DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The Embry-Riddle women's basketball team had a unique opportunity to travel to Costa Rica for 10 days in August. The Eagles were able to take advantage of an NCAA rule that allows programs to go on a foreign tour once every four years and the 10-day trip, organized by American International Sports Teams (AIST), allowed Eagle coaches, student-athletes and their parents to enjoy many once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
 
"AIST put together a great itinerary and balance of basketball and team events and places to see," ERAU Head Coach Lisa Nuxol-Wilson said. "It was so organized and allowed the coaches to just coach and our group to spend time together. This trip was really beneficial for our young program and gave our student-athletes such an amazing experience with each other that they will never forget. We are so grateful to be able to give our seniors and all of our young ladies the opportunity to go on a trip like this!"
 
The trip provided several advantages for an Eagle program heading into its fourth year of competition. The team arrived on campus on Aug. 1 and had eight practice sessions before departure in preparation for the four games they would play in Costa Rica.
 
The basketball portion of the trip proved very successful for the Eagles who were undefeated in all four contests. ERAU topped the Costa Rica National Team 1 66-45 on Aug. 10 and followed that up with a 74-33 defeat of the Costa Rica National Team 2 the next day. On Aug. 16, the Blue and Gold downed Santo Domingo 81-48 and the team closed out competition with a 60-28 win over Coronado on Aug. 17.
 
"The week of practice and four games really helped our chemistry both on and off the court," Nuxol-Wilson observed. "I could definitely see a difference from day one to our last game in how the girls played together. This trip really helped our staff to start teaching our newcomers the defensive concepts and offensive sets in our program, and allowed us to look at different lineups and evaluate where we are much earlier than normal.
 
"Not every team can say they zip lined through a rainforest together or went white water rafting down a river rapid! We had girls who were pretty scared, but did it with their teammates who helped them through it. That is team bonding and trust building at the highest level. Our team grew stronger because of this trip, and we are ready to have a special season!"
 
When they weren't playing basketball, the Eagles were able to engage in community service. The team conducted a basketball clinic at a youth center and spent time entertaining kids from another center for underprivileged children.
 
The Eagles also had the opportunity to enjoy some of the unique experiences that Costa Rica has to offer. They toured the Doka Coffee Plantation, La Fortuna Waterfall, Arenal Volcano, and went white water rafting and zip lining on the western side of the country.
 
"The trip to Costa Rica was so rewarding and a great way to prepare for our first season as full NCAA members and SSC members," junior Lauren Ellenberger said. "It was a great opportunity to build chemistry with one another , get to know our newcomers and create lifelong memories together.
 
"We were blessed to have the opportunity to travel and play in another country together," senior Tara Fields added. "Going to Costa Rica to represent Eagle Nation was a priceless experience to start my senior year at Embry Riddle and my teammates and I will remember it forever."
 
Nuxol-Wilson was quick to express gratitude for the support and guidance from the Athletics and University administration, along with donations from supporters of the program that helped make the trip possible. The team also participated in several fundraising activities to help raise monies for the trip.
 
"A trip like this doesn't just happen overnight," Nuxol-Wilson said. "It took a lot of planning that started almost a year ago and together with the hard work of our players, staff, and friends of the program, we were happy to see it become a reality."
 
The Eagles will open the 2017-18 campaign on the road, Nov. 10-11, at the Regional Tip-Off Challenge hosted by Eckerd in St. Petersburg, Florida, where the Blue and Gold will take on Gulf South Conference members Christian Brothers and West Alabama. The Eagles' first home game of the year will be against Saint Leo on Nov. 18.
 
Click here to view photo album