Photo by: Luke White
FOLLOW: ACU Closes Out Unforgettable International Tour in Rwanda
8/5/2026 5:33:00 PM | Women's Basketball
Follow along at this link to keep up with the Abilene Christian women's basketball team's international tour across Greece and Rwanda!
From Aug. 4-16, the Wildcats will head overseas for competition with Greek programs, volunteer and service work at Rwanda Children, a faith-based nonprofit founded by ACU alum Serge Gasore ('09), and cultural immersion experiences.
Fans can support women's basketball's international journey through its excellence fund here. Updates and photos throughout the Wildcats' trip will be posted to ACUSports.com and social media at @ACUWBB and @ACUSports.
Aug. 14-15
The Wildcats wrapped up an unforgettable two-week adventure with a couple days in Rwanda, where they made the trip to Akagera National Park. Located on the border between Rwanda and Tanzania, the team enjoyed the vast scenery of mountains, valleys, rivers, lakes and plains home to a beautiful variety of wildlife.
Following a fireside team dinner on Aug. 13, the Wildcats spent much of the next day on a safari through Akagera. The team gained firsthand looks of the creatures that call the park home, including lions, elephants, giraffes, hippos, rhinos, African buffaloes, baboons, crocodiles and antelopes. Traveling by truck, the Wildcats received views of the wildlife in its natural habitat not found anywhere else.
Akagara National Park is the largest protected wetland in central-eastern Africa and comprises over 1,200 square kilometers. Nearly 12,000 wildlife occupy the park. The team enjoyed time by the SALT of Akagera hotel pool ahead of a dinner to conclude its final full day of the international tour.
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On Aug. 15, the Wildcats made their way back to Kigali, where they toured the heart of the capital city with Gasore and members of the Rwanda Children staff. The team had the opportunity to shop in the district and explore more of Rwandan culture.
Afterwards, the Wildcats visited two of the premiere venues for professional sport in Africa in Kigali's Amahoro Stadium and BK Arena. Amahoro Stadium is the scene of numerous national celebrations, sporting events and concerts with a capacity of over 45,000. It is the largest stadium in Rwanda and is home to the Rwandan National Football Team.
BK Arena sits 10,000 and is the largest indoor arena in East Africa. It hosts concerts, conferences and a number of sporting events, including the Basketball Africa League and FIBA World Cup qualifier games.
Along the way, the team was introduced to several key figures in the Rwandan sport industry, including two-time Rwandan track and field Olympian Alexis Sharangabo and Bugesera District mayor Richard Mutabazi. The Wildcats explored the inner workings of BK Arena before earning the opportunity to step through the tunnel and onto the pitch at Amahoro Stadium.
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Remaining within the stadium, the team was guided through the offices of the Rwandan Ministry of Sport, including its boardroom. The Wildcats were educated on the growing sport industry in Central Africa while meeting the individuals behind it, such as director general of sports development Gilbert Muvunyi Manier and commissioner in charge of women's football Nikita Gicanda Vervelde.
Just outside Amahoro Stadium, the team took a stroll through Zaria Court, an outdoor plaza featuring basketball courts, soccer fields, shopping, dining and a hotel. Players got to interact with locals on the court and see the community's love of sport at work.
Before heading to the airport, the team enjoyed one last meal together, where Gasore surprised the Wildcats with a scrapbook documenting an experience of a lifetime in Rwanda. The photo album was a reminder of the love, stewardship and friendship that made the international tour one that changed the Wildcats' lives forever. The team got to witness God's love and grace firsthand through the work of Gasore and Rwanda Children while crafting memories to last for many years to come.
Aug. 11-13
Across just two and a half days on the campus of Rwanda Children, members of the ACU women's basketball team underwent a life-changing experience while witnessing God's goodness firsthand. The Wildcats gained new perspectives, friendships and outlooks that will remain with them well beyond this summer and basketball season.
The team was granted the experience of a lifetime to broaden its cultural horizons while fostering connections and fellowship with the students of Rwanda Children. Student-athletes and coaches worked hands-on with members of the community through basketball clinics, worship services, "conversation corners" and additional cultural experiences.
