Now, Harper will travel to Italy, Montenegro and Croatia for Bring It Promotions Ninth Annual European Global Challenge in Pula, Croatia.

"I'm thrilled to bring Carson-Newman overseas," Harper said.  "I want to bring the skills I learn over there back to my teammates so we can get better for the fall."

The four-day tournament will host junior national teams, youth national teams, and elite women's club teams from Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Montenegro, Slovenia, Russia, Romania, as well as the United States. Tournament play is set for July 15-18. 

Harper is one of four current college players making the trip. 

She said she hopes to up her abilities against some different competition. 

"It always brings a new aspect to our game," Harper said. "It's nice to learn from other countries on how they do things.

"I'm hoping to use it as a preaseason before the preseason. Hopefully it'll enable me to up my game before we even get rolling."

Between this trip and the missions trip to Nicaragua last year, Harper said it's stunning how good God's grace is.

"I never dreamed I'd have the opportunity to go to either Nicaragua or Europe when I came here," Harper said. "Hard work and effort pays off, God is watching us all the time.  I'm just blessed and glad to honor Him with these opportunities."

ROSTER

Rachel Harper, Carson-Newman (TN)

Lexi Potter, Wingate University (NC)

Shelly Stumpff, Wingate University (NC)

Shannon Craighead, Stetson University (FL)

Lisa Dunleavy, Barron Collier High School/University of Miami (FL)

Madison Sox, Fletcher High School/Florida Region High Performance (FL)

Corinne Quiggle, Ponte Vedra High School/Florida Region High Performance (FL)

Layne Hoke, Palmer High School/USA National High Performance (CO)

Genna Locke, Kettle Moraine High School/USA National High Performance (WI)

-CN-