Puerto Rico Plans

ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) – UCF Volleyball head coach Todd Dagenais had a special announcement for the Black and Gold. On Friday, Dagenais unveiled a 10-day trip for the Knights to Puerto Rico from June 23 to July 3.
 
CLICK HERE TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE PUERTO RICO TOUR
 
The trip will consist of competitive matches and community outreach all over the island. This will be the second international tour for the Black and Gold in the Dagenais era. UCF travelled to Canada for eight matches against the Canadian national team in 2014.
 
"Originally, we wanted to wait until 2019," Dagenais said. "With two players missing the entire spring season due to surgery and the addition of six newcomers, this is an amazing chance to become a better team and build cohesion heading into the 2019 season."
 
The NCAA allows collegiate athletic programs to take an international tour every four years. More recent legislation from the NCAA permits newcomers to immediately participate in the tour, which means the six newest Knights will join the squad.
 
During their time in Puerto Rico, UCF will play in three games against the Puerto Rican national team, which is preparing for the 2018 FIVB Women's World Championship in Japan. Libero Debora Seilhamer guided Puerto Rico to the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Seilhamer played collegiately at USC when Dagenais served as an assistant for the Trojans from 2005-07.
 
The Knights will also square off with local collegiate players and professional teams from the Puerto Rico Women's Volleyball League, which regularly attracts former AVCA All-Americans once their collegiate careers have concluded.
 
"Puerto Rico has a rich tradition of volleyball," Dagenais added. "The people of Puerto Rico have an amazing passion for the game. Our team will have the opportunity to explore the vibrant culture of the island, while playing high-level volleyball in the process."
 
While most international tours revolve around preseason preparation and experiencing the culture, the Knights will add recovery efforts to their itinerary.
 
"This wonderful island endured a tragedy last fall," Dagenais continued. "Hurricanes Irma and Maria brought devastation to Puerto Rico. Our program has the opportunity to help the island recover. We look forward to being ambassadors for UCF and the state of Florida. We are already in contact with officials from Puerto Rico to find recovery projects that require assistance."
 
UCF Volleyball's tour of Puerto Rico will be entirely funded by donations. The Knights have a fundraising goal of $25,000 for the summer trip. Contributions can be made through the UCF Golden Knights Club VolleyKnights, calling 407-823-6229 or clicking here.
 
"These international tours do not come out of our budget," Dagenais said. "This experience will be 100-percent fundraised. Our hope is UCF fans of all kinds are willing to donate to our goal. Every contribution will be vital in helping us prepare for the 2019 season and assisting the people of Puerto Rico."
 
GET THE APP
Never miss any UCF Knights news from your favorite team by downloading the free UCF Knights app right to your iOS or Android phone! The app provides personalized information for men's and women's teams, scores, schedules, loyalty programs and even breaking news.

FOLLOW THE KNIGHTS
Follow UCF Volleyball on social media on Facebook (/UCF.Volleyball), Twitter (UCF_Volleyball) and Instagram (UCF.Volleyball).