Restrepo and Schmitt Return From Argentina

NORMAN, Okla. - Oklahoma volleyball head coach Santiago Restrepo and junior outside hitter Joanna Schmitt recently returned from a trip to Argentina where they represented two different USA Select Teams. Restrepo was selected as the co-head coach of the USA “White” Select team and teamed with former USA Volleyball assistant coach Kevin Hambly, while Schmitt represented the USA “Red” Select team led by Colorado State head coach Tom Hilbert and Michigan's Mark Rosen.

“I think it was a great experience for the athletes and myself,” Restrepo said. “It was an awesome opportunity for the USA team to compete against the Argentina squads, who always have great ball control and are well-experienced. The girls got to represent USA and played in front of more than 1,000 screaming fans every night, which is great for the athletes to learn how to handle. For me personally, it was a great opportunity because I speak the language and was able to make some great connections with the Argentine coaches.”

Restrepo's Journal| Schmitt's Journal

The two squads, comprised of under-22 collegiate players, traveled Buenos Aires and the surrounding cities from June 8-18, visiting Rio Cuarto, Cordoba Capital, Parana, Villaguay and Santa Fe. Schmitt's squad (the “Red” team) tallied four wins against the Argentina National “B” Team while Restrepo's crew recorded two victories against the Argentina Youth National Team.

“It was definitely one of the most positive experiences of my life,” Schmitt said. “It was amazing to represent the United States of America and it made me realize how fortunate I am to play at the collegiate level in the USA. I truly grew as an athlete and as a person from the trip.”

The USA Select Teams consisted of 17 players from the Big Ten, Big 12, Big East, Missouri Valley, Southeastern, Conference USA, Northeastern and Mountain West conferences. Schmitt was one of two athletes representing the Big 12 with the other being Baylor's Emily Houston. The players were selected by the coaching staff, Tim Kelly and Cory Soloman of Bring It USA and Tom Pingel of the USVBA.

Bring It Promotions, a tour agency, sponsored the USA Select Teams and was asked by the Argentine Federation to bring a group of strong collegiate players to Buenos Aires to help prepare their Junior National Team for the summer's competition.

While both teams played in six competitive matches, they were also able to enjoy the beautiful sights and food of Argentina. The squads visited various restaurants, watched tango and Latin dancing and enjoyed other Argentina traditions. More information on the girls' daily activities, including journals from Schmitt and Restrepo, can be found at www.bringitusa.com.