"The experience at Rwanda Children has been life-changing for me and also for my players," head coach Julie Goodenough said. "I have never been around a community of people so filled with joy, not just happiness, but sincere and genuine joy. Their gratefulness for God's provision is unbelievable!"
Established in 2013, Rwanda Children serves the physical and spiritual needs of children and their families. It has grown to serve over 1,500 people per day and features a Christian school, a health center and six furnished houses while offering medical insurance to over 3,000 Rwandan children.
You can support Rwanda Children here.
Rwanda Children Christian School has over 900 students enrolled in pre-kindergarten and grades 1-12. Gasore is a survivor of the 1994 Rwandan genocide and came to ACU to run track and cross country in 2005. He was named ACU's Young Alumnus of the Year in 2018 and addressed the United Nations General Assembly on April 7 on International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
The Wildcats' arrival at Rwanda Children, based outside the capital city of Kigali, began with a visit to the nearby Ntarama Genocide Memorial to learn more about the Rwandan genocide and Gasore's journey to survival. He shared his story of courage, resilience, faith and love as the team explored the area's surrounding communities and interacted with its residents. The team was instantly met with warmth and hospitality by the locals.
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Gasore went on to star for the ACU track and field and cross country programs, powering the Wildcats to two consecutive cross country national titles and several conference championships. He earned All-American honors and was named the region's Male Athlete of the Year by the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches' Association.
On Aug. 12, the Wildcats were offered a tour of Rwanda Children's on-campus coffee plantation. Coffee beans are harvested on site to support Rwanda Children while pouring into its surrounding communities by offering job opportunities. Along the way, student-athletes and coaches got to explore areas around the school and meet local citizens that greeted them with open arms. The next day, the team ate lunch at Rwanda Children's newly-constructed Yellow Elephant coffeehouse.
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That evening, the Wildcats were treated to a beautiful demonstration of several elements of Rwandan culture and tradition. Dressed in traditional Rwandan garments, teammates got to take part in Rwandan dance and musical performances, as well as cooking and livestock care. The evening ended with a reenactment of a traditional Rwandan wedding, complete with dinner afterwards.
"Rwanda Children coordinated an entire afternoon of a Rwandan culture experience for our team," Goodenough said. "From providing African attire for each of us to wear, to performing a dance of welcome gratefulness, demonstrating how to bake potatoes underground, how to milk a cow and a full wedding ceremony and reception! Who knew that the groom pays for the entire wedding celebration in Rwanda!"
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One thing that radiated about the students of Rwanda Children early on was a deep love for basketball and other sports. That made it all the more special as the Wildcats hosted a basketball clinic for the students on Aug. 12-13. The team donated 30 basketballs to Rwanda Children this summer, which will allow for many additional playing opportunities for students. The joy and gratitude exhibited by each student as they played the game they love was truly heartwarming and a reminder of what made the team fall in love with basketball in the first place.
"We had so much fun running a two-day basketball clinic," Goodenough said. "The students were very good listeners in spite of the language barrier, and they worked very hard. It was obvious that they love playing basketball!"
Largely led by student-athletes, the Wildcats taught numerous fundamental skills to students, including dribbling, passing, defense, rebounding and shooting. Above all, the squad emphasized the importance of being a good teammate and keeping a positive attitude. Students competed in games with their classmates and ACU student-athletes and coaches.
The Wildcats also got to interact with Rwanda Children students through sessions called conversation corners. For two days, each student-athlete and coach was grouped with two to four students to discuss a topic tying back to Christianity and the Bible. Groups also used the time to learn more about one another and each other's cultures and homelands. The Wildcats fostered close relationships with those in their conversation corner to make friends on the other side of the world.
"Our most meaningful time with the students was when we talked in small groups in conversation corners," Goodenough said. "We learned so much about the students, their interests, their families and, again, their faith was spoken about over and over."
The Wildcats got to share their faith with students of Rwanda Children each morning at a worship service. The team was invited on stage to lead the service in song and prayer. Sophomores Molly Daugherty and Riley Grohman in particular were invited to speak about their faith and share their personal testimonies.
