Photo by: Luke White
In Their Own Words: Wildcats Discuss Lifelong Impact of International Tour
8/26/2026 4:36:00 PM | Women's Basketball
The Abilene Christian women's basketball team wrapped up its summer with the trip of a lifetime as it embarked on an international tour to Greece and Rwanda. Across two weeks, the Wildcats were part of numerous unforgettable experiences through international competition, service work and cultural immersion activities.
From Aug. 4-15, the team enjoyed stops in Athens and Nafplio in Greece before staying on the campus of Rwanda Children, a faith-based nonprofit founded by ACU alum Serge Gasore ('09), and Akagera National Park. The experience offered unbeatable experience for team bonding, new perspectives, personal growth and expanded cultural horizons.
Updates from ACU's international tour are available here.
Through their travels, student-athletes and coaches got to witness God's love and grace in action across the world. At Rwanda Children, the Wildcats hosted a basketball clinic and participated in "conversation corners" with students. Across Greece and Rwanda, the team immersed itself in local culture, history and customs.
Read below to hear to learn about the lasting impact of the trip from the Wildcats themselves.
What lessons did you learn from the international trip? What did you take away from the time in Greece and Rwanda, and how did you grow from it?
Natalia Chavez: "One of the biggest lessons I learned from the international trip was how important it is to experience different cultures and ways of life because it gives you a different perspective on the world. In Greece, I really enjoyed learning about the history, seeing places that I had only heard about before and getting to experience the culture in person. Rwanda impacted me the most because I got to see how strong the people and their communities are despite everything they have been through, and it showed me the importance of resilience and coming together. The trip made me more grateful for the opportunities I have in my own life and helped me appreciate things that I sometimes take for granted. I grew from this experience by becoming more open-minded, grateful and willing to step outside of my comfort zone, and I will carry the lessons I learned from both Greece and Rwanda with me for a long time."
Erin Woodson: "I learned how important it is to gain new perspectives on the international trip. Both Greece and Rwanda have different histories, cultures and lifestyles that shape the way people live. Being able to immerse myself directly in these experiences helped shape my perspective on the world and taught me to be more open-minded. I also took away the importance of community and connection. Although the cultures and backgrounds of people I met in Greece and Rwanda were different from my own, I learned that we still share many of the same values and relationships. After our games in Greece, talking with the girls on the other team showed me how a shared love of basketball can bring people together. In Rwanda, talking with the children at the school showed me how our shared faith could create a similar connection. Seeing how God is working across the world to bring people and communities together was amazing. Overall, this trip helped me grow by becoming more appreciative, open-minded and willing to learn from people who are different from me. I will continue learning about other cultures and staying open to new perspectives because there is always more to learn from the world and people around us."
Payton Hull: "One of the biggest things I learned from this trip was to appreciate different cultures, people and experiences. In Rwanda, we led a basketball camp with the kids, and it was really cool to see how much they enjoyed playing and learning with us. We also learned about the genocide, which helped me understand more about Rwanda's history and how much the country has gone through. In Greece, I had a lot of fun exploring Athens, seeing new places and experiencing a different way of life. I also got a lot closer with my teammates because we spent so much time together and shared these experiences. Overall, this trip helped me grow by making me more open-minded, grateful and appreciative of the opportunities and people in my life."
Riley Grohman: "A lesson I learned from Greece and Rwanda is to appreciate different cultures and different lifestyles. I've grown up inside a box called Abilene, Texas, so to experience two different countries really opened my eyes to how other nations and communities live. Additionally, I learned to always, always look both directions before crossing a street because drivers and traffic in other countries are CRAZY! One thing I took away from my time in Rwanda is how joyful the students and community members were that we met. They have so little compared to us in America and still thanked God everyday for everything they had! I've grown from this by finding joy in the little things in life and being grateful for everything and every opportunity presented to me. In Greece, I took away and grew in my knowledge about Ancient Greek history we learned on our bike tour, Acropolis tour and our kayaking excursion!"
