By Caroline Liebel, Jr., GK, Warrenton, VA / Fauquier
Wednesday, August 10
On Wednesday the team left for the Fortuna Waterfall. It was a short hike down, about 500 steps, and the waterfall was incredibly beautiful! Even though the water was ice cold, the whole team jumped in to swim and take pictures and just enjoy the beauty of where we were. We were even lucky enough to witness a couple getting married at the waterfall! After hiking back up we were off to the downtown area for an hour to walk around, explore, and buy souvenirs. We had our second game of the trip of Wednesday against San Carlos. We won 4-0 and after the game had a chance to eat fresh fruit and hangout with the girls from the other team. One of them had a scholarship to play soccer in Texas and was able to show off the English she had been practicing. It was cool to see how important and how much it meant to the team that we were there to play with them. Once again after the game team MVP's were picked and each one was given a Powerade.
Thursday, August 11
Thursday morning we checked out of the hotel in San Carlos and were on our way to the beach! On the way we stopped to zip line through the rain forest. Although it was raining, it was still an amazing experience and the view from above the trees was spectacular. Many of the girls had never been zip lining before so although it was a little frightening for some at first, everyone was able to appreciate the beautiful views. After lunch in the rainforest, we were back on the bus to our final destination, the Flamingo Beach Hotel!
Friday, August 12
Friday morning saw the team at what was probably their favorite destination of the trip, the beach. After breakfast we had the morning free to enjoy the beach or the pool, and then we were off to our third and final game of the trip versus Liberia. The team won 2-1, giving us a record in Costa Rica of 2-1. A team MVP was chosen for each team and then we were headed back to the hotel! After dinner we were free to hangout and explore the hotel and the area around it.
Saturday, August 13
On Saturday we started the day with breakfast and team training. After lunch, we were off with our tour guide, Dayan, to spend the day on a catamaran. We were able to hang out in the sun on the boat, snorkel, and swim in the blue waters. For many girls this was one of the best parts of the trip. While on the catamaran we were provided with lunch and fresh fruit, and some of the girls were taught how to dance by some of the locals working on the boat! After the catamaran it was back to the hotel for a team dinner where we celebrated Sophomore Jillian Barnard's 19th birthday with cake and a song!
Sunday, August 14
Sunday was the day where the girls had the most downtime. After breakfast and a team workout, the girls were free to spend the day by the beach or the pool and also had the option of going to a souvenir store down the road. Towards the end of the afternoon team was gathered around the pool where there was a belly flop and cannonball competition, and coaches Benne and Martinez joined in as well! We all went down to watch the sunset on the beach as well and go swimming in the ocean. Dinner was a somewhat sad affair as we said goodbye to Dayan, who had been wonderful the whole trip. She wsa given a Roanoke soccer shirt and will be missed! After dinner, we sadly had to face the reality that we were leaving and got to packing for our departure the next day.
Monday, August 15
Sadly it was time to leave. After breakfast and another hour or so to say goodbye to the beach, we were on our way to the airport. We flew from Costa Rica to Houston, Texas where we had a short layover and then were on the plane to BWI. We all said goodbye and see you soon and are excited to reunite for preseason just a few days away!