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While the Wildcats' time at Rwanda Children may have been brief, the impact made on each member of the team will certainly last a lifetime. Members of the team won't forget the Rwandan community's joy, gratitude and empathy in all that it does. Rwanda Children is an example of what happens when heroes like Gasore rise above adversity, find Christ in their hearts and set out to do good. For Gasore, that journey began with a simple question: "what is my purpose?"
"I cannot adequately express my thanks to Serge Gasore, Devotha, Francois and the entire staff at Rwanda Children for welcoming, educating, feeding, housing and loving our team!" Goodenough said. "This school is providing a life-altering, transformational opportunity for its students. We will forever be ambassadors for Rwanda Children."
Aug. 8-9
The Wildcats wrapped up their stay in Greece with two days in the coastal town of Nafplio on Aug. 8-9. After departing Athens, the team made a pit stop at the Corinth Canal, separating the Peloponnese peninsula from the mainland. The Wildcats watched as ships sailed through the beautiful blue water 200 feet below.
The team arrived in Nafplio later in the day and made its first stop at the Palamidi Fortress, towering over 700 feet above the city below. It's regarded as one of the largest and best-preserved castles of Greece's Venetian era. On their tour, the Wildcats gained spectacular views of the area's mountain ranges, beaches and architecture.
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ACU's group was then guided through downtown Nafplio with a look at the city's shops, restaurants and exhibits. The team capped the day with dinner at I Folia (The Nest), enjoying a stunning look at the sunset escaping into the neighboring mountains.
The Wildcats took advantage of a day of rest on Aug. 9 and were treated to a beach day. They made their way to nearby Tolo Beach, where they kayaked into the Argolic Gulf and along the coast. The team traversed around the gulf's islands and made a stop for a swimming excursion.
The Wildcats continued to Kondyli Beach to spend the afternoon in the clear water. They returned to Nafplio and had the rest of the day to explore the city on their final day in Greece. On Monday, the team began its travel to Rwanda, where it will stay through Aug. 16 for the remainder of the international tour.
Aug. 6-7
The Wildcats hit the hardwood for a pair of games versus Greek program Athens Select on Aug. 6-7. Competing against another team for the first time since March, ACU showed little rust with double-digit victories in both matchups. Each available Wildcat saw playing time with contributions made throughout the roster. Chemistry between the team's 10 returners was on display as they meshed with the four newcomers.
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"We got to practice hard all summer and really prepare for games, but I think it just gives us a head start of gaining confidence with each other and playing well together," Erin Woodson said. " … I think playing with new people, our transfers and our freshmen that just got here, I think we really started to gel and got comfortable playing with each other, so I think that was the biggest thing, just building that connection."
Both games featured at least four scorers in the double figures as ACU established itself on both ends of the court. In an 11-point win on Aug. 6, Woodson, Payton Hull, Natalia Chavez, Molly Daugherty and Raimi McCrary each collected 10 points or more. Ten of the 11 Wildcats scored, and all but one player recorded a steal. ACU forced over 30 turnovers.
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Beyond what showed up in the box score, Hull said it was the team's rapport and support for each other that stood out the most over both games.
"The excitement on the bench and just everybody cheering each other on," Hull said. "Everybody did really good, and I think just cheering each other on is what helps teams succeed."
The Wildcats enjoyed playing against an opponent not wearing purple and white as head coach Julie Goodenough and the Wildcats' staff took advantage of the opportunity to coach a basketball game in August. The two games offered valuable experience for players and coaches alike that can only come in a game-like atmosphere. ACU introduced three new staff members — assistant coaches Keanna Keys and Kelsey Ground and graduate assistant Thomas Granado.
"I tell our players all the time, I love practice, practice is my favorite time of the day, but practice just prepares you for the games," Goodenough said. "It's just so fun that we actually got to coach two real games. I was really thrilled with the opportunity for our staff to work together for the first time. This staff has been in those game situations and being able to talk through things during timeouts and at halftime, I think it just really jumpstarts the whole season for us to have these experiences already in August."