Emma Troxell: "What I learned from our trip was that everyone's everyday life looks completely different. What I find easy, others may find difficult, and what I find hard could be someone else's norm. Our time in Greece and Rwanda showed me that there are so many other cultures and ways of living than what I am used to. This trip really humbled me and opened my eyes to how I look at life through my own perspective and assume that everyone's experiences are just like mine. In my time in Greece I really enjoyed getting to learn about Ancient Greece and understanding how mythology is intertwined into the shaping, architecture and daily life of Greece. What I took away from Rwanda was how kind and welcoming everyone was. During our basketball camps, it was super hot, something I would no doubt complain about at home, but all the kids were excited to be there and didn't think twice about the heat. The kids truly loving the sport encouraged me to look beyond what I find is hard and have a joyful mindset just like they did."
How did you grow alongside your teammates on the international trip? How was the team bonding experience as you went on this adventure with them, and how can that reflect on the basketball court?
Samara Morrow: "Having the opportunity to go on a trip as great as this has absolutely tightened our team's already close bond. Being able to experience once-in-a-lifetime things together like the tours we took in Greece, the games we played together and the blessing to be able to work camp for the Rwanda Children school has been amazing. It was so special to be able to experience these things with my teammates alongside me.
Throughout the trip, I was able to learn more about my teammates outside of basketball and create memories together. We spent so much time together learning new things about different cultures and working through different experiences as a team. I'm thankful for this opportunity and how it has allowed me to put more trust in them and the many things we will accomplish this year."
Meredith Mayes: "Team chemistry on the basketball court is highly reflected on team dynamic off the court, and being able to have a trip abroad like this was able to help us grow in our chemistry off the court. I truly enjoyed every one of my teammates on this trip and we created memories that will be talked about throughout the year. This was a once in a lifetime experience, and to be able to do it alongside my teammates was something I am forever grateful for. We got to see the beauty of God's creation through different countries and cultures and it was absolutely amazing."
Jazmyn Stone: "Although we were already a tight-knit group, this trip definitely solidified our bond as teammates while on the court and sisters when off of it. In Greece, we had our first "games" together as our 2026-27 group, and it was awesome to see our countless hours of practice and building team chemistry flourish on the court. Off the court, we shared so many laughs, tears and special moments as we explored these two new countries. As a team, we immersed ourselves in their cultures and pushed each other to get out of our comfort zone when it came to learning more about these countries' customs, cultures and ways of life. Whether that was eating new foods, singing worship in front of a whole school or learning Greek and Rwandan phrases to speak to the locals, we tried so many new things, saw so many new places and met many new, amazing people; and there is not another group of teammates and coaches I would have rather done it with."
Raimi McCrary: "Spending two weeks abroad in Greece and Rwanda completely tightened our chemistry, especially with us having to communicate through everything from kayaking and touring straight into back-to-back games without much practice. But going to Rwanda was deeply impactful for all of us on a personal level. Hearing the history of the genocide and working directly with the kids at the Rwanda Children school connected us to something way bigger than basketball. As a new player joining an already tight returning core, being welcomed into those heavy, beautiful moments made us lock in as a true family.
When you share perspective, serve people together and realize you're all playing for God, the trust on the court naturally follows because we're truly playing for each other and for a higher purpose."
What was the experience like serving at Rwanda Children? How was the opportunity to work with the students and lead them through the basketball clinics and conversation corners?
Molly Daugherty: "Serving at Rwanda Children opened my eyes to the joy the kids exude each and every day; the joy of the Lord! I have learned so much about the children and their gratitude for everything that they have! I hope that I have helped the children as much as they have helped change my life and the outlook I have on it. It was truly a blessing to serve with my teammates and teach not only basketball, but the Gospel. The basketball clinics were so awesome! We would practice outside in about high-80 degree weather, sun beating down on us, but that wouldn't stop the children from giving their absolute best. Every drill, every rep was as hard as they could go. They would never complain, they would just do anything we told them with a big smile on their face. Their smiles and energy were so contagious, I felt like I was smiling the whole time because I was truly so happy serving the children!
