North Iredell grad, Anderson University junior taking her volleyball game, faith to Brazil
For Emily Campbell, there is plenty to look forward to when she travels to Rio de Janeiro in May.
USA Sports Tours & Events selected the junior at South Carolina's Anderson University as a member of the NCAA Division II American volleyball team that will compete against Brazilian international squads.
The USA D-2 volleyball team's 2026 Brazil Tour will mark the first time Campbell has been outside the United States. Right away, there is the travel intrigue.
But it's more than that for the former North Iredell High School volleyball standout, and more than the chance to showcase her volleyball skills internationally.
Campbell also sees this trip as another opportunity to share her Christian faith.
"That's definitely one of my own priorities," Campbell said.
"I'm a volleyball player but, ultimately, I am a Christ follower so anywhere I go it's another opportunity to be able to do that."
Campbell is among 20 NCAA Division II volleyball players headed to Brazil. She and Anderson University teammate Mia Elder will be members of the 10-player Blue team. There is also a 10-player Red team.
The volleyball tour is May 11-20. It begins with orientation in Orlando, Florida, on Monday, May 11, followed by the departure for Rio.
There will be practice Tuesday, May 12, at the Barra Marina Clube in Barra Tijuca. Initial competitions Wednesday and Thursday feature matchups against to-be-determined Brazilian squads. The "International Challenge" on Saturday, May 16, will have them playing two matches versus Fluminense and Barra Mansa Volei Clube.
"I only have four years of playing (volleyball in college) so taking advantage of every opportunity that I'm given is a big priority," Campbell said. "The knowledge and skill I'll gain through this team and the new coaches and new players, competing at the international level, I'll be able to take back to my team this coming fall."
Campbell helped the Anderson University volleyball team reach the NCAA Division II Sweet 16 for the second time in program history last fall. She had 10 kills, four blocks and three aces in the Trojans' region final loss and was selected to the NCAA Regional All-Tournament team.
The 6-foot middle blocker finished her junior season with 294 kills and 110 blocks. She was selected to the All-South Atlantic Conference regular season and tournament teams and named an American Volleyball Coaches Association All-American honorable mention.
She excelled as a middle blocker in high school as well. A three-time All-Iredell County selection, Campbell played a strong role in North Iredell's 3A state championship season in 2022 and 3A state runner-up finish in 2021 as a junior.
While in Brazil, the USA D-2 team will conduct a youth clinic at the Marina Barra Clube, hosted by the Ripper Volei Clube as part of their "social outreach project." This popular outreach opportunity for the USA D-2 volleyball team is already filled to capacity.
Experiencing educational, cultural, and social aspects of Brazilian life through city, school and sports club visits also awaits.
The USA teams will stay on the famous Copacabana Beach - location for the 2016 Rio Olympic Beach Volleyball - and visit the Christ the Redeemer Statue and Sugar Loaf Mountain, two of the most recognizable landmarks in the world. They will also visit the popular international market in Ipanema and Ipanema Beach.
Campbell looks forward to it all, including building relationships with other talented Division II players and advancing her volleyball career.
"It's testament to the Lord's faithfulness to me in my sport," she said.
"That's the whole reason I play volleyball is because it's a gift from the Lord."
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