In their next game on Aug. 7, the Wildcats carried their momentum from their previous victory. ACU won by more than 30 points with Woodson, Hull, Riley Grohman and Emma Troxell scoring in the double figures. Samara Morrow and Jazmyn Stone dished out five assists apiece, while Morrow and Aimee Flippen combined for 15 rebounds.
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"[We're] looking for good chemistry, looking for players that are trying to execute the way we've been working on things in practice, looking for our players encouraging each other and putting the team before themselves," Goodenough said. " … We practice all of that, but as far as going up and down for 40 minutes, we have not done that since March. You kind of lose some things when you're just going up and down full speed.
"Everything wasn't perfect, but it's not ever going to be perfect in a game. I was really pleased with how we played both nights. Obviously, we have a ton to work on before our first game, but it's 10 weeks before our first scrimmage, so we have plenty of time to work on some things that maybe we didn't do so well. But what a huge advantage it is for us to have two games under our belt so as a staff, we know where some deficiencies are as a team, for individuals. It just gives us a head start on what we need to do in the preseason."
Even over 6,000 miles from Abilene, the Wildcats gained a home-court advantage with a number of team family members and friends in attendance for both wins.
Both matchups were bigger than basketball, as the Wildcats developed fellowship with Athens Select players and shared moments of camaraderie postgame. ACU players delivered Wildcat drawstring bags for the Athens Select team as a gesture of friendship.
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Aug. 4-5
The Wildcats wasted little time immersing themselves in Greek culture after crossing the Atlantic. The team arrived in Athens, Greece on Tuesday, Aug. 4 and began its stay in the capital city with dinner at the Cave of Acropolis. The Wildcats dined in the shadow of the Acropolis beneath an Athens sunset and used the rest of the night to explore the city.
The team also took the opportunity to celebrate senior guard Erin Woodson's 22nd birthday with a cake at the restaurant. On the way, the Wildcats witnessed the Changing of the Guard in front of the Hellenic Parliament and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
The next day, student-athletes and coaches enjoyed a morning bike tour of Athens, which took them to the Panathenaic Stadium, Ancient Agora of Athens and Presidential Mansion while picking up great views of the Acropolis. The team learned about the nation's history, tradition and heritage while traveling on two wheels.
"The bike tour was really cool," senior forward Meredith Mayes said. "We got to see a lot and bike through the streets, we got to see the Acropolis and we got to see [the] Agora, those areas were so cool. We got to see a lot of ruins. That was probably my favorite part so far."
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The Wildcats took advantage of afternoon free time to further explore the community and its culture. They ate at local restaurants and shopped at local businesses and stores. The team capped the night with a cooking class at Eat With Your Greek Cousin in the heart of Athens. The Wildcats were treated to numerous traditional dishes and got to try their hands at making their own Greek cuisine.
Redshirt senior guard Natalia Chavez spoke to the importance of the experiences for team bonding and building chemistry with one another. She said navigating a new culture and sharing the experience together has been rewarding.
"We're with each other all the time, so getting to experience it with people your own age compared to your family, I feel is even more fun because we have to figure it out on our own, too, in a different country," Chavez said. "Also, we're just trying to learn the language, eating all of the food, not hesitating. … Just getting closer with the people that we've always been with."
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Head coach Julie Goodenough drew on ACU's past two international tours to speak firsthand of the impact of such experiences. She said the impact of this summer's trip won't be felt just in the upcoming season, but for many years ahead.
"The last two trips that I've gone on with an ACU team, the season that we had following those trips was amazing," Goodenough said. " … Just this intense amount of time that they're spending together, it grows the chemistry, everybody gets to know each other. If you notice on our team, everyone talks to everyone. There's no cliques that have to be in the same bike group together, they have to sit together at the dinner table. They mingle all pretty well, and I just think it grows the culture of the program, grows the chemistry and the relationships.
"Without strong relationships, you're going to throw in the towel when things get hard. I think the more that we experience things together, we'll be talking about this trip not just this school year, this season, but for the rest of our lives, all the things that we were able to do together as a team. I just think it makes us a tougher, grittier group of people, just to have this awesome experience."
Up next, the Wildcats will play a pair of games in Greece, taking on Athens Select on Thursday and Melissia Select 2 on Friday.