Conversation corner allowed me to truly connect with two children on a more personal level. I would share a Bible verse and discuss the theme of the verse, then we would carry conversation over the theme. I was honored to have Fiston and Providence in my group, Fiston was 16 and Providence 10. We would pray before the conversation and after. Providence prayed before and Fiston prayed after. I will never forget when Fiston started praying and I felt the Holy Spirit just speaking through him. His faith was so beautiful and confident. I am forever grateful for that experience and Fiston. You could tell the whole time we were there that the children's whole purpose was to honor God in everything that they did, whether that's through worship, basketball, friendships or school. Thank you, Rwanda Children, for the experience, opportunity and purpose that you have given me in my life."
Emma Daugherty: "The experience serving at Rwanda Children was incredible. I feel like going there opened my eyes to so many different things, such as how they live and what drives them in their lives. Just talking with the kids, they are always so happy and grateful for everything that they have. They also look in God daily for everything they do. The opportunity to lead them through the basketball clinics and conversation corner was very special. We got to connect with the kids on deeper levels and really get to know them. They would ask us a bunch of questions of what it was like to live in the U.S. and we even taught them how to play spoons. Helping them at the basketball clinic was one of the most fun times I have had. Just being able to work with the kids and do something we both love was something I will always cherish!"
Salena Carrasco: "For me, working with the Rwanda Children students was honestly such a blessing. From the first day to the last, they have truly taught me a visual representation of love. These kids didn't just love basketball; they love their culture, their community and each other. For two days, we ran the basketball clinic, and even though they had no gym, no AC and no shade from the sun, none of that mattered to them. They shared three basketballs that were worn and beaten dry. However, they never complained. When we started the basketball clinic, I'll never forget the thankfulness in their eyes watching all the new basketballs being given to them. Just gratitude and thankfulness, without even speaking a word yet. Watching them learn was a highlight. They didn't complain once, even with all the new drills. They watched the demonstration and immediately attempted to try it, even if they didn't fully understand. Their smiles throughout each drill were so heartwarming.
I also really enjoyed the conversations we had during the conversation corner. Not only were they centered around God, but also by their unique personalities. I had four students, and, really, I should be calling them my friends, because that's what they became. At first, everyone was unsure, looking at us like, "Who are these Americans?" But, they eventually opened up and showed us their unique personalities. By the second day, their light truly began to shine. There were five of us playing. Me, two girls and two boys. Emma Troxell pulled out a deck of cards and we taught them a game called cheat. Basically, you play cards and attempt to lie about them and hope you don't get caught. It was funny watching the two girls work together to try and lie, like sisters. They were both terrible at lying, but it was the innocence of their minds that made it so enjoyable, compared to the boys who were already working against each other. Although all of them were bad at lying, the laughter that filled the table was tremendously unforgettable. The girls working together and the boys teasing each other was straight up pure joy. Honestly, they taught me true humbleness.
To sum it all up, for the little time we were there, these kids opened their arms to us wider than they could stretch. They didn't have to, they could've honestly not talked to us at all, but they opened their doors to share a culture that is so beautiful. The experience of serving at the Rwanda Children school was truly a blessing. They showed me that love is rich, richer than any amount of wealth. They didn't have the best gym, the best basketball shoes or the best track, but they have a dream and foundation built on love. They have opened their homes and shared their food, not because they didn't want to, but because they'd love to."
Aimee Flippen: "Working with the kids at Rwanda Children School was such a privilege! From being with them at conversation corner to simply playing 5-on-5, it showed how appreciative they are about everything they have, doing everything with a smile on their faces no matter what was asked of them in basketball camp. The kids wanted to constantly learn from us and listened closely to whatever was said. Talking about their faith was probably my favorite part. We opened up about different scriptures and how we can apply them to their lives. They have the most giving hearts and I will cherish every single person I got to interact with in Rwanda!"
