July 11, 2008

PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Providence College head women's volleyball coach Margot Royer and current Friar Jeanette Toney recently enjoyed trips to Australia and Peru, respectively, as part of a tour sponsored by USA Athletes International. Royer was selected to coach a group of collegiate athletes in a tournament held in Australia. Toney played for a team sponsored by USA Athletes International in a tournament held in Peru.

Royer's team was comprised of six collegians from several programs across the country. The group flew to Sydney and played three regional club teams from New South Wales, Australia and Manly, Australia. In addition to the team's playing schedule, the group also toured the Sydney Opera House, walked across Harbor Bridge and toured the Rocks (original settlement). The team also few to Brisbane and took part in surfing and kayaking. Royer's team competed against the Queensland Academy of Sport National Junior and National Senior teams. Royer has been selected to coach for USA Athletes International again in the summer of 2009 during a tour to Scotland.

Toney traveled to Peru on her tour from May 22-31 and was coached by current Quinnipiac head coach, Sue Medley. Upon arrival to Cuzco, the team did a great deal of sightseeing, including a trip to Machupicchu, which is one of the seven world wonders. The squad also visited Incan ruins. After four days in Cuzco, the team flew back to Lima, where they played the Peruvian National Team (twice), and Italian team and a Peruvian professional club. In addition to Toney's playing schedule in Peru, her team also ran a clinic at a local elementary school in Lima for girls ages 12-14.

Royer and Toney rejoin the Friars for the start of Providence College's regular-season schedule that begins on Friday, August 29 versus Canisius at the Hampton University Tournament in Hampton, Va.