From Aug. 4-16, the Wildcats will head overseas for competition with Greek programs, volunteer and service work at Rwanda Children, a faith-based nonprofit founded by ACU alum Serge Gasore ('09), and cultural immersion experiences.
Fans can support women's basketball's international journey through its excellence fund here. Updates and photos throughout the Wildcats' trip will be posted to ACUSports.com and social media at @ACUWBB and @ACUSports.
Aug. 14-15
The Wildcats wrapped up an unforgettable two-week adventure with a couple days in Rwanda, where they made the trip to Akagera National Park. Located on the border between Rwanda and Tanzania, the team enjoyed the vast scenery of mountains, valleys, rivers, lakes and plains home to a beautiful variety of wildlife.
Following a fireside team dinner on Aug. 13, the Wildcats spent much of the next day on a safari through Akagera. The team gained firsthand looks of the creatures that call the park home, including lions, elephants, giraffes, hippos, rhinos, African buffaloes, baboons, crocodiles and antelopes. Traveling by truck, the Wildcats received views of the wildlife in its natural habitat not found anywhere else.
Akagara National Park is the largest protected wetland in central-eastern Africa and comprises over 1,200 square kilometers. Nearly 12,000 wildlife occupy the park. The team enjoyed time by the SALT of Akagera hotel pool ahead of a dinner to conclude its final full day of the international tour.
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On Aug. 15, the Wildcats made their way back to Kigali, where they toured the heart of the capital city with Gasore and members of the Rwanda Children staff. The team had the opportunity to shop in the district and explore more of Rwandan culture.
Afterwards, the Wildcats visited two of the premiere venues for professional sport in Africa in Kigali's Amahoro Stadium and BK Arena. Amahoro Stadium is the scene of numerous national celebrations, sporting events and concerts with a capacity of over 45,000. It is the largest stadium in Rwanda and is home to the Rwandan National Football Team.
BK Arena sits 10,000 and is the largest indoor arena in East Africa. It hosts concerts, conferences and a number of sporting events, including the Basketball Africa League and FIBA World Cup qualifier games.
Along the way, the team was introduced to several key figures in the Rwandan sport industry, including two-time Rwandan track and field Olympian Alexis Sharangabo and Bugesera District mayor Richard Mutabazi. The Wildcats explored the inner workings of BK Arena before earning the opportunity to step through the tunnel and onto the pitch at Amahoro Stadium.
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Remaining within the stadium, the team was guided through the offices of the Rwandan Ministry of Sport, including its boardroom. The Wildcats were educated on the growing sport industry in Central Africa while meeting the individuals behind it, such as director general of sports development Gilbert Muvunyi Manier and commissioner in charge of women's football Nikita Gicanda Vervelde.
Just outside Amahoro Stadium, the team took a stroll through Zaria Court, an outdoor plaza featuring basketball courts, soccer fields, shopping, dining and a hotel. Players got to interact with locals on the court and see the community's love of sport at work.
Before heading to the airport, the team enjoyed one last meal together, where Gasore surprised the Wildcats with a scrapbook documenting an experience of a lifetime in Rwanda. The photo album was a reminder of the love, stewardship and friendship that made the international tour one that changed the Wildcats' lives forever. The team got to witness God's love and grace firsthand through the work of Gasore and Rwanda Children while crafting memories to last for many years to come.
Aug. 11-13
Across just two and a half days on the campus of Rwanda Children, members of the ACU women's basketball team underwent a life-changing experience while witnessing God's goodness firsthand. The Wildcats gained new perspectives, friendships and outlooks that will remain with them well beyond this summer and basketball season.
The team was granted the experience of a lifetime to broaden its cultural horizons while fostering connections and fellowship with the students of Rwanda Children. Student-athletes and coaches worked hands-on with members of the community through basketball clinics, worship services, "conversation corners" and additional cultural experiences.
"The experience at Rwanda Children has been life-changing for me and also for my players," head coach Julie Goodenough said. "I have never been around a community of people so filled with joy, not just happiness, but sincere and genuine joy. Their gratefulness for God's provision is unbelievable!"
