Student-athletes take the Viking spirit to Europe and Costa Rica
From the left, golfers Jama Burch ’27, Sarah Bond ’27, Lydia Hall ’27, Georgia Holt ’26 and Abby Buechele ’26 on the iconic Swilcan Bridge between the first and 18th fairways on the Old Course at St. Andrews, Scotland.
The women’s lacrosse team competed against national teams from Spain and Portugal.
Trading jerseys or T-shirts after a game is generally a sign of mutual respect between opposing players.
Members of Augustana's lacrosse team posed in front of Seville Cathedral in Seville, Andalusia, Spain.
The Vikings football team suited up for a friendly contest with Rome’s Lazio Marines.
Basketball players, coaches and family members in front of the Prince Felipe Museum of Science in Valencia, Spain.
The women's basketball group toured the streets of Peñíscola, Spain, below the famous Peñíscola Castle.
The Vikings softball team played Costa Rica's national team during their trip.
Viking softball players ready for zip-lining in Costa Rica.
When she chose to attend Augustana, golfer Sarah Bond ’27 of El Paso, Ill., never imagined she'd find herself walking the fairways of the world-famous Old Course at St. Andrews, Scotland.
“Playing the Old Course was something I had always dreamed of,” Bond said. “One of the reasons I chose Augustana was because of their fantastic programs abroad … being able to live out one of my dreams was amazing. I’m forever grateful for Augustana for giving me this opportunity.”
Golfers Abby Buechele ’26, Georgia Holt ’26, Lydia Hall ’27, Sarah Bond ’27 and Jama Burch ’27 at Edinburgh Castle.
The women’s golf team was only one of five Augustana teams that jetted off on international adventures earlier this summer, bringing the Viking spirit to Europe and Costa Rica.
“Other colleges’ athletic teams travel, but it’s accurate to say that more Augie athletes benefit from an international travel experience with their teammates than those at other small schools because of the $2,000 Augie Choice grant to help offset a portion of the cost,” said Mike Zapolski, director of athletics.
“It’s affirming to see how many of our student-athletes identify their international travel trip as a peak experience during their time at Augustana," he added.
Bond, four of her teammates, Coach Tom Lawrence and others stayed in St. Andrews for a week. The women played two courses in St. Andrews (the New Course and the Eden Course) and Elie Golf Club in Leven; only Bond played Old Andrews. They toured Scotland’s capital of Edinburgh and explored the Firth of Forth, an inlet of the North Sea that separates Fife to its north and Lothian to its south.
“Going on this trip to such a historic place for golfers provided me with memories that will last a lifetime,” Bond said.
The women’s lacrosse team took their game to Portugal and Spain to compete against both countries’ national teams. A tour of Sevilla, Spain, was an itinerary highlight plus lots of fresh seafood and even a cooking class to prepare some of Portugal’s signature dishes.
“We took in their culture and the beaches and the sun,” said Coach Jordan Tice. “The trip was a great time.”
Led by Coach Steve Bell, the Vikings football team traveled to two of the world’s most popular destinations, Greece and Italy. Highlights included Athens and its historical sites; the Greek islands of Hydra, Poros and Aegina; Italy’s breathtaking Amalfi Coast; and all the sites and ruins of the Roman Empire in Rome.
The Vikings also suited up for a friendly contest with Rome’s Lazio Marines football team.
“The ability to take a trip with family, friends and teammates is an amazing experience,” Coach Bell said. “The memories of this type of trip remain for a lifetime. We are so thankful that Augustana Football could experience it together.”
From the left, basketball's Paige Melton ’27, Lexi Hayes ’28, Sophia Klacik ’28 and Giulia Bauza Milazzo (she is from Spain and is coming to Augustana this fall) in front of the Peñíscola Castle.
Coach Mark Beinborn's women’s basketball team’s trip to Spain began in Madrid with a walking tour of the city, stops at Plaza Mayor and the Museo Nacional del Prado, a flamenco show and their first game against Olimpico Madrid.
From there, they explored the historic streets of Toledo on foot before heading to Valencia for another walking tour, a visit to Mercat Central and the Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe (science museum), followed by a game against Godella Valencia.
In Peñíscola, the players toured the city and its iconic castle overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Their journey concluded in Barcelona with a city tour; visits to the Sagrada Familia church, the beaches, the Olympic Stadium; and their final game against Boet Mataró Barcelona.
"I never thought I'd be able to compete against an international team, and it was so much fun to see the differences in play," noted Paige Melton '27 of Moline, Ill. "My favorite part of the trip was experiencing something totally new every day, learning about the culture and doing it all with my teammates!"
Sightly closer to home, Augustana’s women’s softball team led by Coach John Nelson did all the things on their tour of Costa Rica — whitewater rafting, zip-lining, relaxing on the beach and snorkeling. The Vikings also took the field to play Costa Rica’s national team.
“Not only did this allow us to play the sport we love, but it also enabled us to host a camp before the game, giving back to members of the local community,” said Emily Gad ’26 of Orland Park, Ill.
Gad says the trip was an incredible experience in many ways. “We experienced a new culture firsthand, and all the activities allowed me to bond with my teammates and friends on a deeper level,” she said.
For athletics news and scores during the 2025-2026 school year, visit athletics.augustana.edu.