La Crosse, Wis. - The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse lacrosse team embarked on their first ever international trip to Costa Rica, in January, to grow awareness for the sport of lacrosse. With coordination efforts provided by WorldStrides, an educational travel company, the lacrosse team was able to participate in a lacrosse clinic for the people of Costa Rica, play against the Costa Rican national team, and go on various team-building excursions.

The Eagles volunteered and assisted the Costa Rican national team in putting on a clinic. UWL athletes helped demonstrate and coach fundamental lacrosse skills such as throwing and catching the ball. There were a wide range of participants for the clinic including students as young as five years old who competed too. To end the clinic, the UWL lacrosse team played a full field game with those who came for the day, which was a great experience for the community who had little to no lacrosse exposure beforehand.

When asked about what the lasting impact might be from this clinic, lacrosse Head Coach Cassandra Berger had this to say, "they still message me on Instagram and on Facebook and say how grateful they are that we were able to come and do that, and how they want to come visit us to see a game here. I very much feel like this will be a lasting relationship with them."

Following the clinic put on with the Costa Rican national team, the UWL lacrosse team played a match against them and won 14-1.

Junior midfielder Britta Nelson described the lead up to the game as "Exciting, but also nerve-wracking." The tough competition wasn't the only challenge for the Eagles. "At first it was a little bit of a challenge as there were some cultural barriers such as the language difference. Even though we have such different cultures, we were able to come together to do something fun that we are all passionate about" said Nelson talking about their match.

The team also found time to go on team-building excursions. Some of the excursions included the La Paz Waterfall Gardens, a crocodile jungle safari boat tour, a Doka Estate Coffee tour, a visit to the Irazu Volcano National Park, Sarapiqui River Rafting, 4-wheeling through the jungle, and a beach day.

"It was cool being able to bond with each other in a setting outside of La Crosse," said Nelson in describing her experience with the excursions.

Berger and the lacrosse team look to build on this trip and put together a successful 2023 season.