From Aug. 4-15, the team enjoyed stops in Athens and Nafplio in Greece before staying on the campus of Rwanda Children, a faith-based nonprofit founded by ACU alum Serge Gasore ('09), and Akagera National Park. The experience offered unbeatable experience for team bonding, new perspectives, personal growth and expanded cultural horizons.
Updates from ACU's international tour are available here.
Through their travels, student-athletes and coaches got to witness God's love and grace in action across the world. At Rwanda Children, the Wildcats hosted a basketball clinic and participated in "conversation corners" with students. Across Greece and Rwanda, the team immersed itself in local culture, history and customs.
Read below to hear to learn about the lasting impact of the trip from the Wildcats themselves.
What lessons did you learn from the international trip? What did you take away from the time in Greece and Rwanda, and how did you grow from it?
Natalia Chavez: "One of the biggest lessons I learned from the international trip was how important it is to experience different cultures and ways of life because it gives you a different perspective on the world. In Greece, I really enjoyed learning about the history, seeing places that I had only heard about before and getting to experience the culture in person. Rwanda impacted me the most because I got to see how strong the people and their communities are despite everything they have been through, and it showed me the importance of resilience and coming together. The trip made me more grateful for the opportunities I have in my own life and helped me appreciate things that I sometimes take for granted. I grew from this experience by becoming more open-minded, grateful and willing to step outside of my comfort zone, and I will carry the lessons I learned from both Greece and Rwanda with me for a long time."
Erin Woodson: "I learned how important it is to gain new perspectives on the international trip. Both Greece and Rwanda have different histories, cultures and lifestyles that shape the way people live. Being able to immerse myself directly in these experiences helped shape my perspective on the world and taught me to be more open-minded. I also took away the importance of community and connection. Although the cultures and backgrounds of people I met in Greece and Rwanda were different from my own, I learned that we still share many of the same values and relationships. After our games in Greece, talking with the girls on the other team showed me how a shared love of basketball can bring people together. In Rwanda, talking with the children at the school showed me how our shared faith could create a similar connection. Seeing how God is working across the world to bring people and communities together was amazing. Overall, this trip helped me grow by becoming more appreciative, open-minded and willing to learn from people who are different from me. I will continue learning about other cultures and staying open to new perspectives because there is always more to learn from the world and people around us."
Payton Hull: "One of the biggest things I learned from this trip was to appreciate different cultures, people and experiences. In Rwanda, we led a basketball camp with the kids, and it was really cool to see how much they enjoyed playing and learning with us. We also learned about the genocide, which helped me understand more about Rwanda's history and how much the country has gone through. In Greece, I had a lot of fun exploring Athens, seeing new places and experiencing a different way of life. I also got a lot closer with my teammates because we spent so much time together and shared these experiences. Overall, this trip helped me grow by making me more open-minded, grateful and appreciative of the opportunities and people in my life."
Riley Grohman: "A lesson I learned from Greece and Rwanda is to appreciate different cultures and different lifestyles. I've grown up inside a box called Abilene, Texas, so to experience two different countries really opened my eyes to how other nations and communities live. Additionally, I learned to always, always look both directions before crossing a street because drivers and traffic in other countries are CRAZY! One thing I took away from my time in Rwanda is how joyful the students and community members were that we met. They have so little compared to us in America and still thanked God everyday for everything they had! I've grown from this by finding joy in the little things in life and being grateful for everything and every opportunity presented to me. In Greece, I took away and grew in my knowledge about Ancient Greek history we learned on our bike tour, Acropolis tour and our kayaking excursion!"
