WESTERVILLE, Ohio – Rising junior Emerson Baum spent nearly two weeks in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil competing for the USA D-3 Volleyball's Red Team as part of the World Outreach / Brazil Tour.
   
The USA D-3 Volleyball Teams are composed of nationally and regionally recognized NCAA Division III players that are invited from across the country. Last season, Baum earned First Team All-Region and All-OAC honors and later was crowned a Second Team All-American by the AVCA. There were 10 players from nine different institutions on the Red Team with Baum, with the Blue Team boasting another 10 accomplished players. 

After the teams arrived in Orlando for an orientation, the squads headed to Brazil to prepare for competition. The teams played in Barra Tijuca at the Marina Barra Clube and the TC Tijuca club before an International Challenge to conclude the competition. 

"Playing in Brazil was a once in a lifetime experience. Getting to play alongside Division III athletes from all over the country was something I never envisioned myself getting the opportunity to do," said Baum. 

The two teams played against some of the most prestigious and nationally recognized club teams in Brazil, including Flamengo and Fluminense. Outside of volleyball, the team experienced educational, cultural and social aspects of Brazilian life through city, school and sports club visits. The squad stayed on the famous Copacabana Beach, home of the 2016 Rio Olympic Games Beach Volleyball court. 

In the midst of the World Cup, Baum experienced a watch party for the Brazilian National Team, where they defeated Japan 2-1. The players also visited Brazilian landmarks, Christ the Redeemer and Sugar Loaf Mountain. 

"I was truly able to embrace Brazilian culture watching the World Cup matches," added Baum. "The fans are so passionate and energetic."

The Red Team was coached by Dubuque head coach, Karrah Davis, who led the Spartans to the NCAA Tournament a season ago, peaking as high as No. 18 in the AVCA Division III Poll.