The Drake University volleyball team spent 12 days in Brazil, for its 2022 Foreign Tour. The team departed from Des Moines and June 1 and returned on June 12.
 
The Bulldogs last Foreign Tour occurred prior to the 2018 season when they traveled to Costa Rica. A foreign tour was scheduled for 2020, but was postponed due to the pandemic.

The team stayed on Copacabana Beach throughout the duration of the trip. 
 
Drake played four matches while in the South American country and went 3-1 against dominant competition. The team also had the opportunity to train at the Brazilian National Training Center in Saquarema, the home of the national team. While there, the team visited a school on the property and played with local kids.
 
When the Bulldogs were not playing volleyball, they visited different landmarks in the country. With stops at Christ the Redeemer and Sugar Loaf Mountain, the team was able to explore the city of Rio De Janeiro. They also stayed on Copacabana Beach while in Rio.
 
Senior Taylor Oberpillar said, "I loved being able to explore Rio by seeing Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain. Those were probably things I won't be able to see again, so I am very grateful to have this experience.
 
The Bulldogs also made a stop in São Paulo. They visited the tallest building, which included a 1.5-ton chandelier.
 
Throughout the trip, the team experienced local cuisine which included lots of meats, mainly steak.
 
This trip was extra special for senior Mariana Rodriguez, as she was able to visit her home country for the first time since Christmas. She said, "It was an amazing trip. I loved being able to share a bit of my culture and country with my teammates. This trip is now one of my favorite memories at Drake."