Mercyhurst volleyball coaches travel to Turkey as sports envoys
You can be among a stadium full of fans, all cheering for the same team, and never once question your neighbors’ politics, seatmates’ religious beliefs, or supporters’ ethnicity. In a way, there is no finer form of diplomacy than sports diplomacy, and it is particularly effective among today’s young people.
From May 6-16, Mercyhurst University’s Ryan Patton, Head Coach for Women’s Volleyball, and Jenell Patton, Assistant Volleyball Coach, will be representing the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Exchange Programs as invited guests in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth & Sports Federation of Turkey.
Both say it is extremely rewarding to balance their love of sports with their commitment to service and look forward to the opportunity of sharing it with others.
“Being selected as a sports envoy is an incredible honor,” Ryan said. “The chance to meet, collaborate with, and learn from people from a different part of the world, based on our shared love of volleyball and sport, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I am hopeful and confident that through this common interest and our time together, our part in the Sports Envoy program will foster mutual respect and understanding and pave the way for deeper connections between people of our countries in the future.”
Since the Mercyhurst volleyball team has two Turkish players on their roster, the Pattons will be providing information on how Turkish coaches can have their players recruited to play at the various levels of intercollegiate athletics in the United States. They will also be providing other workshops for club coaches and university students.
“Sports Envoys are athletes and coaches who travel overseas to lead programs that were developed by U.S. embassies and consulates,” according to the program’s website. “These American coaches and athletes hold sports clinics for young people and their coaches, participate in community outreach activities, and engage youth in a dialogue on the importance of leadership and respect for diversity.”
Ryan is entering his 20th year as head coach of the Lakers; Jenell is beginning her 16th year with the team and 13th year with Campus Ministry.