Help Send Brøndby VK To The USA!

Brøndby Volleyball Klub, located outside of Copenhagen, Denmark, has a unique opportunity to travel to the United States to compete against high-level Division 1 universities this spring but needs financial support for food, gas, and airline tickets.

 

Hi! I'm Tess Reid, an American currently playing for Brøndby Volleyball Klub. This is my first season playing professionally overseas, and it has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. Not only does living in a new country open your mind to new cultures and ways of living, but seeing one through the lens of a passion has a way of equalizing you in discomfort.

 

I have fallen in love with Danish culture and all of its strange and charming nuances (the ever-present scent of beer and cinnamon rolls); however, living in unfamiliar territory can sometimes be overwhelming. It is the greatest comfort to be able to walk into a gym every night and do what I know best. And amazingly, these girls who come from this unfamiliar place know that thing just as well. It is a beautiful and grounding phenomenon. I would love nothing more than for my teammates to experience this in the States.

 

It is apparent to me every day how special this program is. From top to bottom, Brøndby VK is filled with passion and care. The coaches, players, club president, board, and even the volunteer ball shaggers put intention into their every action to enrich our experience, often doing it for nothing in return. When it was suggested to extend our competition to another country, our coaches jumped on the opportunity.

 

Our coaches, Dan and Coley Pawlikowski, also come from the US and knew immediately that traveling to the States would be the best opportunity for our team’s collective growth. They were able to confirm dates to play the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, MI), the University of Illinois (Champaign, IL), and DePaul University (Chicago, IL), as well as plan various cultural experiences for my teammates to experience in the US (like Chipotle). Not only will this expose the Danish girls to eye-opening cultural experiences, but it is the best place for great competition, a warm welcome, and free lodging.

 

As the regular season is closing, we are in first place with 13 wins and 1 loss. Denmark is a small country, and we have played every team in the league multiple times. We are craving new competition. Playing high-level D1 universities will undoubtedly better prepare us for the playoffs, but more importantly, it will individually benefit us in different ways.

 

I think of Laura and Isa – energy-bombs with endless love and support for those around them. I think of how dedicated they are to their craft and how blown away they will be with the vast volleyball opportunities the States has to offer. Not to mention, neither of them have been to the US before, and both are interested in living there! Laura has “go to a Target” on her bucket list…

 

 

 

 

I think of Tajma and Manu – supportive and dedicated ballers committed to playing in the NCAA next season. Along with their scheduled college visits, they want to investigate the NCAA VB culture closer before their arrival.

 

 

 

 

 

I think of Mette and Sille – skilled and hardworking Danish National Team players who have not yet tasted American volleyball's sweet and dense competition. I would love to see them battle USA’s talent.

 

 

 

 

I think of Sofie, who just returned home to Denmark after studying and being the student manager for Minnesota Volleyball. After seeing the hype of Big10 volleyball, she wants a piece.

 

 

 

 

I think of Rocio, Lucia, and Paulina, who had successful careers in the NCAA and have not been back to America since! I want to believe they miss the hospitable and kind people, beautiful land, and diverse communities, but I think that mostly they just miss Chipotle.

 

 

 

 

I also think of Steen, our passionate club president who has fully dedicated himself to Brøndby Volleyball Klub. After playing for the men's side in 1974, meeting his wife on the women's side, and then raising two daughters through the club, this program means a lot to him. There would be nothing sweeter than bringing success back home to him and Brøndby VK this spring. I know that taking them back to my home and playing against the US competition will help us do that.

 

Please consider donating to help support our collective and individual goals. Every bit helps. Thank you!