Elon University women's soccer is in Costa Rica as a part of the Elon Commitment to its students achieving a global experience. Check in to elonphoenix.com to read four blog updates from select women's soccer student-athletes on the team's overall experience! Be sure to also check out posts and updates on the team's social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
 
Elon women's soccer senior Jenny Riemer writes about the team's time at the Parador from March 26-28 during the global experience trip in Costa Rica.
 
Blog Entry No. 3 - March 28, 2019  |  by Jenny Riemer
 
The last few days at the beautiful Parador Resort have been spectacular. After our game against Moravia we took the windy journey to our home for the next few days and wow, words can't describe the beauty of this resort. As we venture to our rooms and around the resort, we are greeted by monkeys, iguanas, sloths and much more.

Our first morning (March 26th) we had the opportunity to visit a local school. After asking permission from the students, they enthusiastically said that we could take photos and videos of their performance. After a few of them performed several traditional dances, they split us into different groups to be taken on a tour by one of their students. After the tour we had the opportunity to hang out with the students during their free time. Some played on the playground with the younger students, others competed in basketball and soccer. After a short break in which we ate a quick snack, they asked us to play a 5v5 game in front of their school on the basketball court. After this little competition, a few of our teammates demonstrated some of their skills. Special shoutout to Coach Payne and Makenzie for putting on quite the clinic of headers together. This was such an awesome experience that the team approached with curiosity and enthusiasm and we are so grateful to this school for opening their doors to us!

After visiting the school, we took a trip to the beach to enjoy the sun and waves before catching lunch and heading to the hospital. Our team enjoyed some fresh coconut water to keep us hydrated in the blazing hot sun! Some even had the chance to ride horses along the beach.

The tour around the hospital was a really cool experience because it was an opportunity to build on what we've talked about in classes about the differences between our healthcare system and theirs. What stood out to me the most during this visit was the healthcare coverage, they are consistently ranked very high and clearly displayed a lot of emphasis on the care and health of their community members. After this visit we ventured back to the beach to have a mindfulness class and engage in a discussion about what we saw and our reactions to the school and hospital visit.

It is so amazing to have the opportunities to really experience a culture in the way we have. Visiting the school and hospital were both tremendous experiences to help further our knowledge and understanding not only of Costa Rica but also of the United States. Engaging in these conversations around similarities and differences sparked thoughtful conversations that emphasized the importance of cultural competence. We ended the day with a gorgeous sunset on the beach before heading home.

After a very long but fun day, the team retired to bed early. The next morning, we had breakfast at 8am followed by some free-time to explore the grounds of the resort while still getting hydrated and well-rested for the game. It's game day against the U-20 Costa Rican Women's National Team and it is a HOT one. Due to the extreme heat, even though we were paying two 45 minute periods there were water breaks during each half. The first goal came from Carson Jones off a beautiful corner kick by Lily Harkes. At the end of the first half, the sun was still scorching down and the score was tied at 1-1. However, both teams showed promising chances. In the second half to get the lead Grace Kiser flicked the ball onto Laura Mitchell who scored yet another cheeky goal, curling the ball to the far post. The game was a battle. Both teams did a great job at moving the ball, working hard through the heat, creating chances and getting physical. With about 8 minutes to play Kayla Hodges scored a gorgeous header off a corner kick by Hannah Doherty to take the lead 3-2. Due to an unfortunate mishap, the Costa Rican team was able to get a lucky one past us off a bouncing ball in the last minute of the match. The game ended in a 3-3 tie but the performance of our Women's soccer team showed a lot of positives.

Having the opportunity to play these teams in Costa Rica was an awesome experience and the competition was tight. As a senior, it's hard to watch from the sidelines sometimes but I was so unbelievably proud of the team efforts in both games during this trip. This team has so much ahead of them and their hard work is clearly paying off.

March 28th is our last full day at Parador and we joined the Elon Football junior class on the King Catamaran in the morning! The Catamaran gave us the opportunity to look for dolphins and snorkel, which was a really fun experience. The boat also had two slides and a place to jump off the top deck, this was a lot of fun that resulted in many laughs. This was a great opportunity for some team bonding and we are so grateful for the time we had to dance and laugh together. Having yet another beautiful but very hot day in Costa Rica we spent a short time at the resorts private beach then ventured back to the hotel to enjoy some cold showers and the pool!

I have had such an amazing time on this trip and can't believe it's nearing its end. Thanks for following along and don't miss out on all the pictures being posted across Elon Phoenix and Elon Women's Soccer social media accounts. Can't wait to have ya'll read more on our amazing experience, see you back in the states soon. Pura Vida!!