The prospect of spending a week in tropical Costa Rica may conjure images of sandy beaches and warm surf. However, for members of the University of Wisconsin-Superior’s women’s soccer team, the journey offered much more. It was an opportunity for cultural immersion, mindfulness and gaining a global perspective.

The trip, which took place from January 9 to 17, included nearly 30 student-athletes along with women’s soccer coach Allison DeGroot, program manager for the Pruitt Center for Mindfulness & Well-Being Lori Tuominen and athletic trainer Mitch O’Neil. The itinerary blended team bonding, soccer activities and wellness-focused experiences.

An Open Mindset

Although the itinerary was set, there was still uncertainty about what the trip would entail.

“Going in, I didn’t know what to expect,” said Niya Wilson, a December graduate who double-majored in marketing and management and member of the women’s soccer team. “I made sure to not set specific expectations so I could go into the experience with an open mind. I was excited for the opportunity to be immersed in a new culture. I knew that setting expectations beforehand would alter the way in which I saw the reality, so I committed to letting the experience shape my understanding of Costa Rica and its culture.”

Inspired by a previous study away experience by UW-Superior’s social work program, this trip had been in development since 2023. The team worked hard throughout the year, raising funds for the trip. Players volunteered at a variety of events and hosted raffles to raise $30,000.

The experience was intentionally designed to promote team bonding and wellness. Additionally, it was a credit-bearing experience where UWS student-athletes worked on a project that aligned with the themes of the trip.

A Welcoming Arrival

The UW-Superior group arrived in Costa Rica well after dark, which added a sense of mystery to the trip.

“Waking up in the morning was exciting because we could finally take in the beautiful landscape around us,” said Wilson. “It felt surreal to be surrounded by lush greenery and mountains.”

Almost immediately, the group experienced the kindness and hospitality of the Costa Rican residents.

“The people we interacted with were very kind and helpful,” said Wilson. “Many of us didn’t speak much Spanish, so it was nice that the Costa Ricans worked to bridge the communication gap in a way we could understand.”

Throughout their stay, the group had the chance to sample many traditional dishes of Costa Rica.

“Getting out of my comfort zone and trying new cuisine was one of my favorite parts of the experience,” said Wilson. “The fruit and coffee were especially amazing, and we all enjoyed the majority of the foods we tried.”

Exploring Natural Wonders

The trip offered the chance to experience Costa Rica’s natural beauty. The group explored the Nicoya Peninsula, toured the capital city of San José, visited Irazu Volcano National Park and took part in a rafting excursion on the Sarapiqui River.

For Wilson, one of the most exciting aspects of the trip was visiting a Blue Zone, one of five areas in the world known for their long-lived populations.

“I was most looking forward to visiting a Blue Zone and learning about a different way of living,” she said. “Before we left, we learned a lot about Blue Zones and the people who live there and the factors that go into living a long and happy life.”

“Learning about ways to integrate the Blue Zone lifestyle into our daily lives was beneficial,” said Wilson. “Meeting and talking with the people who live there took it to the next level. It is safe to say that much of what we learned on this trip can be classified as applicable lifelong knowledge.”

A Memorable Final Chapter

For student-athletes like Wilson, the trip provided an array of unique experiences with teammates.

“My favorite moments were white-water rafting, making tortillas, talking with Blue Zone residents about their lifestyles, visiting the national soccer stadium, participating in two youth-soccer sessions and getting to take in the beautiful natural landscape,” she said. “Being able to do this as the final chapter of my collegiate soccer career was incredibly special. It brought everything full circle. Reflecting on the trip and the people I shared it with, I feel incredibly lucky to have been a part of Yellowjacket soccer.”

Olivia Fleming, English major and student writer for UWS, contributed to this story