NEW WILMINGTON, Pa. – The Westminster tennis team’s spring break trip across Europe turned into way more than just a team trip. Making stops in Nice, France; Genoa, Italy; Monte Carlo, Monaco; Morocco; Rome, Italy; and Vatican City allowed for the team to explore some of the world’s most famous places while also increasing team chemistry.
“The trip to Europe was nothing short of astonishing, but Rome in particular was incredible,” said graduate student, Rick Ladjevich. “To see the Roman Forum, the Colosseum, and St. Peter’s Basilica… it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I’m extremely grateful for.”
Even with all the history and sightseeing, a lot of players said the best part wasn’t just where they went, but who they got to experience it with.
“I had an amazing time in Europe with the tennis team,” said junior, Hayne Webster. “Training trips bring people closer together, but with this group, we really did forge friendships that will transcend our time at Westminster. I’m forever grateful for this trip and thankful to Coach Blasko for making it possible.”
“From all the team meals to all of the sightseeing, I feel like our team truly bonded and created a trip we’ll remember for years to come,” senior, Colin Fabich said. “Even without playing tennis at times due to rainouts, we still made the trip super fun.”
For senior tennis player Christine Rossi, it was the overall experience that stood out to her.
“Spring break in Europe was an unbelievable experience,” Rossi said. “Being able to travel with my teammates and friends is something I’ll always cherish. There were so many laughs that brought our team together.”
She also appreciated the everyday parts of the trip. “I loved just walking through the streets and seeing how people live day-to-day just as much as the tours,” Rossi said. “Everything had so much history and really cool architecture.”
Freshman tennis player, Megan Blasko, who was traveling overseas for the first time, said the trip exceeded her expectations. “It was such an amazing experience,” she said. “I got to see landmarks in Rome and the Vatican, walk along the beach in France, and become closer with my team.”
She also highlighted some of the fun cultural moments that the team got the unique privilege of experiencing together. “We talked to people from different cultures and even ran into some Americans at restaurants,” Blasko said. “And honestly, we never got sick of the pizza and pasta.”
Like many of her teammates, she came back with the same takeaway from the trip. “The best part of the trip was getting to experience everything with my teammates,” Blasko said.
While the trip gave Westminster tennis the chance to experience some of the most iconic places in the world, the trip’s impact goes far beyond the photos and memories from each city. Between the long travel days, team meals, and exploring new cultures, the team built connections that will last well past their time on the court.