Indiana University Athletics
Edwards to Represent Indiana on Big Ten Foreign Tour
5/9/2019 2:01:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
BLOOMINGTON, Ind.– For the third time in the past five years, Big Ten volleyball students from different institutions will travel overseas to compete in a foreign tour. In addition to competition on the court, the tour will feature educational exploration and the opportunity to experience new cultures. The Big Ten Volleyball Foreign Tour Team will travel to Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo, Japan from June 14-26, 2019.
Indiana rising sophomore Breana Edwards will represent Indiana on the foreign tour.
In 2018, Edwards had one of the best freshman seasons in recent history as she played in all 31 matches and all 120 sets. Edwards led the team with 360 kills, the most for a freshman since 2009. Edwards ranked fourth in the Big Ten among freshmen in kills.
"Finding out I was going to be part of the Big Ten Foreign Tour was the most exciting news ever," Edwards said. "This will be my first time out of the country and I'm honored to represent Indiana and the Big Ten. I'm looking forward to this experience that this trip has to offer and I'm excited to play more volleyball."
Edwards tallied 67 blocks on the season, including leading the team with 28 solo blocks. The 28 solo blocks were the second most in program history for a freshman and her 19 solo blocks in Big Ten play were the eighth best total in program history for a single season in conference action.
"We are excited that Breana is representing IU and the Big Ten on this tour," IU head coach Steve Aird said. "She is a talented young athlete and a better person and I think it will be a special experience for her. We are grateful the conference supports our student-athletes and provides such exceptional opportunities."
In addition to competition on the court, the students in attendance will have the opportunity to explore Japanese landmarks, study foreign languages and culture with local students and visit some of Japan's most historic sites, including Mt. Fuji, the Gion district, the Fushimi Inari Shrine, the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and the Philosopher's Walk.
The complete Big Ten Foreign Tour roster can be found below. A full schedule will be announced at a later date.
Indiana rising sophomore Breana Edwards will represent Indiana on the foreign tour.
In 2018, Edwards had one of the best freshman seasons in recent history as she played in all 31 matches and all 120 sets. Edwards led the team with 360 kills, the most for a freshman since 2009. Edwards ranked fourth in the Big Ten among freshmen in kills.
"Finding out I was going to be part of the Big Ten Foreign Tour was the most exciting news ever," Edwards said. "This will be my first time out of the country and I'm honored to represent Indiana and the Big Ten. I'm looking forward to this experience that this trip has to offer and I'm excited to play more volleyball."
Edwards tallied 67 blocks on the season, including leading the team with 28 solo blocks. The 28 solo blocks were the second most in program history for a freshman and her 19 solo blocks in Big Ten play were the eighth best total in program history for a single season in conference action.
"We are excited that Breana is representing IU and the Big Ten on this tour," IU head coach Steve Aird said. "She is a talented young athlete and a better person and I think it will be a special experience for her. We are grateful the conference supports our student-athletes and provides such exceptional opportunities."
In addition to competition on the court, the students in attendance will have the opportunity to explore Japanese landmarks, study foreign languages and culture with local students and visit some of Japan's most historic sites, including Mt. Fuji, the Gion district, the Fushimi Inari Shrine, the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and the Philosopher's Walk.
The complete Big Ten Foreign Tour roster can be found below. A full schedule will be announced at a later date.
| School | Name | Position |
| Illinois | Rylee Hinton | Middle Blocker/Utility |
| Indiana | Breanna Edwards | Outside Hitter |
| Iowa | Brie Orr | Setter |
| Maryland | Jada Gardner | Outside Hitter/Opposite |
| Maryland | Erika Pritchard | Outside Hitter |
| Michigan | Natalie Smith | Libero |
| Michigan State | Naya Gros | Middle Blocker |
| Northwestern | Nia Robinson | Outside Hitter |
| Penn State | Jenna Hampton | Middle Blocker |
| Purdue | Haley Bush | Setter |
| Wisconsin | Nicole Shanahan | Middle Blocker |
| Rutgers | Vitalia 'Tali' Marmen | Outside Hitter |
| School/Affiliation | Name | Position |
| Iowa | Bond Shymansky | Head Coach |
| Michigan | Mark Rosen | Assistant Coach |
| Penn State | Virginia Pham | Director of Operations |
| Michigan State | Kelly Moriarty | Athletic Trainer |
| Big Ten Conference | Grace Bonoma | Administrator |
| Big Ten Conference | Shannon Malone | Communications & Stats |
Players Mentioned
Outside Hitter
/ Women's VolleyballIUVB at Illinois: Highlights
Wednesday, November 26
IUVB vs. Nebraska: Highlights
Saturday, November 22
IUVB vs. Rutgers: Highlights
Thursday, November 20
IUVB vs. Maryland: Highlights
Sunday, November 16