Northwestern University Athletics
BLOG: An Experience to Never Forget
8/19/2016 9:17:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
By Caleigh Ryan
Hey all!
The 'Cats are back in Evanston after a week of training at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. The team had a phenomenal time playing volleyball, lifting and growing as a family. From the first session of the first day, to the last session of the last day, we were constantly pushing each other to improve and preparing for our upcoming games. We had so much fun growing and coming together as a cohesive unit, while also learning some great lessons along the way.
Here are a few of the highlights:
- Olympic athletes are super impressive (duh). We had the opportunity to meet some Paralympic and Winter Olympic athletes who were truly inspiring. It was humbling to watch the Rio games, while also using the same facilities that those athletes use to train all year long.
- The altitude change in Colorado Springs is a real thing and makes any type of exercise much, much harder. Playing volleyball was tougher on the body, but we will ultimately be better from the experience.
- Laundry is hard. Gabrielle Hazen and Cassidy Nussman struggled at first, but we eventually were able to get everyone on the same page on how to use Tide Pods…
- Coach Davis doesn't like ice cream. Well that's not true, but he doesn't like it when we eat ice cream before practice…that's why we started hiding it in disposable coffee cups and secretly taking it out of the dining hall.
In all, the team had a great experience and was able to learn and apply new offensive and defensive systems. We spent a lot of time growing and perfecting our blocking, hitting and serve receiving. The team learned a lot about the coaches, and the coaches learned a lot about our crazy team. From playing Catchphrase in the lounge, to seeing Ghostbusters on our afternoon off, the trip was an experience that we will never forget! The Cats are ready to finish the preseason strong and start competing at a high level. Thanks for following along and be ready to catch the Northwestern volleyball team in action on Aug. 26 against George Washington in Virginia.
As always, Go 'Cats!
Players Mentioned
MB
/ Women's Volleyball
OH
/ Women's Volleyball
S
/ Women's VolleyballVolleyball - 'Cats Defeat Iowa on Rylen Reid's 27-Kill Night (10/31/25)
Saturday, November 01
Volleyball - 'Cats Outlast Michigan in Five-Set Thriller (10/16/25)
Friday, October 17
Volleyball - Wildcats Sweep Campbell to Close Non-Conference Play (9/20/2025)
Sunday, September 21
Volleyball - 'Cats Defeat Valparaiso in Home Opener Reverse Sweep (9/9/2025)
Wednesday, September 10
