Kaylee Manns Rookie Year in Review: Part Four

Former Cyclone All-American setter Kaylee Manns recently completed her first year of professional volleyball in Switzerland. Over the next few weeks, Manns will be recounting some of her experiences with FKB Düdingen for Cyclones fans.

Guten Tag Cyclones!

This season, I have signed with Suhl 91 in Germany and am with them now, training for the upcoming season. Suhl is a small town but has a huge volleyball fan base and the team is very talented. I haven't been in town long but am settling into my apartment and currently have an American roommate who is here to try out for the team. If she makes the team, I will have an American roommate for the entire season!

Last year, Suhl 91 finished third among the German teams, which qualifies us to play in the European Cup this season. The top three teams from each country qualify for either the Champions League or the European Cup, with the No. 1 team going to the Champions League and the second and third-place finishers going to the European Cup.

European Cup play is similar to Big 12 play in that we will play each opponent twice, once at home and once away during the season. Unlike NCAA conference play, there cannot be a series split during the season and instead the teams will play a "golden match" to determine who moves on in the cup. Our first opponent of the year is from Israel.

Missing family and friends while playing in Europe is difficult but I know I am lucky to play at the international level and travel to places many Americans never see in their lifetimes. I would never have had these opportunities if it weren't for my Cyclone coaches, teammates, fans, athletics department support staff, professors and family.

I am already looking forward to this season as I continue my trek through Europe. I'll be in touch throughout the season to keep Cyclone Nation up to date on what is happening with Suhl 91 and my experiences while living in Germany.

Auf Wiedersehen,
Kaylee

Previous Posts:
Kaylee Manns Rookie Year in Review: Part One
Kaylee Manns Rookie Year in Review: Part Two
Kaylee Manns Rookie Year in Review: Part Three

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