'They are not afraid to play handball'

A few citing it as the best week of their lives, youth athletes finished their friendly competitive German trip over the weekend with improved skills, more confidence and excitement for the game.

“The Germany handball trip was honestly one of the best weeks of my life,” said Autumn Surage, 16, of Colorado. “I didn't want to leave. The other teams were very welcoming; getting the chance to exist in a new culture was a wonderful experience. I got to see a new side to handball and now have more passion for the sport than before. Both the girls and boys team got along like a family and together supported one another. In the end, it was an experience I will never, and hope to never, forget.”

While staying in Dormagen for six days, the U18 Men’s and Women’s squads played a total of nine matches against German youth squads of various proficiency levels. The men won half of their matches; the women were victorious in three out of five, losing by three points or less in the other two:

RESULTS - MEN
USA 32, U17 TSV Bayer Dormagen 41
USA 40, TSG Benrath 23
USA 26, U18 TSV Bayer Dormagen 35
USA 32, U17 TSV Bayer Dormagen II 15

RESULTS - WOMEN
USA 25, Pulheimer SC 14
USA 42, TSG Benrath 11
USA 25, U18 SG Zons 9
USA 27, U18 Neusser HV 29
USA 26, U18 TSV Bayer Leverkusen 29

Mika Maunula, head coach for the men, said there was a "big unknown" before the trip as to what the level of handball is internationally for this age group, but the athletes were able to quickly adjust and learn.

“I think they grew as players and got a wider understanding of what handball is all about – what they need to work on, where they are pretty good,” Maunula said. “We can play a hard game. They were not afraid to get hit or jump into holes. They are not afraid to play handball. Handball is a hard sport, so you can’t be afraid to get tackled … Give these guys opportunities to play and we’ll have a good team.”

As the trip progressed, the athletes began to strategize on the court more and sought opportunities left open by the other teams. In their last game, the women completed two lob shots. But throughout the week, where they lacked technical finesse, they compensated with superior athleticism.

“We wore the other teams down,” said Greg Morava, head coach for the women. “I nicknamed them my horses. They were my 15 daughters over there, but on the court, they were horses. They weren’t always handball experts but man, they are such good athletes. The other teams, after the games, said, ‘We’re tired; your girls wore us out.’ They were some of the best athletes they’ve ever seen. Mistakes, I expected. Turnovers, I expected. But athletically, we got them beat. We have a lot to do yet, but we’re moving in the right direction.”

Although competing, the two American teams were welcomed by the German clubs, such as TSG Benrath, which hosted a memorable barbeque. The men's and women's teams practiced daily, and had the opportunity to work with Bundesliga coaches. According to Dan Bush, athletic trainer and national team administrator, the athletes were excited to watch Bundesliga matches for the first time: TSV Dormagen vs. HSG Wetzlar (24-31) and VFL Gummersbach vs. HSG Dusseldorf (31-18).

“It was like junior high school football players going to watch the NFL. They were excited and into it, jumping, yelling and screaming. They were excited to see a competitive game and to see how it is handled professionally. They were even more excited, however, to actually play competitive games against people who have been playing for years,” Bush said.

 On the trip to Germany:

“Having the USA on the back of our jerseys, knowing that we were not only representing our school, city, or state, but representing our country, the United States of America, was absolutely thrilling. As Coach Greg stated, ‘This is not the end of anything, but the beginning of everything.’ And Coach Kathy, ‘This is the opportunity of a lifetime.’

Thank you Coach Greg, Coach Kathy, Dan and USA Team Handball for providing such an incredible debut to our team handball career. The trip to Germany was, in every way, an incredible and memorable experience. We were blessed to be a part of it.” - Kate Louthan, 15

“To be given the opportunity to represent the United States as an athlete is truly the greatest honor I could imagine. To get the chance to gain knowledge and understanding of the game in the handball capitol of the world made this trip a great experience not only for me but for our team. We grew together and experienced successes nobody really expected from us.” - Simon Thaler, 17

“The trip was amazing. The people on both teams connected well; there was good chemistry on and off the court. The games were well scheduled. It was good to see the pros and kids our age play. I think the best part was just being in the European environment and getting to see the culture. I would never change any part of that experience and grateful I got to be there with those people.” - Quincey Jackson, 17

“It was so far the best life experience. We hadn't yet had any real games and to play our first real games there was amazing. I feel honored and grateful to have been chosen to represent our country and this sport.” - Kaunaloa Kama, 15

“The trip was absolutely amazing. Everything about it was great. The coaches were great, our hosts were great, my teammates, on both the girls and boys teams, were great, and of course the handball was fantastic. The only bad thing about this trip was the fact that it was only for one week.

“I feel very honored and lucky that I got to represent the USA in one of the best handball playing countries with such amazing people, and I'm definitely looking forward to doing it again, hopefully very soon.” - Farida Abou-zeida, 18

"This trip had an immense effect on all of the players that none of us could have forseen. Throughout the week, everyone built up bonds with each other can never be broken. Both teams are like family now, and I would do anything for them.

"The atmosphere of both teams' second game was incredible. The national anthem playing, and the American flag overlooking the game filled all of us with great pride, and motivated us to play our best and hardest.

"This once in a lifetime trip gave us valuable experience to take our games to the next level, and the Bundesliga games gave us a glimpse of what we could achieve in the near future. Drums pounding, horns blaring, people yelling, the Bundesliga game was like being at a college basketball game.

"I will take memories from this trip that I will never forget." - John Bellard, 17

“I would say Germany was a great success for USA Team Handball because the U18 Men's team didn't take just baby steps, we took giant steps. Usually a fresh team like us has to play together for at least a season to be able to know each other as well as we already know each other after just one week of camp in Colorado and then Germany.

"I think for playing for nine years of handball in Switzerland I have a lot of experience and I think to be able to win against two German teams is great for a fresh team like us.

“USA Team Handball is on a roll and soon we will be able to reach high goals.” - Devin Holman, 17

“It was a privilege to play for my country and as always in team sports, it was thrilling to work toward a common goal with a group of passionate, dedicated youth.” - Molly Augustine, 19

“We thought the week in Germany for the kids was great. The kids got along great and I think was a good experience for the whole team.” - Peter Hoddersen, father of Lea, 17, and Lynn, 15