By Theresa Messenger, co-editor

Summer vacation was full of traveling for many LVC students, but the women’s soccer team took part in an overseas adventure of a lifetime to England where they competed and explored the local towns.

The Flying Dutchmen traveled to England for a 10-day excursion which included competing in three games, visiting top London sights, eating traditional meals and exploring soccer training grounds.

“This trip was a great opportunity for our team because we were able to grow together so much more on the field and off the field,” Katie Goldsmith, a junior defender, said. “We were learning new things about our teammates we never knew before, all thanks to 10 days abroad.”

After former head coach Todd Hoffard accepted a position as director of goalkeeping for Real Salt Lake, a major league soccer, in mid-July, the team was unsure if they would still have the opportunity to make it to England. A week later, the team found out it would be chaperoned by Caitlin Murphy, international recruitment and engagement coordinator; Jared Hatz, the strength and conditioning coach; John Haus, head coach and director of lacrosse; and coach Haus’ wife, Lisa.

“This was my first time leading one of our athletic teams abroad, but I have had previous experience leading college students on tours throughout Europe,” Murphy said. “It was interesting being a chaperone because I had only known two players prior to departing. The trip really allowed me to meet 16 of our women’s soccer players and get to know them as athletes, but also as people, which was a really enjoyable experience.”

One of the big highlights of the trip was being able to tour and train on professional grounds.

“The opportunity to play matches overseas while being trained by a professional was truly remarkable,” Teanna Shutt, a senior midfielder, said. “Coach Haus, his wife Lisa, Caitlin, and Coach Hatz all stepped up immensely to make sure all of us felt at home away from home. We honestly couldn’t thank them enough and LVC is beyond lucky to have such selfless and caring staff.”

The team also spent time exploring with expeditions to Wales, London and even other small towns around Manchester.

“My favorite part of the trip was helping facilitate intercultural learning and instilling a sense of curiosity among the players,” Murphy said. “I tried to challenge the women to move past ordinary ‘weird’ behavior remarks and put it in the context of the culture and history of the country. Whenever possible, I tried to instill in them a sense of appreciation and reflection, hoping they would understand the unique opportunity to travel in Europe for 11 days, playing the sport they love with 15 of their teammates.”

Some of the most memorable experiences of the trip for a few were during the last days. Even when things got rocky, the girls made the most of their experience.

“My favorite part of our sightseeing was on our last day,” Goldsmith said. “Five of us players, Coach Hatz and Caitlin decided to go on a hike to the nearby town of Prestbury. We thought it would be 40 minutes, but a few wrong turns later, it took us two and a half hours and a little over six miles. I couldn’t think of a better way to see the countryside of England and it was a great learning experience on how to accurately follow maps.”

New coach named

Lebanon Valley College named Leah Sipe-McDermott the team’s new head coach. While McDermott was not able to attend the trip, she stayed in touch with the players through phone calls.

“The opportunity to go abroad as a team for sort of ‘pre-preseason’ was an amazing experience for the girls,” McDermott said. “The captains made it very clear from the start that they don’t want me to look at this year as being a ‘re-building’ so that was extremely encouraging to me.”

The team is also very excited to work with its new coach. The first game back in the U.S. for the Flying Dutchmen is scheduled for Sept. 1 at 7 p.m. at Gettysburg College.