the George Washington Bridge, the team entered New Jersey and then Pennsylvania to experience the beautiful, peaceful Appalachian Mountain Range.
After competing against four strong teams and winning all four matches, the 7-1 Barry volleyball team headed back to the Big Apple to catch a Broadway Show on Saturday night. The team boarded the E Line of New York’s subway system, arrived on Broadway and split into several groups and experienced the extraordinary performances of Motown, Cinderella, Aladdin and Chicago. It was a lifelong goal for many of the players to view a Broadway show in one of the historic theaters. It was then off to see Time Square and truly experience the lights and vibrancy of the city that never sleeps.
A late Saturday night turned into an early Sunday morning as the team maximized their time and experience more of New York City. The first stop was the World Trade Center. The World Trade Center and 9-11 Memorial brought an emotional response from the team and staff as they viewed the footprints of the North and South Towers, the names of the victims, learned about the Tree of Hope and the architect’s visions to memorialize the memories of September 11, 2001. It was a time of great reflection, and brought to fruition the Barry mission.
Battery Park and the Statue of Liberty was the next stop on the itinerary. Following this photo opt and a short history lesson, the team once again split into groups to see the city. Taking advantage of great weather, the selections included biking to the Queens Borough Bridge, visiting Wall Street, a return to Time Square, Central Park and of course a little NYC shopping.
The groups took their final trip on the subway and returned to the hotel, jumped on the Air Tran back to JFK Airport and then landed safely back in Miami. It was a wonderful trip that included great volleyball, culture, history, reflection and memories for a lifetime with their teammates.