Over Thanksgiving break, Waynesburg University volleyball coach Hope Johnston had the opportunity to travel to Venice, Italy, to oversee the Fusion Team Volley Club. 

The entire trip was made by a Chicago-based company called EXACT Sports. According to their website, EXACT Sports aims to help young athletes be the best version of themselves. 

When Johnston first heard of the trip, she was excited and saw it as an opportunity that she couldn’t pass up. 

“When the opportunity arose to travel to Italy for a coaching opportunity, it was not something that I could pass up,” Johnston said. “I am passionate about travel for the purposes of education and cultural exposure.”

Johnston said that she enjoyed coaching all the young athletes who are all involved with the club. 

“I had the honor to coach some wonderful youth players,” Johnston said. “They were all extremely excited for the opportunity to travel while playing volleyball.”

Johnston was able to take away many details from the trip. 

“They focused on ball control in all skills for all players, as opposed to strict position training,” Johnston said. “There were many new exercises that I learned, and I will be implementing these drills and philosophies into our workouts.”

When Johnston looks back on the trip, she has found lots of inspiration that she looks to apply for the 2026 season. 

“One of my philosophies as a coach that I teach to my athletes is to always be a student of the game,” Johnston said. “As we head into our nontraditional spring season, I am excited to see the athletes continue to improve and little by little build a more competitive program.” 

Johnston worked two EXACT Sports camps in late December in the state of Texas. She plans to continue working with EXACT Sports and working camps.