For Mount Royal Cougars men’s volleyball standouts Ryan John and Grant Hill, the 2025 TeamUp Cup in Paraguay was more than just an international competition—it was a life-changing journey that redefined their understanding of community, culture, and connection through sport.
From May 1–12, John and Hill traveled to Loma Plata in Paraguay’s rural Chaco region, joining a select group of U SPORTS athletes from across Canada to represent the “Canada Plays” team. The TeamUp Cup wasn’t solely about high-level volleyball. While the team competed against clubs from Paraguay, Mennonite colonies, and even a squad from Argentina, the deeper mission of the trip centered on service, personal growth, and cross-cultural engagement.
“This trip was life-changing for my perspective,” said Hill. “It helped me gain a different point of view in both sport and everyday life.”
After arriving in Paraguay’s capital, Asunción, the team spent a few days settling in—holding their first volleyball practice and bonding over a relaxed barbecue and some impromptu soccer. But it wasn’t long before the real adventure began. The group traveled north to the Chaco region, a vast area known for its agricultural roots and tightly-knit Mennonite communities.
“We stayed in an Airbnb with about 20 of us, and scrimmaged a local Mennonite team in their community,” said John. “It was amazing to see how the whole community came out to watch. It wasn’t just a game—it felt like a cultural event.”
The tournament itself featured a mix of friendly and competitive matches. Teams included the Paraguayan U21 national team, local clubs, Mennonite communities, and a team from Argentina. John and Hill both got valuable court time—John playing in the final and Hill making key contributions in the semifinal.
“We had a few close matches,” John recalled. “In the semifinal, we went to five sets against a really solid team. The crowd was electric. One of the guys from Trinity Western, Zack Yewchuk, had this crazy eight-point serving run that turned the game around. Everyone was going nuts.”
Despite the intensity of the games, the tournament was less about titles and more about togetherness. The players rotated through matches to ensure everyone had a chance to contribute, reinforcing the idea that this experience was about unity and growth over accolades.
Off the court, the heart of the trip was in its outreach. The athletes spent several days volunteering in underserved communities, partnering with a local church to help develop a soccer field and install play equipment. The work was hands-on, often challenging, and deeply rewarding.
“We split into groups,” said John. “Some guys worked on swing sets for kids, others painted, and some cleared the field. It was real labor, but it brought us closer together, and it connected us to the community in a meaningful way.”
Another major part of their outreach was visiting local schools. Over several days, the athletes ran volleyball and soccer clinics, played games, and spent time with kids—most of whom spoke only Spanish. But even with the language barrier, connections formed quickly.
“The kids were amazing,” John said. “They’d play tag with us, steal our hats, and just laugh the whole time. Even though we couldn’t speak to each other, there was so much joy. That kind of connection—pure and simple—was unforgettable.”
These moments reshaped both athletes’ views on poverty and happiness.
“Seeing those communities changed how I think about poverty,” John shared. “Even though they had less materially, they seemed genuinely happy. In Canada, we’re always rushing from one place to another. There, life is slower. People prioritize relationships. It showed me that poverty isn’t just about stuff; even though they may have less stuff than we do, some of these communities are happier than we are, which I thought was unique. And I think we can learn a little bit from that.”
The TeamUp Cup also gave John and Hill the chance to bond with athletes from across the country. Players from schools like Trinity Western, Brandon, and institutions in Ontario joined them, creating a tight-knit group united by their shared purpose.
“Everyone connected so well,” said John. “I only knew a few guys going in, but we left as close friends. We were from different schools, different provinces, but we all shared this incredible experience.”
One of the most memorable moments came after the championship match. While the final game itself wasn’t as intense as the semifinal, the atmosphere remained unforgettable.
“When we walked out of the locker room, all the kids swarmed us,” said John. “They asked for autographs, took photos. One guy even got us to sign his forehead. It was hilarious—but it also showed how much it meant to them that we were there.”
For both Cougars, the TeamUp Cup was a rare and transformative opportunity—one that blended competition, culture, and compassion in a way few experiences can.
“If I get the opportunity to go back, I totally would,” said John. “This trip wasn’t just about volleyball. It was about connection, growth, and making a difference.”
You can follow future trips through @teamup.world and @teamupcup on social media. But for Ryan John and Grant Hill, the real impact of the TeamUp Cup lives not in scores or stats, but in the people, memories, and new perspectives they brought home.
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