Women’s Basketball 2011 Costa Rica Trip Recap

Big Sky Meets Pura Vida!

The Montana State University women’s basketball team recently returned from a fabulous 8 day trip to Costa Rica.  Costa Rica is a special destination for teams because it, more than most destinations, allows each team member to “make” a historical experience for themselves rather than “look” at history.  It is unique in that team building is more than moving through a foreign country by bus; team building occurs on the court, in the raft, on the zip line, and on a volcanic trail.  Montana State’s team also took advantage of the service opportunity to work with members of a small community in a group home for mentally disabled adults.  In addition, they produced a youth basketball clinic in San Ramon for local youth.

Here are some of the exciting adventures the team experienced:

• Surfing the Pacific at Jaco Beach
• Zip lining through the tropical rain forest at Poas
• Staying at a cloud forest hotel surrounded by incredible wildlife
• Watching the Costa Rican futbol (soccer) championship with locals
• Whitewater rafting the Pacquare River class 3 and 4 rapids
• Hiking the Arenal Volcano to the lava flows
• Relaxing in the Tabacon Hot Springs heated by the volcanic activity
• Enjoying a Costa Rican meal with traditional dancers performing

It was a unforgettable trip for the players, coaches, and fans who joined us.  It was also an unforgettable trip for me!

Emily Bauer
Executive Director, WBI
Sport Tours International, Inc.