Emma Troxell: "What I learned from our trip was that everyone's everyday life looks completely different. What I find easy, others may find difficult, and what I find hard could be someone else's norm. Our time in Greece and Rwanda showed me that there are so many other cultures and ways of living than what I am used to. This trip really humbled me and opened my eyes to how I look at life through my own perspective and assume that everyone's experiences are just like mine. In my time in Greece I really enjoyed getting to learn about Ancient Greece and understanding how mythology is intertwined into the shaping, architecture and daily life of Greece. What I took away from Rwanda was how kind and welcoming everyone was. During our basketball camps, it was super hot, something I would no doubt complain about at home, but all the kids were excited to be there and didn't think twice about the heat. The kids truly loving the sport encouraged me to look beyond what I find is hard and have a joyful mindset just like they did."
How did you grow alongside your teammates on the international trip? How was the team bonding experience as you went on this adventure with them, and how can that reflect on the basketball court?
Samara Morrow: "Having the opportunity to go on a trip as great as this has absolutely tightened our team's already close bond. Being able to experience once-in-a-lifetime things together like the tours we took in Greece, the games we played together and the blessing to be able to work camp for the Rwanda Children school has been amazing. It was so special to be able to experience these things with my teammates alongside me.
Throughout the trip, I was able to learn more about my teammates outside of basketball and create memories together. We spent so much time together learning new things about different cultures and working through different experiences as a team. I'm thankful for this opportunity and how it has allowed me to put more trust in them and the many things we will accomplish this year."
Meredith Mayes: "Team chemistry on the basketball court is highly reflected on team dynamic off the court, and being able to have a trip abroad like this was able to help us grow in our chemistry off the court. I truly enjoyed every one of my teammates on this trip and we created memories that will be talked about throughout the year. This was a once in a lifetime experience, and to be able to do it alongside my teammates was something I am forever grateful for. We got to see the beauty of God's creation through different countries and cultures and it was absolutely amazing."
Jazmyn Stone: "Although we were already a tight-knit group, this trip definitely solidified our bond as teammates while on the court and sisters when off of it. In Greece, we had our first "games" together as our 2026-27 group, and it was awesome to see our countless hours of practice and building team chemistry flourish on the court. Off the court, we shared so many laughs, tears and special moments as we explored these two new countries. As a team, we immersed ourselves in their cultures and pushed each other to get out of our comfort zone when it came to learning more about these countries' customs, cultures and ways of life. Whether that was eating new foods, singing worship in front of a whole school or learning Greek and Rwandan phrases to speak to the locals, we tried so many new things, saw so many new places and met many new, amazing people; and there is not another group of teammates and coaches I would have rather done it with."
Raimi McCrary: "Spending two weeks abroad in Greece and Rwanda completely tightened our chemistry, especially with us having to communicate through everything from kayaking and touring straight into back-to-back games without much practice. But going to Rwanda was deeply impactful for all of us on a personal level. Hearing the history of the genocide and working directly with the kids at the Rwanda Children school connected us to something way bigger than basketball. As a new player joining an already tight returning core, being welcomed into those heavy, beautiful moments made us lock in as a true family.
When you share perspective, serve people together and realize you're all playing for God, the trust on the court naturally follows because we're truly playing for each other and for a higher purpose."
What was the experience like serving at Rwanda Children? How was the opportunity to work with the students and lead them through the basketball clinics and conversation corners?
Molly Daugherty: "Serving at Rwanda Children opened my eyes to the joy the kids exude each and every day; the joy of the Lord! I have learned so much about the children and their gratitude for everything that they have! I hope that I have helped the children as much as they have helped change my life and the outlook I have on it. It was truly a blessing to serve with my teammates and teach not only basketball, but the Gospel. The basketball clinics were so awesome! We would practice outside in about high-80 degree weather, sun beating down on us, but that wouldn't stop the children from giving their absolute best. Every drill, every rep was as hard as they could go. They would never complain, they would just do anything we told them with a big smile on their face. Their smiles and energy were so contagious, I felt like I was smiling the whole time because I was truly so happy serving the children!
