In a whirlwind of an experience, the women's basketball team spent one week in Costa Rica serving the people, teaching them the game of basketball and sharing the Love of God.

The team took a red eye flight from Denver on Saturday, Aug. 3 and stayed around the cities of Tilarain and Sabalito. During the week a typical day involved them arriving a day care center at 10 a.m. and staying for two hours where they played with and loved-on children under the age of five.

After leaving the day care center, the squad broke into two groups each day for a two-hour time period and taught basketball. After dinner they spent another two hours educating the group on the finer points of basketball. The age range of those involved in the camp ranged from elementary age to high schoolers.  

In their own words, here's some of the thoughts conveyed by those on the trip:

Head Coach Corey Laster

"The opportunity for the coaches to see our young players serve and share who they are selflessly to the people of Costa Rica was the best part. You saw a perspective of how concerned they are for others."

"We have so many new players and to have them comfortable with their new environment is extremely important. This trip helped both our newcomers and returners get acquainted during an experience few players get to have. Each player walked away caring about each other and that will only help as they accomplish goals together."

Lourdes Gonzalez

"As a transfer it was important to be connected to your teammates. It was an excellent opportunity to be able to get to know them without the pressures of school and practice. The trip helped the team to bond and get to know one another. The trip helped get us all on the same page."

"The best part was being around the kids. I really enjoyed that. Getting to share our knowledge of the game and see how excited they were to learn from us was really fun."

Asst. Coach Carissa Verkaik

"We brought-in a lot of new players and the biggest blessing this trip gave us was the opportunity to get to know each other before the season starts."

"The best part for me was watching the players interact with the kids and the people of Costa Rica people while being open in sharing their testimony about what God has done in their lives."

Olivia Christy

"Our trip to Costa Rica was such a memorable experience that I'm incredibly grateful for.  My favorite part was coaching the youth basketball camps as well as seeing my teammates share their testimony and the impact that had on the kids. Going on a trip like this prior to the season starting was very beneficial. We were able to see how all of us work together as friends off the court which I think will help us better understand each other on the court in the fall"! 

Bri Pribble

"It was great to see how much love the people of Costa Rica showed us. It was such a joy to interact with them and share our testimony. I would definitely go back and do something like that again."