Ithaca College Athletics

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A Spring Break to Remember: Ithaca College Women’s Soccer and their Journey to Portugal

4/1/2024 12:30:00 PM

By: Frank Maira, Athletics Communications Specialist

ITHACA, N.Y. – From the heart of New York, the Ithaca College women’s soccer team embarked on a journey of a lifetime. Their spring break, from March 10-17, was spent in Portugal, a country renowned for its soccer culture. This was a first-time international experience for many of the student-athletes. The trip was filled with historical tours, attending a professional soccer match, training sessions with S.L. Benfica’s coaching staff, friendly matches, and community service.

Senior forward Rosie Bostian shared, “For many of us, it was our first time in Europe. Experiencing a new culture with my teammates was unforgettable. It’s a memory I’ll cherish forever.”

Head coach Mindy Quigg has made these spring break trips a tradition within her program. This year marked the fifth trip in over 20 years, with past teams visiting Portugal/Spain, Costa Rica, Argentina, and France/Spain. Quigg expressed gratitude to the alumnae network for their contributions in making these trips possible.

“The generosity of our alumnae, who have walked this path before us, ensures that this tradition of growth and camaraderie continues. Their support is a testament to the lasting impact these journeys have, fostering a legacy of Bomber excellence both on and off the field,” said Quigg.

“Our journey to Portugal was more than just a series of matches. We immersed ourselves in a cultural exchange that enriched us beyond the confines of the classroom, bonding with teammates who are more like family.”

The Bombers had the chance to meet up with an alumna of the program Alex Liese who lives in Madrid and came to see them play in Lisbon

Quigg and her coaching staff worked with the company WorldStrides to curate an itinerary for the trip. One of the highlights was attending a Benfica match and later participating in a training session with their coaches.

“The Benfica fans were so fun and rowdy during the game, it was insane,” Bostian recalled. “The moment we landed, people were curious about our team and Ithaca.”

First year forward Ella Shorkey added, “Despite the language barrier, our shared love for soccer created a natural connection with the Benfica coaches. Their intensity was intimidating but exciting.”

The Bombers were also able to take part in three friendly matches against different teams in Portugal. They won against Damaiense U-19, lost to CF Benfica, and ended on a high note with a victory over AD Esposende. The competitiveness and technical prowess of their European opponents were eye-opening experiences for the team.

Sophomore defender Sophia Rosas noted, “The level of play for all the teams was strong. They were quick and aggressive, definitely a change of pace from what we experience here at the D3 level. It was good though, it forced us to think faster, move faster, and play the ball faster.”

Off the pitch, the team bonded over sightseeing trips to Sintra’s castles, Nazare’s ocean and cliffs, and Porto’s museums. The freshness of the fruit and the variety of fish dishes were culinary highlights.

One of Bostian’s favorite memories from the trip was the visit to a Buddha Garden on the way from Lisbon to Porto. “It was peaceful and filled with Buddha statues from all over the world. It was truly something I’ve never seen before,” Bostian recalled.

Shorkey echoed Bostian’s sentiments about the Buddha Garden and added “I also really loved the stadium tour that we did, I thought it was really cool to see the behind the scenes of what it’s like for a professional team.”

During their time in Lisbon, the team volunteered with Global Ambassadors, a program that supports refugees of all ages. For Rosas, giving back to the local community and engaging with them even though they didn’t speak the same language was memorable.

“Doing rondo and playing soccer with refugees from different countries, including Nigeria and Senegal, was a memorable experience. We found a shared love for soccer,” recalled Rosas.

Quigg expressed gratitude to the athletics administration at Ithaca College for their support in making these trips possible. She believes these experiences provide invaluable education for her student-athletes and foster stronger bonds among them.

“We discovered that soccer is a universal language, capable of bridging any cultural divide. It’s not just about the goals scored but the shared passion that unites us, regardless of the language we speak. This trip solidified our unity, making us stronger as individuals and as a team.”