Leach Reflects on VOLeaders Vietnam Experience

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Earlier this month Tennessee softball player Aubrey Leach had the unique opportunity to visit Vietnam with the VOLeaders Academy.

Leach and the rest of the VOLeaders embarked on a 13-day trip to study abroad in one of Asia's most beautiful countries, where they worked with children in orphanages, volunteered at various sport skill camps and visited with university students. The VOLeaders also visited the embassy, museums and cultural destinations important to Vietnamese heritage.

The program is unlike any in the country, spanning the boundaries of three different areas of campus, from academics to student life and athletics. It partners athletics with two of the most unique and respected programs on campus for the development of the student-athletes.

By using their platform in sport, student-athletes admitted into the VOLeaders Academy learn how to positively impact their team, campus and local and global communities.

Now in its second year, the program aims to inspire student-athletes to find ways to use their passion of sport and their influence to enact positive change that transcends their athletic success.

"When we go global to these international destinations it gives our student-athletes an opportunity to broaden their horizons and understand what sport can do to address some of these issues that they see in these countries and how it expands their understanding of the impact that they can make within their teams, in the community and around the world," said Dr. Joe Scogin, Senior Associate Athletics Director, Assistant Provost and Director of the Thornton Center.

UTSports.com was able to catch up with Leach and ask her a few questions about here experience in Vietnam. Check out her responses below.

What were some of the things you did while in Vietnam?
"We visited many of the sport facilities in both Ho Chi Minh in the south and in Hanoi in the north. We met up with crucial members and athletes from Vietnam's Olympic and Para-Olympic teams. While there we also put on a few sports camps for local children in the community. We put on our basketball camp in partnership with members of the Saigon Heat, which is one of Vietnam's pro teams. Also while in HCMC (Ho Chi Minh City) we attended an orphanage, where we gifted the kids a bunch of sports equipment and played with them, connecting and learning from the amazing selfless people who raise the children and make them feel like they have somewhere to belong to. We traveled the bustling city at night finding wonderful street food and the insanely large night markets. The locals were very welcoming and treated us so well. As we traveled north we made stops at the Agent Orange care facility where people in the fourth generation are suffering still from the repercussions of the war. We also visited the Blue Dragon Children's Foundation where they focus in on helping and stopping human trafficking, which is very prominent in the region. Hanoi was the more traditional and rural based city where we got to see the Vietnam we all expected to see. We ended the trip with an excursion through Ha Long Bay, which consisted of hiking, sea plane rides, kayaking and cave exploration."

What did you enjoy most about your trip to Vietnam?
"I enjoyed the culture of Vietnam. The way the people had so much selflessness and were always so grateful for what they had. It is represented in their food and the care and pride that goes into what they do. They work hard and keep their family close, it was a fantastic experience."

What was the biggest difference or culture shock you experienced on the trip?
"The biggest shock I experienced was the traffic. They never stop moving. The stop lights and road signs are more of a suggestion to them. They bob and weave through each other seamlessly, never crashing or causing any jams. We even u-turned in the middle of the street and no one acted like it was anything new."

What are some of the takeaways you'll remember from your trip and your overall experience with the VOLeaders?
"I will forever keep this trip close to me. This trip experience was the best two weeks of my life. I have learned so much about myself and who I am, and how to use what I know and give back to my team and my community. I have defiantly changed my perspectives and have been able to take away a lot from being in the VOLeaders."

What is something you learned or experienced on your trip that you can bring back and share with your team?
"I really liked the tenacity and the grit the people of Vietnam showed. They were so grateful for what they had and they make the most of every situation. There is no quit in the people and I think my team could really learn from that. Making more out of the chances we have and always being grateful for everything we are given."

University of Tennessee Athletics

Players Mentioned

Aubrey Leach

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