Volleyball Players Continue Careers Overseas
December 30, 2004 | Volleyball
The end of a college career doesn't have to mean the end of a volleyball career. Four former members of the Wisconsin volleyball program are continuing to live a life of volleyball as members of professional foreign leagues.
Lizzy Fitzgerald, an All-American setter with the Badgers in 2000 and 2001, currently plays in the French Pro A Division for ASPTT Mulhouse in Mulhouse, France. Lori Rittenhouse, a letterwinner from 1999-2003, played in Spain and most recently, Croatia. 2002 All-American setter Morgan Shields is a player and coach with Katrineholms VC, an elite-level Swedish team. All-American outside hitter Erin Byrd is playing for GFB Suhl in Bundesliga Frauen, the highest level league in Germany.
While each player is grateful for the chance to continue playing, they also enjoy experiencing a different country.
'The best thing about playing abroad is getting the opportunity to experience a new area and culture,' Rittenhouse said. 'I think it is important for individuals to stretch their boundaries and test their limitations.
'It really opens your eyes and adds depth to who you are as a person. I have learned so much about myself and my capabilities through the various experiences in Spain and Croatia.'
Along with the benefits, the players have faced several challenges, including language barriers.
'The most difficult thing to get used to is by far the language,' Rittenhouse said. 'It got quite frustrating not being able to communicate to everyone at every moment. I hit my low point when I realized the family dog knew more Croatian than I did. However, I was amazed at how far charades can get a person. '
As a setter, Fitzgerald had the task of communicating with her teammates in an unfamiliar language.
'You can always find someone who speaks a little English, ' Fitzgerald said. 'But, for the most part, when you are on the court, everyone wants and needs to speak French.'
Shields is fortunate not having a language gap, but faces cultural differences, dealing with natives hesitant to accept Americans.
'The culture is hard to define, and I'm learning more about it everyday,' Shields said. 'But, the people in general are not that welcoming to Americans. Everyone seems to be a little cautious to trust people. '
Shields is also dealing with a busier schedule than she had anticipated. Upon arriving in Sweden, Shields was told that due to some off-season problems, she would be coaching her new team.
'I coach the younger team and the elite team, which is about 10 practices a week,' Shields said. 'I think I'm a little lucky to have to coach because that does keep me rather busy. In the meantime, I go to the library, the gym and internet cafes.'
In her free time, Fitzgerald enjoys taking in all the experiences of a foreign place.
'France is a beautiful country with much to offer,' Fitzgerald said. 'I love walking through the markets and watching everyday life here.'
But for all the things they are enjoying, each player has her own reasons for missing Madison and the University of Wisconsin.
'What I miss most is Madison itself,' Rittenhouse said. 'The people there have created a city that feels alive and is full of opportunities.'
Unfortunately, an ACL tear ended Rittenhouse's volleyball days and she has returned to the States, but she looks back on her international career with fond memories.
'It was an unexpected end to my playing career,' Rittenhouse said. 'But, it is time to hang up my knee pads and move on with other aspects of my life.
'I have no regrets spending a season in Spain and wish every day that I was able to continue playing in Croatia. The friends you make, the places you see and the chance to further improve your game are priceless.'
Shields is anxious to return to Madison and continue her education.
'I miss my friends and the crowd and being able to just play at practice rather than try to run everything,' Shields said. 'I think this will be my last season. I am getting antsy to start graduate school and be home for a while.'
Fitzgerald is unsure of her future plans, but misses playing in front of a loyal Badger crowd.
'I am married now (to former UW football player Kevin Stemke), so (playing abroad) needs to be something that my husband and I continue to enjoy, ' Fitzgerald said. 'When we are ready to come back home, we will. '
'What I miss most about Wisconsin is the fans. There are no better fans in the world than in Madison!'