Established in 2013, Rwanda Children serves the physical and spiritual needs of children and their families. It has grown to serve over 1,500 people per day and features a Christian school, a health center and six furnished houses while offering medical insurance to over 3,000 Rwandan children.
You can support Rwanda Children here.
Rwanda Children Christian School has over 900 students enrolled in pre-kindergarten and grades 1-12. Gasore is a survivor of the 1994 Rwandan genocide and came to ACU to run track and cross country in 2005. He was named ACU's Young Alumnus of the Year in 2018 and addressed the United Nations General Assembly on April 7 on International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
The Wildcats' arrival at Rwanda Children, based outside the capital city of Kigali, began with a visit to the nearby Ntarama Genocide Memorial to learn more about the Rwandan genocide and Gasore's journey to survival. He shared his story of courage, resilience, faith and love as the team explored the area's surrounding communities and interacted with its residents. The team was instantly met with warmth and hospitality by the locals.
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Gasore went on to star for the ACU track and field and cross country programs, powering the Wildcats to two consecutive cross country national titles and several conference championships. He earned All-American honors and was named the region's Male Athlete of the Year by the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches' Association.
On Aug. 12, the Wildcats were offered a tour of Rwanda Children's on-campus coffee plantation. Coffee beans are harvested on site to support Rwanda Children while pouring into its surrounding communities by offering job opportunities. Along the way, student-athletes and coaches got to explore areas around the school and meet local citizens that greeted them with open arms. The next day, the team ate lunch at Rwanda Children's newly-constructed Yellow Elephant coffeehouse.
Â
That evening, the Wildcats were treated to a beautiful demonstration of several elements of Rwandan culture and tradition. Dressed in traditional Rwandan garments, teammates got to take part in Rwandan dance and musical performances, as well as cooking and livestock care. The evening ended with a reenactment of a traditional Rwandan wedding, complete with dinner afterwards.
"Rwanda Children coordinated an entire afternoon of a Rwandan culture experience for our team," Goodenough said. "From providing African attire for each of us to wear, to performing a dance of welcome gratefulness, demonstrating how to bake potatoes underground, how to milk a cow and a full wedding ceremony and reception! Who knew that the groom pays for the entire wedding celebration in Rwanda!"
Â
One thing that radiated about the students of Rwanda Children early on was a deep love for basketball and other sports. That made it all the more special as the Wildcats hosted a basketball clinic for the students on Aug. 12-13. The team donated 30 basketballs to Rwanda Children this summer, which will allow for many additional playing opportunities for students. The joy and gratitude exhibited by each student as they played the game they love was truly heartwarming and a reminder of what made the team fall in love with basketball in the first place.
"We had so much fun running a two-day basketball clinic," Goodenough said. "The students were very good listeners in spite of the language barrier, and they worked very hard. It was obvious that they love playing basketball!"
Largely led by student-athletes, the Wildcats taught numerous fundamental skills to students, including dribbling, passing, defense, rebounding and shooting. Above all, the squad emphasized the importance of being a good teammate and keeping a positive attitude. Students competed in games with their classmates and ACU student-athletes and coaches.
The Wildcats also got to interact with Rwanda Children students through sessions called conversation corners. For two days, each student-athlete and coach was grouped with two to four students to discuss a topic tying back to Christianity and the Bible. Groups also used the time to learn more about one another and each other's cultures and homelands. The Wildcats fostered close relationships with those in their conversation corner to make friends on the other side of the world.
"Our most meaningful time with the students was when we talked in small groups in conversation corners," Goodenough said. "We learned so much about the students, their interests, their families and, again, their faith was spoken about over and over."
The Wildcats got to share their faith with students of Rwanda Children each morning at a worship service. The team was invited on stage to lead the service in song and prayer. Sophomores Molly Daugherty and Riley Grohman in particular were invited to speak about their faith and share their personal testimonies.
Â
While the Wildcats' time at Rwanda Children may have been brief, the impact made on each member of the team will certainly last a lifetime. Members of the team won't forget the Rwandan community's joy, gratitude and empathy in all that it does. Rwanda Children is an example of what happens when heroes like Gasore rise above adversity, find Christ in their hearts and set out to do good. For Gasore, that journey began with a simple question: "what is my purpose?"
