Spending a month on the California beaches is how most college students would like to spend their summer, but for one Hilltopper, countless hours on the sand was a hard-earned ticket to Turkey.

After training in Austin and playing in beach volleyball tournaments around Texas, junior Courtney Trevino went to a USA Volleyball tryout in Dallas on June 4 and was selected with a small group of other players to train under USA coaches in California. Trevino trained from July 5 to mid August when she had to return to St. Edward’s University for indoor volleyball training.

During her time in California, Trevino and a friend won the California Beach Volleyball Association’s Laguna Open on July 17. Based on a successful summer of playing, training and earning a Triple A rating (just below professional status), Trevino was selected to compete and represent the United States in the Federacion International de Volleybol in Turkey. She was one of eight players representing the country, four men and four women.

Although Trevino and her teammate, Chelsea Rashoff, lost in the first round of qualifiers, she said it was an experience she will never forget.

“Culturally, it was one of the coolest things,” Trevino said. “It is amazing how something as simple as a game with a ball and a net could bring so many people together.”

Trevino’s experience represents an alternative way that St. Edward’s students are representing the university around the world.

“One of the biggest push for St. Edward’s University is global understanding, and it was great that one of our student-athletes was able to visit a different culture and get immersed with people from all over the world,” head volleyball coach Sean Donahue said.

The other U.S. team won the tournament, defeating Brazil, and Trevino was there to cheer on her teammates.

“Talent-wise, the US is one of the best in the world, and as a country we are doing really well,” Trevino said.

Donahue said that although the team missed Trevino for part of the season, what she will bring back will be worth the wait.

“This experience will help her in many facets of the game, like ball control, blocking and shots, but I think leadership may be the biggest thing she will come back with,” Donahue said. “When you represent your country on a grand scale you kind of naturally become a little more of a leader.”

Trevino said it has been difficult transitioning back into a regular class and volleyball schedule, especially with a broken finger on her left hand, which will put her out of play for a few weeks. Still, she is eager to get back.

“It was a great experience and hopefully I will get to do it again,” Trevino said.