WILMINGTON, Ohio – The Wilmington College women's basketball team embarked on a nine-day trip abroad to Costa Rica last month. Lady Quaker Basketball played in three games including against the Costa Rican National Team while experiencing a different part of the world, many for the first time. Individuals shared their thoughts on the trip below.
What was your favorite part of the trip?
"The whole trip was amazing, and it was awesome spending time with the whole group! Playing basketball and whitewater rafting were fun, and zip lining was absolutely terrifying, but it got a lot better as we went along." - Savannah Hooper
"My favorite part of the trip was experiencing an entirely different culture and going on adventures. It was my first time out of the country, so that made everything about the trip new to me. The two service activities were so much fun. The Special Olympics held a special place in my heart due to my sister, and it was so cool to so something like that with a different culture but the same amazing kids! Zip lining and whitewater rafting were two things I had never done before, and doing them in a different country was so much fun. The coolest place we stayed was by the Arenal Volcano and the Baldi Hot Springs was a once in a lifetime experience. It was difficult to pick just one part of the trip because overall it was an amazing experience and I hope to go back one day!" - Mackenzie Campbell
Describe experiencing a different culture/part of the world. How was it similar/different to the Midwestern United States?
"The thing that you always learn from traveling is that people are just people wherever you go. They have the same problems, the same joys, the same aspirations. The Costa Rican people are known for their friendliness, and that proved to be true. They seemed to really enjoy life." - Head Coach Jerry Scheve
How was it playing the Costa Rican National team?
"Playing the Costa Rican National Team was such a great way to end the trip. It's something I'll never forget and we can all say that LQB went international and beat the national team of Costa Rica!" - Mackenzie Campbell
"Playing the Costa Rican National Team was great for our team. They had a good amount of talent that presented a challenge for our team. Beating them not only felt good, but it showed just how good our team can be." - Morgan Ritz
"I think any time your team spends time together on a trip like this, it brings them closer together, and that definitely happened on this trip. The way they pulled together on the basketball court through a lot of adversity can pay off down the road for this team." - Head Coach Jerry Scheve
Describe the service projects down in Costa Rica. How did the individuals/organization benefit from the project and how did you personally benefit from the service?
"The service projects were inspiring and a lot of fun! It was an honor meeting so many different people. Even though there was a language barrier, the children were so happy, which made us so happy We got to learn fun songs, which Coach Scheve loved dancing too, teach kids some basketball skills, and meet wonderful people!" - Savannah Hooper
"During our trip, we took part in three service projects. We worked with the local Special Olympics as well as we working with youth and provided mini basketball clinics. My favorite was working with the Special Olympics, the children were amazing. Obviously, the biggest challenge was the language barrier, but what amazed me the most was the children and the parents showed how appreciative they were of the time we spent with them. It was amazing to see that caring for others has no language barriers." - Morgan Ritz
Did this trip give you a new appreciation for your current life situation? Explain.
"The trip was eye opening and it did make me appreciate life more. It was neat to see how Costa Ricans loved their country and were super passionate about it. It was humbling to see how they were so grateful for what they had!" - Savannah Hooper
What advice would you give to college students traveling to another country for the first time?
"I would advise them to try everything. Try the food, try the activities and do as much as you can! You're only there for a short time so soak in the culture and the experiences and you'll have memories that will last a lifetime!" - Mackenzie Campbell
"My advice would be to be open minded! Try everything - the food, the activities, and anything that pushes you outside your comfort zone because if you don't, you will regret it! It will be the best time of your life!" - Savannah Hooper