Conversation corner allowed me to truly connect with two children on a more personal level. I would share a Bible verse and discuss the theme of the verse, then we would carry conversation over the theme. I was honored to have Fiston and Providence in my group, Fiston was 16 and Providence 10. We would pray before the conversation and after. Providence prayed before and Fiston prayed after. I will never forget when Fiston started praying and I felt the Holy Spirit just speaking through him. His faith was so beautiful and confident. I am forever grateful for that experience and Fiston. You could tell the whole time we were there that the children's whole purpose was to honor God in everything that they did, whether that's through worship, basketball, friendships or school. Thank you, Rwanda Children, for the experience, opportunity and purpose that you have given me in my life."
Emma Daugherty: "The experience serving at Rwanda Children was incredible. I feel like going there opened my eyes to so many different things, such as how they live and what drives them in their lives. Just talking with the kids, they are always so happy and grateful for everything that they have. They also look in God daily for everything they do. The opportunity to lead them through the basketball clinics and conversation corner was very special. We got to connect with the kids on deeper levels and really get to know them. They would ask us a bunch of questions of what it was like to live in the U.S. and we even taught them how to play spoons. Helping them at the basketball clinic was one of the most fun times I have had. Just being able to work with the kids and do something we both love was something I will always cherish!"
Salena Carrasco: "For me, working with the Rwanda Children students was honestly such a blessing. From the first day to the last, they have truly taught me a visual representation of love. These kids didn't just love basketball; they love their culture, their community and each other. For two days, we ran the basketball clinic, and even though they had no gym, no AC and no shade from the sun, none of that mattered to them. They shared three basketballs that were worn and beaten dry. However, they never complained. When we started the basketball clinic, I'll never forget the thankfulness in their eyes watching all the new basketballs being given to them. Just gratitude and thankfulness, without even speaking a word yet. Watching them learn was a highlight. They didn't complain once, even with all the new drills. They watched the demonstration and immediately attempted to try it, even if they didn't fully understand. Their smiles throughout each drill were so heartwarming.
I also really enjoyed the conversations we had during the conversation corner. Not only were they centered around God, but also by their unique personalities. I had four students, and, really, I should be calling them my friends, because that's what they became. At first, everyone was unsure, looking at us like, "Who are these Americans?" But, they eventually opened up and showed us their unique personalities. By the second day, their light truly began to shine. There were five of us playing. Me, two girls and two boys. Emma Troxell pulled out a deck of cards and we taught them a game called cheat. Basically, you play cards and attempt to lie about them and hope you don't get caught. It was funny watching the two girls work together to try and lie, like sisters. They were both terrible at lying, but it was the innocence of their minds that made it so enjoyable, compared to the boys who were already working against each other. Although all of them were bad at lying, the laughter that filled the table was tremendously unforgettable. The girls working together and the boys teasing each other was straight up pure joy. Honestly, they taught me true humbleness.
To sum it all up, for the little time we were there, these kids opened their arms to us wider than they could stretch. They didn't have to, they could've honestly not talked to us at all, but they opened their doors to share a culture that is so beautiful. The experience of serving at the Rwanda Children school was truly a blessing. They showed me that love is rich, richer than any amount of wealth. They didn't have the best gym, the best basketball shoes or the best track, but they have a dream and foundation built on love. They have opened their homes and shared their food, not because they didn't want to, but because they'd love to."
Aimee Flippen: "Working with the kids at Rwanda Children School was such a privilege! From being with them at conversation corner to simply playing 5-on-5, it showed how appreciative they are about everything they have, doing everything with a smile on their faces no matter what was asked of them in basketball camp. The kids wanted to constantly learn from us and listened closely to whatever was said. Talking about their faith was probably my favorite part. We opened up about different scriptures and how we can apply them to their lives. They have the most giving hearts and I will cherish every single person I got to interact with in Rwanda!"
Players Mentioned
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/ Women's Basketball
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C
/ Women's Basketball
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/ Women's Basketball
C
/ Women's Basketball
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/ Women's Basketball
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/ Women's Basketball
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/ Women's Basketball
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/ Women's Basketball
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