Indiana University Athletics
Foreign Tour: Istanbul Recap
5/28/2026 10:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
The first part of Indiana's foreign tour was spent with three fantastic days (May 25-27) touring around Istanbul and playing some high-level volleyball against local clubs. One of the most famous cities in the world provided IU's players, support staff and family with an opportunity to learn about culture, religion and the local cuisine.
It was the longest stop in one place that the Hoosiers will make in the entire trip. Below is a quick recap on each of the days spent exploring the country's biggest city.
Monday, May 25th
A contest against Maramara University kicked off the festivities overseas just over 12 hours after arriving into the city. All 16 players got into the match in a four-set sweep over the home side (25-15, 25-9, 25-19, 25-22). Sophomore outside hitter Jaidyn Jager played in three of the four sets and led the team with 15 kills. Graduate student middle blocker Kiki Granberry spent time in the middle and on the right side and had 10 kills.
From there, IU's entire travel party went to the Grand Bazaar to visit one of the world's biggest market areas. That part of the day was paired with a historical breakdown and guided tour of the Blue Mosque in the city's center square – a mosque that dates back to the days of the Ottoman Empire. Dinner and desert at a restaurant allowed players to spend time with teammates and family.
Tuesday, May 26th
After traveling roughly 45 minutes into the Asian side of Istanbul, IU got the chance to play a youth team from one of the best clubs in the world. Eczacibasi Volleyball Club, two-time winners of the World Club Championship opened up their brand-new arena for IU's match against the U17/U19 side.
The Hoosiers shook off a slow start to work a clean, five-set sweep over the hosts (25-20, 25-21, 25-20, 25-16, 25-21). Sophomore outside hitter Jaidyn Jager played in four of the frames and led the way with 19 kills. Her back row defense and service pressure from the end line made a difference in the contest. Juniors Ella Boersema and Izzy Clark each had eight kills in their four sets.
Following the match and lunch at the facility, IU's players and staff got the chance to explore Taksim Square for some shopping and down time. The entire party gathered at Otantik Anadolu Yemekleri for a local dinner on a rented out floor in the restaurant. That wrapped up a near 12-hour schedule on the second full day of the tour.
Wednesday, May 27th
During the final full day in Istanbul, the Hoosiers spent the full day on a boat. IU's travel party boarded from the Bestikas Port onto a yacht that drifted along the Bosphorus Strait all day. Over the course of the day, players went swimming in the water, enjoyed free time to explore shops and ended the day by eating dinner right on the water in the Asian side of Istanbul.
The whole team got the day off from volleyball as it preps for the next leg of the journey to Madrid on Thursday (May 28) morning.
It was the longest stop in one place that the Hoosiers will make in the entire trip. Below is a quick recap on each of the days spent exploring the country's biggest city.
Monday, May 25th
A contest against Maramara University kicked off the festivities overseas just over 12 hours after arriving into the city. All 16 players got into the match in a four-set sweep over the home side (25-15, 25-9, 25-19, 25-22). Sophomore outside hitter Jaidyn Jager played in three of the four sets and led the team with 15 kills. Graduate student middle blocker Kiki Granberry spent time in the middle and on the right side and had 10 kills.
From there, IU's entire travel party went to the Grand Bazaar to visit one of the world's biggest market areas. That part of the day was paired with a historical breakdown and guided tour of the Blue Mosque in the city's center square – a mosque that dates back to the days of the Ottoman Empire. Dinner and desert at a restaurant allowed players to spend time with teammates and family.
Tuesday, May 26th
After traveling roughly 45 minutes into the Asian side of Istanbul, IU got the chance to play a youth team from one of the best clubs in the world. Eczacibasi Volleyball Club, two-time winners of the World Club Championship opened up their brand-new arena for IU's match against the U17/U19 side.
The Hoosiers shook off a slow start to work a clean, five-set sweep over the hosts (25-20, 25-21, 25-20, 25-16, 25-21). Sophomore outside hitter Jaidyn Jager played in four of the frames and led the way with 19 kills. Her back row defense and service pressure from the end line made a difference in the contest. Juniors Ella Boersema and Izzy Clark each had eight kills in their four sets.
Following the match and lunch at the facility, IU's players and staff got the chance to explore Taksim Square for some shopping and down time. The entire party gathered at Otantik Anadolu Yemekleri for a local dinner on a rented out floor in the restaurant. That wrapped up a near 12-hour schedule on the second full day of the tour.
Wednesday, May 27th
During the final full day in Istanbul, the Hoosiers spent the full day on a boat. IU's travel party boarded from the Bestikas Port onto a yacht that drifted along the Bosphorus Strait all day. Over the course of the day, players went swimming in the water, enjoyed free time to explore shops and ended the day by eating dinner right on the water in the Asian side of Istanbul.
The whole team got the day off from volleyball as it preps for the next leg of the journey to Madrid on Thursday (May 28) morning.
Players Mentioned
MB
/ Women's Volleyball
OH
/ Women's Volleyball
MB
/ Women's Volleyball
OH
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