When Vivica Bretton, a junior student-athlete on Winona State women’s basketball team, received an invitation to join a basketball tour in Greece, her initial reaction was one of uncertainty. 

The prospect of a ten-day overseas adventure seemed daunting. However, with the encouragement of her parents, she embarked on this journey, and little did she know, it would become a transformative experience that would shape her both as an athlete and as a person.

Bretton’s trip to Greece was not just about basketball; it was a cultural exchange, an opportunity to connect with players from across the United States and Greece, and a chance to seek mentorship from seasoned coaches.

The trip was organized by Beyond Sports, a women’s basketball collegiate group, and was an invite-only event. Bretton’s parents joined her on this adventure, making it a family experience that would leave a lasting impact.

“I’m so thankful for the opportunity to get to know the girls that I spent this trip with,” she said. “It meant everything to go to Greece and represent the United States. I was very proud to talk to the opposing teams after the game and let them know that our team is made up of all different kinds of girls from across the U.S., different cultures, backgrounds, and playing styles. We were able to come together as one and showcase our skills, personality, and different experiences on the court.”

A Cultural Exchange

The journey began in Athens, where Bretton and her teammates settled into their accommodations and got to know each other. They held their first practice in a unique facility, a small, non-air-conditioned barn in the heart of Athens. This early experience of adapting to a different environment set the tone for the entire trip.

With players hailing from various parts of the U.S., each with different playing styles, the challenge was to come together as a team and understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses. This adjustment phase was crucial and served as a valuable lesson in teamwork and communication.

Throughout the trip, the team played four games, two in Athens and two in Thessaloniki. These games were played under FIBA rules, which required further adaptation to a different style of play. 

Despite the initial learning curve, Bretton’s team managed to secure victories in all four games. Beyond the competition, what truly stood out was the opportunity to connect with the opposing teams. Conversations with Greek players allowed Bretton to learn about their experiences, creating a bridge between cultures.

Leadership, Communication, and Mentorship

One of the most significant takeaways from this journey was the development of leadership and communication skills. Playing alongside 14 girls who were leaders on their respective college teams was a unique experience. Each player brought their own leadership style to the table, and Bretton absorbed these lessons, eager to bring them back to her team at Winona State.

Communication became a central theme of the trip. Being on a team with players she had never met before required over-communication. Bretton learned to express herself clearly and effectively, a skill she knew would benefit her in her college basketball career.

An exercise that stood out during the trip was asking each player why they played basketball. This simple question revealed deeper insights into each player’s motivations and personalities. It was a tactic that Bretton found invaluable, as it helped her understand her teammates on a more profound level.

Beyond Basketball

The trip to Greece was about more than just basketball. It was an opportunity for Bretton to expand her horizons and step out of her comfort zone. Traveling and exploring Greece with 30 girls she had never met before was initially intimidating, but it turned into one of the best experiences of her life.

Bretton’s openness to exploring different cultures, trying new foods, and learning about the Greek language and customs enriched her as a person. It broadened her perspective and made her a more well-rounded individual. These experiences not only made her a better basketball player but also a better communicator, leader, and teammate.

As Bretton reflects on this life-changing journey, she is filled with gratitude for the opportunity to represent the United States in Greece. The connections she made with people from different cultures and backgrounds have left a lasting impact on her. She looks forward to bringing these experiences and newfound skills back to her team at Winona State, where she hopes to inspire her teammates and continue her growth as a player and a person.

Bretton’s journey to Greece was not just a basketball trip; it was a transformative adventure that will shape her future both on and off the court.

“By keeping an open mind, I was able to learn a lot about the culture of Greece, also about the girls, and that opened us up to having a great connection, and overall I think made me a better basketball player as I learned different ways to communicate with people, lead, and work with others,” she concluded.