For the first time in 45 years, Vanderbilt volleyball is back—and they’re already making history. This month, the team will embark on a 10-day tour of Japan, where they will train and scrimmage with local teams in Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo. Throughout the trip, they’ll immerse themselves in high-level athletic training while experiencing Japanese culture, language and tradition.
For many players, it will be their first time leaving the United States—a transformative experience made possible through a cross-campus partnership of Athletics, the Global Safety and Health team and the Department of Asian Studies.
Radical collaboration in action
Planning for the trip began with a connection between the Volleyball program and Vanderbilt’s Global Safety and Health team, which supports university-affiliated international travel. Tyler Walker, assistant director of Global Safety and Health, and Kimberly Williams, director of operations for volleyball, worked together to develop a “Preparing for Japan” miniseries to make sure the group felt informed, confident and excited for international travel.
The collaboration was first sparked by Sabrina Kronk, Vanderbilt’s finance and travel manager and key member of the university’s travel support network. She connected Williams with the Global Safety and Health team.
After learning Walker had lived in Japan, spoke the language and also played volleyball, the partnership took off.
Tyler Walker leads a session on culture shock for the Vanderbilt volleyball team on March 5. (Vanderbilt University)
Spring sessions lay the groundwork
From February through April, the team participated in six interactive workshops and discussions designed specifically for the student-athletes and staff to build cultural understanding and confidence. Topics ranged from culture shock to basic Japanese to etiquette. Walker led the sessions alongside senior lecturer Asami Nakano from the Department of Asian Studies. A final, in-person pre-departure orientation on May 19 will cover safety practices and travel logistics. The team departs May 24 and will return June 3.
“Working with Global Safety and Health and the volleyball team has been an incredible experience,” Nakano said. “The Japanese phrase ‘一期一会‘ (ichigo ichie) resonates deeply with this opportunity, reminding us to seize the moment and make the most of it. I truly hope young, bright Vandy athletes will gain invaluable global perspectives and experiences through opportunities like this visit to Japan.”
Opposite Gigi Mason said the sessions have helped bridge the cultural gap for the team.
“Taking these classes and learning about the culture of Japan,” she said, “reassures us that although we’re outsiders coming in, we won’t truly be like fish out of water.”
Mason is especially excited to explore Japan’s rich cultural heritage. “Usually, you don’t see that kind of history in America, but those types of structures have been there for hundreds of years and are still preserved.”
The Vanderbilt volleyball team poses for a picture with senior lecturer Asami Nakano and Tyler Walker. (Vanderbilt University)
Beyond the court: Gearing up for the season
More than a series of matches, this journey gives the team a chance to strengthen their connection, gain global perspective and sharpen their skills ahead of their debut season.
“This trip is an incredible opportunity for our team to not only challenge themselves physically by competing against elite international teams, but also to grow mentally through immersion in a new culture and environment,” Williams said.
She added, “These classroom sessions have been a powerful way to collaborate with campus partners and make the most of Vanderbilt’s resources in preparing for this experience. A huge thank-you to Tyler for planning the content for our sessions, and to Professor Nakano for equipping our team with essential Japanese language and cultural knowledge ahead of our travels.”
Get an inside look at the team’s journey in Japan by following @VandyVolleyball on social media.
AloJapan.com