3/25/25
In the warm coastal air of Puerto Rico, two Division III men’s volleyball programs found something more valuable than wins and losses this March. The Buffalo State Bengals and the Edgewood Eagles embarked on a journey that transcended traditional competition, creating an experience that merged athletic development with cultural immersion and team bonding.
A Homecoming and a New Beginning
For Buffalo State’s Head Coach Dan Miranda, the trip held personal significance. Born in Puerto Rico before moving to Buffalo at a young age, bringing his team to the island represented both a homecoming and the fulfillment of a long-held coaching dream.
“We have students from Puerto Rico on our roster. We wanted to be able to give them a home match in front of their friends and family while also demonstrating to the rest of the team what home means to them,” Miranda explained. “Truly a special experience.”
This sentiment of connection resonated deeply with Edgewood’s Head Coach Jeff “JT” Thomas, who sought to create an environment where his team could grow both on and off the court.
“I wanted to take the team somewhere warm for an extended spring break trip where we could play some good competition while having time to spend together bonding and enjoying some authentic food,” Thomas shared.
Cultural Immersion Through Competition
The teams faced a unique blend of opponents, including local Puerto Rican university teams that showcased different playing styles. Coach Miranda noted the distinctive approach of Universidad de Puerto Rico-Río Piedras: “The biggest difference was in their efficiency. They played fast but never really beat themselves with errors. They waited for opportunities rather than taking big risks.”
For many players, adapting to the local conditions became part of the challenge and growth experience. The international volleyballs used in matches had a different feel, lighter and more beach ball-like according to Coach Miranda. The facilities lacked air conditioning, creating hot and humid playing conditions that tested the teams’ resilience and adaptability.
Coach Thomas observed, “It definitely took us some time to adjust to the conditions… as well as playing with the FIVB ball was a big change we had to adapt to in the serve and pass game.”
Building Bridges Through Sport
Perhaps the most powerful aspect of the trip was how it opened players’ eyes to different cultures and perspectives. For Buffalo State, seeing their Puerto Rican teammates in their home environment created deeper understanding.
“Puerto Ricans and Hispanic culture is very proud and spirited,” Coach Miranda reflected. “The guys got a firsthand look and better understanding of who the guys on their team are and why they are the way they are.”
While language barriers occasionally presented challenges, Edgewood’s Coach Thomas emphasized how their tour guide facilitated meaningful connections throughout the week. “Having a native tour guide was extremely helpful and essential to our ability to communicate with parents that traveled and to our team’s cadence for the week.”
Competitive Highlights
The competition itself provided unforgettable moments. Edgewood’s match against Universidad Ana G. Méndez—described by Coach Thomas as “the island’s top men’s team”—became a highlight despite ending in a four-set loss.
“Our most memorable moment was how well we blocked throughout the match, recording 5 blocks in set 1, 6 in set 2, and 3 in sets 3 and 4,” Thomas recounted with pride.
For Buffalo State, the variety of competition—from UPR teams to matches against Warner and Edgewood—provided exactly what they needed heading into conference play. “The level of play was exactly what we needed to prepare for the tail end of our season,” said Coach Miranda. “We’re extremely hungry to compete in our first ever conference tournament, and trips like these that get us used to travel and out of our comfort zone help us prep for those big-time moments.”
Lasting Impact
As both teams returned to their campuses, they carried more than just memories of tropical beaches and volleyball courts. They brought back a transformed perspective on teamwork, appreciation, and the global nature of their sport.
“This trip was an incredible once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that helped our guys build an appreciation for all of the blessings they have been given as student-athletes,” Coach Miranda reflected. “Certainly a trip for perspective, and hopefully a trip we will be able to do again in the near future.”
Coach Thomas echoed these sentiments, seeing clear benefits for his program’s future: “This trip certainly helped us focus on the team game more while remaining focused on the details. It will certainly help our younger guys have a greater appreciation for the different styles of play and welcome opportunities for more talent to join our future roster.”
Both coaches enthusiastically recommend similar experiences to other D3 programs, recognizing that the value extends far beyond the scoreboard. Their teams returned home with strengthened bonds, broader perspectives, and a renewed passion for the game that will fuel their competitive fire for seasons to come.
In the world of Division III athletics, where the student-athlete experience is paramount, Buffalo State and Edgewood College demonstrated that sometimes the most impactful coaching happens when teams step outside their comfort zones and into new worlds—where volleyball becomes not just a game, but a bridge between cultures.
