DETROIT -- Junior Kayla Dulgar (Warsaw, Ohio / River View) and freshman Katerina Stout (Macomb, Mich. / Dakota) of the Wayne State University volleyball team traveled to Orlando, Fla. and then Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on May 11-20 to compete for one of two team USA volleyball squads (listed below) comprised entirely of Division II student-athletes, past, present and future.

The teams began their trip with orientation in Orlando, Fla. on May 11 before departing for Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.  The squads played a doubleheader in each city/club and Dulgar and Stout's Red Team went 4-0 during their excursion.  The teams also conducted a youth clinic at the Marina Barra Clube, hosted by the Ripper Volei Clube as part of their "social outreach project".  This popular outreach opportunity for the USA D2 Volleyball Team was filled to capacity.
 
While in Brazil, the teams experienced educational, cultural and social aspects of Brazilian life through city, school and sports club visits.  The athletes stayed on the famous Copacabana Beach (location for beach volleyball in the 2016 Olympic Games) and toured the Christ the Redeemer statue and Sugar Loaf Mountain, two of the most recognizable landmarks in the world.  The teams also visited the popular international market in Ipanema as well as Ipanema Beach.
 
"Going to Brazil and getting the opportunity to play volleyball was a once in a lifetime experience!," said Dulgar.  "I'm grateful to have been given this chance through sports to connect with other athletes throughout the country and in Brazil."
 
"Playing in Brazil was truly a once in a lifetime experience and it was so special to be able to play and meet other athletes so passionate about the sport!," mentioned Stout.  "Also, being able to give back and help girls that want to play in the future was an amazing opportunity.  I got to experience Rio by sightseeing, learning a new culture, and playing the sport I love!"

RED TEAM
Mackenzie Casey, Adelphi
Addison Cunnagin, Trevecca Nazarene
Kayla Dulgar, Wayne State
Cameron Grange, Rollins
Holly Heldt, Missouri Western State
Henley Hooks, Arkansas Tech
Alex McGeehan, Alabama-Huntsville
Molly Morris, Rollins
Katerina Stout, Wayne State
Anna Weberg, Missouri Western State

Head Coach - Bentley Odom - Mississippi College

BLUE TEAM
Emerson Ahsmuhs, Carson Newman
Emily Campbell, Anderson
Ana Colon, West Florida
Mia Elder, Anderson
Hayley Hillman, Spring Hill
Shelby Kimm, St. Cloud State
Braya LaPlant, St. Cloud State
Maddie Mire, West Florida
Lillia Neill, Lynn
Tory Vitko, Bentley

Head Coach - Lauren Tekavec - Florida Southern