Spartans Abroad: USC Upstate Volleyball Sets Sights on Europe
5/11/2025 10:52:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
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SPARTANBURG, S.C. -- After a historic season that saw USC Upstate Volleyball achieve its highest conference finish in its Division I era, the Spartans are set to take their momentum overseas. The team will travel across five European countries in ten days—Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, and Italy—competing against international teams and exploring some of Europe's most iconic landmarks. The trip serves not just as a celebration of the program's growth but as a springboard for what's to come in 2025, which will be the third year under head coach Ali Skayhan.
"Playing in Europe for me was life-changing as I learned so much. It's a different way of living, but it also helps you get a better perspective on life," said Skayhan, who played professionally in Hungary and Germany before transitioning to coaching.Â
Her familiarity with the European volleyball circuit brings a unique perspective to the team's upcoming experience. "The majority of our group hasn't been to Europe before, I can't wait to see their reactions."
Under NCAA rules, programs can take a foreign tour once every four years. For Upstate, this trip is a rare opportunity and a defining moment that speaks to the program's rising status.
"My college coach took us on an international trip when I was a player, and my teammates and I still talk about it! I am thrilled to be able to pay that opportunity forward at Upstate. I think it speaks volumes about where we want to be as a program," Skayhan added. "We already have an eye on the next tour in a few years. Where will we go? Who knows, but I hope it will continue to be a part of our program."
This past season Upstate volleyball secured its highest-ever conference finish and earned the No. 3 seed in the Big South Championship, finishing with eight wins in conference play—tied for the second-most in its Division I history. That success is attributed to Skayhan's recruitment, development, and the continuity within her coaching staff, including Justin Sanders, who was recently named to the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Thirty Under 30 list.
The European tour represents more than just matches against international competition for the players. It's about growth, both on and off the court. "In a way, this is part of our program at Upstate... becoming more well-rounded even outside of the gym," Skayhan said. "This experience, while it's great to have competition against really good teams in Europe, is about preparing for life, learning new cultures, and being exposed to new things."
The Spartans will travel with 15 players, including outgoing seniors who have chosen to be part of the experience despite completing their eligibility. "It speaks to our culture here that they want to be part of it," said Skayhan. "We're going as a team. I think this is a great way to cap off our outgoing seniors' careers after a successful season and legacy left at Upstate."
In addition to competition, the team will take time to explore historical sites like Ancient Roman ruins and the Dachau Memorial Museum, deepening their familiarity with European culture. "I want our team to be adventurous and try new things. This will be special—hopefully a memorable trip for everyone," Skayhan said. "We will use it as a springboard for our program in 2025, but really for them to prepare for whatever they take on in life next."
As the Spartans prepare to board the plane, the focus is clear: growth, exploration, and setting the stage for another successful season. USC Upstate Volleyball is rising, and this European tour is just the beginning.
SPARTANBURG, S.C. -- After a historic season that saw USC Upstate Volleyball achieve its highest conference finish in its Division I era, the Spartans are set to take their momentum overseas. The team will travel across five European countries in ten days—Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, and Italy—competing against international teams and exploring some of Europe's most iconic landmarks. The trip serves not just as a celebration of the program's growth but as a springboard for what's to come in 2025, which will be the third year under head coach Ali Skayhan.
"Playing in Europe for me was life-changing as I learned so much. It's a different way of living, but it also helps you get a better perspective on life," said Skayhan, who played professionally in Hungary and Germany before transitioning to coaching.Â
Her familiarity with the European volleyball circuit brings a unique perspective to the team's upcoming experience. "The majority of our group hasn't been to Europe before, I can't wait to see their reactions."
Under NCAA rules, programs can take a foreign tour once every four years. For Upstate, this trip is a rare opportunity and a defining moment that speaks to the program's rising status.
"My college coach took us on an international trip when I was a player, and my teammates and I still talk about it! I am thrilled to be able to pay that opportunity forward at Upstate. I think it speaks volumes about where we want to be as a program," Skayhan added. "We already have an eye on the next tour in a few years. Where will we go? Who knows, but I hope it will continue to be a part of our program."
This past season Upstate volleyball secured its highest-ever conference finish and earned the No. 3 seed in the Big South Championship, finishing with eight wins in conference play—tied for the second-most in its Division I history. That success is attributed to Skayhan's recruitment, development, and the continuity within her coaching staff, including Justin Sanders, who was recently named to the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Thirty Under 30 list.
The European tour represents more than just matches against international competition for the players. It's about growth, both on and off the court. "In a way, this is part of our program at Upstate... becoming more well-rounded even outside of the gym," Skayhan said. "This experience, while it's great to have competition against really good teams in Europe, is about preparing for life, learning new cultures, and being exposed to new things."
The Spartans will travel with 15 players, including outgoing seniors who have chosen to be part of the experience despite completing their eligibility. "It speaks to our culture here that they want to be part of it," said Skayhan. "We're going as a team. I think this is a great way to cap off our outgoing seniors' careers after a successful season and legacy left at Upstate."
In addition to competition, the team will take time to explore historical sites like Ancient Roman ruins and the Dachau Memorial Museum, deepening their familiarity with European culture. "I want our team to be adventurous and try new things. This will be special—hopefully a memorable trip for everyone," Skayhan said. "We will use it as a springboard for our program in 2025, but really for them to prepare for whatever they take on in life next."
As the Spartans prepare to board the plane, the focus is clear: growth, exploration, and setting the stage for another successful season. USC Upstate Volleyball is rising, and this European tour is just the beginning.
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