MADISON, Wis. – Tionna Williams, a junior on the Wisconsin volleyball team, will represent the Badgers on a Big Ten Conference Foreign Tour from June 17-28.

"I'm really excited about getting to play alongside some of the top players in the Big Ten, instead of against them for once," said Williams. "I think this will be a great opportunity to represent my school, and to get better and compete at a different level than I'm used to. I've never been to Europe so I can't wait to experience the new culture, and I'm really excited about getting to eat pizza and gelato in Italy!"

The tour, which is being led by Maryland head coach Steve Aird, begins on June 17 with a practice day at the XFinity Center in College Park, Maryland, and flight to Prague, Czech Republic. The team will spend three days in Prague sightseeing and playing two matches – one against the Czech Junior National Team and one against the Czech Senior National Team.

On June 21, a bus trip to Maribor, Slovenia, includes a day trip to Vienna, Austria. Two days in Maribor features matches against the Russian Junior National Team and the Croatian Senior National Team.

The team buses to Venice, Italy, on June 24 for a full day of sightseeing before traveling to Milan, Italy, on June 25. Wrapping up the tour is two days in Milan, with two matches against an Italian Federation Team. The team returns to the U.S. on June 28.

"It's nice that the Big Ten is doing this," UW head coach Kelly Sheffield said. "It's a great cultural and competitive opportunity for all of these players and a great way to show the skill of some of the elite players in this conference.

"I'm excited for Tionna to go and represent Wisconsin on this tour. I know this is her first time overseas and she will be seeing some amazing places. She was also rehabbing an injury for the entire spring and missed out on a lot of training opportunities. This allows for the chance for her to get out there and compete with and against some elite players since it's been six months since she's been able to do that."
 
June 17         Training in College Park, Maryland; depart for Prague, Czech Republic
June 18          Arrive in Prague; Team training
June 19          Sightseeing; match vs. Czech Republic Junior National Team
June 20          Sightseeing; match vs. Czech Republic Senior National Team
June 21           Depart Prague via bus to Vienna (day trip) and on to Maribor, Slovenia
June 22          Team activity in the morning; Match vs. Russian Junior National Team
June 23           Slovenia City Tour; Match vs. Croatian Senior National Team
June 24           Bus to Venice for full day of sightseeing
June 25          Bus to Milan, Italy
June 26          Team activity in the morning; Match vs. Italian Federation Team
June 27          Sightseeing and shopping; Match vs. Italian Federation Team
June 28          Flight to U.S.