Sept. 22, 2008

Allendale, Mich. - The Grand Valley State volleyball team will have some different competition on Wednesday afternoon (Sept. 24) - not a team from Michigan, the GLIAC, or anywhere in the country. GVSU will host the Shanghai Volleyball Club as they close their 13-day trip to Michigan with a practice and scrimmage with #9 Grand Valley State.

Having already visited the University of Michigan, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo College, and Kalamazoo Valley Community College, the Shanghai Volleyball Club will finish its tour of Michigan schools at Grand Valley State on Wednesday. The team will arrive on campus at approximately 11:00 a.m. before preparing to practice with and against the Lakers.

From 11:30 a.m. to roughly 2:00 p.m., Grand Valley State and Shanghai Volleyball Club will be in GVSU Fieldhouse Arena to participate in a combined practice and finish with a team scrimmage. All Grand Valley State faculty, staff, students, and local media are welcome to watch the teams compete during the afternoon.

The Shanghai Volleyball Club is similar to an American college team, as their players range from 16 to 21 years of age and are recruited to play on their team.

After the scrimmage, the two teams will head to Grand Valley State's Fresh Food cafeteria between 2:00 and 2:15 p.m. for a lunch and reception. All are welcome at the reception for an informal meet-and-greet with both teams.

Grand Valley State head coach Deanne Scanlon and the Lakers will follow lunch with a tour of the campus and facilities, including a stop at the GVSU football practice. The teams will close the day with a trip to Lake Michigan, one of the few popular attractions the Shanghai Volleyball Club has yet to enjoy.

Scanlon is very excited for the chance to host an international team and share the experience with her players and the community.

"I think it is an awesome opportunity for our girls to learn about a culture they didn't know much about before this," explained Scanlon. "Obviously the Olympics opened our eyes to their culture, so this is just an extension of that event. Hopefully, they can learn about our community and our country and come away with a positive feeling about their trip."