Volleyball coach headed to 2009 European Global Challenge in Pula, Croatia
By Danny Mattie, Athletic Media Relations
FORT COLLINS, Colo. – Colorado State University Head Volleyball Coach Tom Hilbert, who enters his 13th season at the helm of the Rams’ progam in 2009, is preparing for a two week trip to Europe, where the six-time Mountain West Conference Coach of the Year will lead the BIP/USA development team at the European Global Challenge, July 14-25, in Pula, Croatia.
Hilbert, who has amassed a career record of 481-151 (.761) in 21 seasons as a head coach, will lead the BIP/USA development squad, comprised of 12 of the nation’s top players under the age of 20, as they take part in the 12-team tournament, facing off against five other American squads and six teams from all over Europe, including Slovenia, Romania, Italy, Montenegro, and a pair of teams from Croatia.
“This is an outstanding opportunity to coach with and against some of the best young players from around the world,” said Hilbert. “I am thrilled to take part in this exciting challenge, and I look forward to the caliber of the competition.”
Hilbert and the BIP/USA development team will begin the trip in Zurich, Switzerland where they will spend five days training with the Swiss National team. From there, the squad will depart July 19 for Croatia, for five days of intense competition, beginning with a round-robin style tournament, and culminating in a USA vs. Europe showdown for the championship on July 23.
The team will then unwind with a full day of sightseeing in Venice, Italy, before returning to the United States, July 25.
