St. John’s Volleyball Commences Historic Visit To Vietnam Tuesday

Published: May 08, 2007
QUEENS, N.Y.

The St. John’s volleyball team will embark on its historic visit to Vietnam Tuesday night as the squad departs New York for Ho Chi Minh City.

The Red Storm will represent the United States as the first American team to play in the Vietnam Television (VTV) International Women’s Volleyball Cup, which will be held from May 12-19.

“We are honored to have been chosen to represent our University and our country as the first American collegiate women’s volleyball team to compete in this tournament,” said head coach and 2006 BIG EAST Coach of the Year Joanne Persico-Smith.

After the conclusion of the tournament, St. John’s will travel north to Hanoi from May 20-24. While in the capital city, the Red Storm will continue the community service initiatives with a visit to the Sisters of Charity and continue to learn about the history of Vietnam. The Red Storm concludes its trip to Vietnam with a two-day excursion to Ha Long Bay, one of the world oldest heritage sites, where the team will be able to experience the scenic and coastal beauty of Vietnam before returning to New York on May 24.

Along with the volleyball team, several University academic programs will be in Vietnam during the month of May. Undergraduate and graduate students will be attending a study abroad program, while many professors and deans will be presenting papers and visiting local Vietnamese universities to establish research collaborations.

Fans can follow the Red Storm’s journey through Vietnam by visiting www.RedStormSports.com for game recaps, photo galleries and daily postcards from the team members.

“We are excited to follow up the momentous 2006 season with this amazing trip,” said Persico-Smith. “It is one that will help us prepare for the 2007 volleyball season and it is one that we will never forget.”

For the most up-to-date information and statistics on St. John's Athletics, please visit www.RedStormSports.com, or call our hotline at 1-888-GO-STORM.

— Red Storm —