"I cannot adequately express my thanks to Serge Gasore, Devotha, Francois and the entire staff at Rwanda Children for welcoming, educating, feeding, housing and loving our team!" Goodenough said. "This school is providing a life-altering, transformational opportunity for its students. We will forever be ambassadors for Rwanda Children."
Aug. 8-9
The Wildcats wrapped up their stay in Greece with two days in the coastal town of Nafplio on Aug. 8-9. After departing Athens, the team made a pit stop at the Corinth Canal, separating the Peloponnese peninsula from the mainland. The Wildcats watched as ships sailed through the beautiful blue water 200 feet below.
The team arrived in Nafplio later in the day and made its first stop at the Palamidi Fortress, towering over 700 feet above the city below. It's regarded as one of the largest and best-preserved castles of Greece's Venetian era. On their tour, the Wildcats gained spectacular views of the area's mountain ranges, beaches and architecture.
Â
ACU's group was then guided through downtown Nafplio with a look at the city's shops, restaurants and exhibits. The team capped the day with dinner at I Folia (The Nest), enjoying a stunning look at the sunset escaping into the neighboring mountains.
The Wildcats took advantage of a day of rest on Aug. 9 and were treated to a beach day. They made their way to nearby Tolo Beach, where they kayaked into the Argolic Gulf and along the coast. The team traversed around the gulf's islands and made a stop for a swimming excursion.
The Wildcats continued to Kondyli Beach to spend the afternoon in the clear water. They returned to Nafplio and had the rest of the day to explore the city on their final day in Greece. On Monday, the team began its travel to Rwanda, where it will stay through Aug. 16 for the remainder of the international tour.
Aug. 6-7
The Wildcats hit the hardwood for a pair of games versus Greek program Athens Select on Aug. 6-7. Competing against another team for the first time since March, ACU showed little rust with double-digit victories in both matchups. Each available Wildcat saw playing time with contributions made throughout the roster. Chemistry between the team's 10 returners was on display as they meshed with the four newcomers.
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"We got to practice hard all summer and really prepare for games, but I think it just gives us a head start of gaining confidence with each other and playing well together," Erin Woodson said. " … I think playing with new people, our transfers and our freshmen that just got here, I think we really started to gel and got comfortable playing with each other, so I think that was the biggest thing, just building that connection."
Both games featured at least four scorers in the double figures as ACU established itself on both ends of the court. In an 11-point win on Aug. 6, Woodson, Payton Hull, Natalia Chavez, Molly Daugherty and Raimi McCrary each collected 10 points or more. Ten of the 11 Wildcats scored, and all but one player recorded a steal. ACU forced over 30 turnovers.
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Beyond what showed up in the box score, Hull said it was the team's rapport and support for each other that stood out the most over both games.
"The excitement on the bench and just everybody cheering each other on," Hull said. "Everybody did really good, and I think just cheering each other on is what helps teams succeed."
The Wildcats enjoyed playing against an opponent not wearing purple and white as head coach Julie Goodenough and the Wildcats' staff took advantage of the opportunity to coach a basketball game in August. The two games offered valuable experience for players and coaches alike that can only come in a game-like atmosphere. ACU introduced three new staff members — assistant coaches Keanna Keys and Kelsey Ground and graduate assistant Thomas Granado.
"I tell our players all the time, I love practice, practice is my favorite time of the day, but practice just prepares you for the games," Goodenough said. "It's just so fun that we actually got to coach two real games. I was really thrilled with the opportunity for our staff to work together for the first time. This staff has been in those game situations and being able to talk through things during timeouts and at halftime, I think it just really jumpstarts the whole season for us to have these experiences already in August."
In their next game on Aug. 7, the Wildcats carried their momentum from their previous victory. ACU won by more than 30 points with Woodson, Hull, Riley Grohman and Emma Troxell scoring in the double figures. Samara Morrow and Jazmyn Stone dished out five assists apiece, while Morrow and Aimee Flippen combined for 15 rebounds.
