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Dons Viking Voyage: Reflection Blog 2
June 15, 2009
As part of the post-trip coverage of the USF Women's Basketball "Viking Voyage" to Scandinavia, assistant coach Marta Menuez provides www.USFDons.com with a blog reflecting on the Dons' time in Oslo, Norway.
Our trip it seems like it was so long ago although it's only been two weeks. Now that we are in the summer months we hit the ground running with Camps and Recruiting. Looking back on our trip I am so happy we had the opportunity that we did, visiting Scandinavia and playing against some of those Countries best teams.
Oslo, Norway was a particularly special country for me to visit. My Great-grandmother was born in Norway, when she was a young woman she traveled across the ocean and ended up in Ohio! I like to say I have roots in Norway although I no longer have any relatives who live there. And never in my lifetime have I been surrounded by so many tall people! I think I was considered average height at 6'1", it was fantastic.
My favorite place visited in Norway was the Vigeland outside museum. There are a total of about 212 sculptures, bronze and granite throughout the park. His goal was to express human communication. The sculptures have no clothing; Gustav's intent was to keep the sculptures era-less, timeless pieces. Gustav Vigeland spent the last 40 years of his life working on the sculptures in that park with little help from other artists. It was an awe-inspiring experience.
Our game against the Norwegian club team was a great success! We ended up winning and everyone had an opportunity to play. One of my personal highlights was the 15-20 USF Alumni who came out to support our team during our game. Some of them were former Soccer players and Tennis players. The pride that they showed for our great school was truly something. I believe that is a testament to the amazing experience that USF has to offer student athletes.
Overall, the experience was unforgettable. Our team had an opportunity to bond together and our last games played were some of our best. I can't wait to get our upcoming season started.
-Marta
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Stay tuned to www.USFDons.com for another reflection blog from assistant coach Molly Marrin, as well as a recap blog from head coach Tanya Haave. For complete coverage of the Dons' voyage, visit the Tour Central page.





























