When Greece's Erini Bitsaktsi and Italy's Giulia "Gigi" Gainelli arrived at Tennessee State, they were prepared for a new country and a new team. What they didn't expect was just how different the game — and the culture surrounding it — would be from what they knew in Europe.

"In the position that I play [libero], we usually do not serve," Bitsaktsi said. "So that's something different that I have to try and adapt to and train. Another difference we have is the subs — you have so many subs in a set that we don't have. And, the mentality, maybe of our coaches and our players, is kind of different."

Gainelli, a setter, echoed the challenge of adjusting to new rules.

"There are different rules, especially for the liberos, because in Europe they don't serve," she said. "And also, for the subs, we have like five subs per set, so it's different. But yes, it's nice to have the opportunity to play here and see how the rules are and the level of play."

For Bitsaktsi, a freshman, the transition has been made easier by her teammates' support.

"I love the practice," she said with a smile. "Every girl is so supportive of each other, and they try their best, and they run all the time. That's amazing."

She added that her biggest takeaway so far has been learning the importance of focus and family.

"I have to be focused every day and try my best to help the team with effort and discipline," Bitsaktsi said. "And that I'm basically in a new family right now. Everyone should support each other, have each other's back and just know that everyone is there for you — and you will be there for everyone."

For Gainelli, the adjustment wasn't just about rules or culture. She began the season recovering from an injury, which meant contributing from the sidelines.

"The injury didn't help — this preseason was basically to know each other and find connections and be something big together," she said. "I really appreciated the support of the girls and coach. They were always there for me, even if I was outside. I tried to give all I have, even from off the court, trying to help them and be there for them. But now I'm back, so I'm just super excited. I can't wait. And I'm trying to give, of course, all I have to also make it up for what they did while I wasn't on the court."

Now fully healthy, Gainelli said her excitement to return is hard to contain.

"I can't wait to play, to be around these girls and play all together, give all we have," she said. "We are such a young group, and a lot of us are new. We of course have to work, but I'm super excited to see where we can go."

Head coach Donika Sutton said international players like Bitsaktsi and Gainelli bring more than just skill to the program.

"I love how all of my international student-athletes are so eager, bright-eyed and grateful for the opportunity put before them," Sutton said. "They work hard no matter how they feel. They are very dedicated to getting it right and being a great player for this program."

Sutton added that both players have already shown resilience through preseason injuries.

"Their court time has been limited, but it has given me a chance to see how big their hearts are and how much they are willing to give when they can't physically," she said.

She also praised their influence on a young roster.

"They both show a calmness, experience from the international league and maturity that all international student-athletes possess," Sutton said.

Gainelli's resilience has become an example for the team.

"Gainelli's positive spirit and unwavering support has helped to soften the hard days for her and her teammates," Sutton said. "While she was out, you could count on her to cheer her teammates on, give words of encouragement and be kind to her teammates and staff. That is what being a good teammate is all about."

Both Bitsaktsi and Gainelli said their biggest hope this season is to help Tennessee State reach its goals.

"I just hope my team will achieve their goals," Bitsaktsi said. "And yeah, I'll be there whenever they need me, just try to help more."

Gainelli agreed.

"I'm super excited to see where we can go," she said. "We're young, but we can do a lot."

For Tennessee State volleyball, that mix of youthful energy and international poise may be the formula for something special.