The Field Hockey team had the opportunity this fall to spend their preseason in Europe, traveling to Holland and Germany to play three games against high-caliber club teams. The team explored historic sites, such as the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam and Dachau concentration camp in Germany; went whitewater rafting in Austria; and, took a bike tour through the streets of Amsterdam, among many other adventures. The trip was made possible thanks to many generous donations and successful fundraising efforts.  

“Traveling overseas was an incredible opportunity for my players to experience field hockey in other countries and to help my team get a jump start to the season,” said Head Field Hockey Coach Andrea Thebarge M.B.A. ’14. “Having the ability to play three games against outside competition at their caliber is why our season has been so successful. It was also an incredible team bonding experience and something the team will remember long after they have left Thomas College.”  

Andrea said the team conducted many different fundraisers to help make the trip possible – from holding raffles and online auctions, hosting tournaments and clinics, and enlisting support from generous individual donors. She is so thankful to everyone who helped make the trip possible. 

“This was a once-in-a-lifetime experience made possible by donors,” said student-athlete Allie Gregorie ’21. “This trip gave our team the opportunity to play and to get to know and learn from players from different countries. This trip is something that I will never forget.” 

*This article was originally published in the Fall 2019 Thomas Magazine.