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"[We're] looking for good chemistry, looking for players that are trying to execute the way we've been working on things in practice, looking for our players encouraging each other and putting the team before themselves," Goodenough said. " … We practice all of that, but as far as going up and down for 40 minutes, we have not done that since March. You kind of lose some things when you're just going up and down full speed.
"Everything wasn't perfect, but it's not ever going to be perfect in a game. I was really pleased with how we played both nights. Obviously, we have a ton to work on before our first game, but it's 10 weeks before our first scrimmage, so we have plenty of time to work on some things that maybe we didn't do so well. But what a huge advantage it is for us to have two games under our belt so as a staff, we know where some deficiencies are as a team, for individuals. It just gives us a head start on what we need to do in the preseason."
Even over 6,000 miles from Abilene, the Wildcats gained a home-court advantage with a number of team family members and friends in attendance for both wins.
Both matchups were bigger than basketball, as the Wildcats developed fellowship with Athens Select players and shared moments of camaraderie postgame. ACU players delivered Wildcat drawstring bags for the Athens Select team as a gesture of friendship.
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Aug. 4-5
The Wildcats wasted little time immersing themselves in Greek culture after crossing the Atlantic. The team arrived in Athens, Greece on Tuesday, Aug. 4 and began its stay in the capital city with dinner at the Cave of Acropolis. The Wildcats dined in the shadow of the Acropolis beneath an Athens sunset and used the rest of the night to explore the city.
The team also took the opportunity to celebrate senior guard Erin Woodson's 22nd birthday with a cake at the restaurant. On the way, the Wildcats witnessed the Changing of the Guard in front of the Hellenic Parliament and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
The next day, student-athletes and coaches enjoyed a morning bike tour of Athens, which took them to the Panathenaic Stadium, Ancient Agora of Athens and Presidential Mansion while picking up great views of the Acropolis. The team learned about the nation's history, tradition and heritage while traveling on two wheels.
"The bike tour was really cool," senior forward Meredith Mayes said. "We got to see a lot and bike through the streets, we got to see the Acropolis and we got to see [the] Agora, those areas were so cool. We got to see a lot of ruins. That was probably my favorite part so far."
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The Wildcats took advantage of afternoon free time to further explore the community and its culture. They ate at local restaurants and shopped at local businesses and stores. The team capped the night with a cooking class at Eat With Your Greek Cousin in the heart of Athens. The Wildcats were treated to numerous traditional dishes and got to try their hands at making their own Greek cuisine.
Redshirt senior guard Natalia Chavez spoke to the importance of the experiences for team bonding and building chemistry with one another. She said navigating a new culture and sharing the experience together has been rewarding.
"We're with each other all the time, so getting to experience it with people your own age compared to your family, I feel is even more fun because we have to figure it out on our own, too, in a different country," Chavez said. "Also, we're just trying to learn the language, eating all of the food, not hesitating. … Just getting closer with the people that we've always been with."
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Head coach Julie Goodenough drew on ACU's past two international tours to speak firsthand of the impact of such experiences. She said the impact of this summer's trip won't be felt just in the upcoming season, but for many years ahead.
"The last two trips that I've gone on with an ACU team, the season that we had following those trips was amazing," Goodenough said. " … Just this intense amount of time that they're spending together, it grows the chemistry, everybody gets to know each other. If you notice on our team, everyone talks to everyone. There's no cliques that have to be in the same bike group together, they have to sit together at the dinner table. They mingle all pretty well, and I just think it grows the culture of the program, grows the chemistry and the relationships.
"Without strong relationships, you're going to throw in the towel when things get hard. I think the more that we experience things together, we'll be talking about this trip not just this school year, this season, but for the rest of our lives, all the things that we were able to do together as a team. I just think it makes us a tougher, grittier group of people, just to have this awesome experience."
Up next, the Wildcats will play a pair of games in Greece, taking on Athens Select on Thursday and Melissia Select 2 on Friday.
Players Mentioned
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/ Women's BasketballTuesday, September 15
Sunday, September 13
Tuesday, September 08
Sunday, September 06
