We returned to Italy to play for the second time on the tour and the staff was treated to an incredible experience. If you're traveling to Europe as a tourist you seldom get into the real communities and meet regular people outside the tourist trade. Not so for us on this tour.
We were greeted at our hotel by the Mayor of Settimo Torinese, the Deputy Mayor of sport, the regional Volleyball Commissioner and all of the youth and junior development coaches. There were others, too, like local journalists and club administrators. All total about 30 of us sat down for a six course Italian dinner that blew away any others we had done on thus far. I had mostly coaches at my table.
We sat for 3 hours and talked about everything from wine regions to coaching. One of the coaches at our table was Maurizio Morretti, a high profile coach in Italy, who told me about how he coached Keba Phipps when he was in the A-1 Italian League. Keba is an American who moved to Italy at age 20 and became one of the world's best players.
The evening ended with the presentation of some plaques and thank yous before we all retired for the evening. An incredible cultural exchange that I will remember forever.
Coach Hilbert receives an award from the Settimo Torinese Deputy Mayor of Sport
The position of Volleyball in the "sport culture" in Italy is so strong. I am so impressed at everyone's kindness toward us. Even though we don't speak the same language we shared our passion for Volleyball and our passion for a great mean and it resulted in a wonderful experience.
Tom Hilbert
