BARBOURVILLE, Ky. - The Union College volleyball team recently traveled to Nicaragua as a part of Bring it Promotion.

Union's head coach Whitney Erb has been associated with Bring it Promotions since 2003 as a player and as a coach since 2007. This summer she introduced the Lady Bulldogs to the organization. The trip took the squad to the nation to play volleyball and reach out to the community.

"It opens the doors for international competition, educational and cultural experiences," Erb commented. "It also provided the team with an opportunity to do, volunteer work and team bonding."

The trip lasted eight days. The squad spent time serving the community in volunteer work, playing volleyball and exploring the country. Union visited schools, orphanages, women's shelters and special need centers. Also, the team was able to collect and deliver over 500 pounds worth of donations to give to the organizations.

"The difference of this Nicaragua trip compared to any other traveling I had done before was the community outreach," Erb added. "It was so rewarding to not only experience international volleyball, but to help out the local communities as well."

The Union players were able to keep an updated online journal during the trip to provide family, friends and fans with pictures and stories from the trip.

"This trip has impacted the lives of our players and has made a closer team. I look forward to more traveling in the future," Erb concluded.

Union finished the 2009 season 25-12 with a runner-up finish in the Appalachian Athletic Conference tournament.

For additional trip information, click here.