WASHINGTON - From May 13-21, a group of 19 American University student-athletes and three staff members embarked on the third Eagles in Service international trip, heading to the small rural community of Chuasiguan, Guatemala, for a nine-day project through the organization Courts for Kids. While there, the students and staff were fully immersed in the community and culture, working alongside community members to build a multipurpose sports court. This meaningful experience is part of the Stephanie M. Bennett-Smith AU Eagles Life Skills and Leadership Academy program she established to prepare student-athletes for life beyond AU. Founded in 2018, the Academy provides leadership training, professional development, and a foundation for lifelong learning—all rooted in the belief that sport can be a catalyst for growth both on and off the field.

The following is a recap of the experience written by field hockey's Elle Ridge along with wrestling's Antonio Segura and Elijah White,  with additional quotes from others on the trip.

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Arrival | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 

Our first travel day was truly unforgettable and a remarkable experience. Upon leaving American University before the break of dawn, the bus traveling to the airport was silent and full of college students not fully sure of what they signed up for. Arriving at the airport, small groups were formed of one another’s own teammates and little conversations between the teams began. After enduring long flights from D.C. to Miami then finally Guatemala City, the trip to Chuasiguan only had begun. With an even longer bus ride on mountain roads and a switch of transportation at “El Centro” into jam packed vans in order to endure the unpaved, bumpy roads, we finally arrived in the vibrant community of Chuasiguan, Guatemala. 

Stepping out of the vans, fireworks illuminated the darkened mountain sky and pierced the silence of the night. Nearly the entire community waited late into the night for our delayed arrival. All gathered to welcome us with a warm group “Bienvenidos,” a handmade sign welcoming us hung up on the stage, and a loud applause. A formal welcome ceremony ensued, featuring heartfelt speeches from the school principal followed by other community leaders. The community's aim was to make us feel immediately embraced and at home - they succeeded with flying colors. We couldn’t stop smiling as we took countless photos with the children, their joy and energy instantly being infectious. That evening, two women from the community prepared a delicious dinner for us, a generous and warm conclusion to a day filled with awe and connection.

To help us adjust to the dramatic elevation change, our first full day was intentionally restful, but it quickly turned into something much more meaningful. We spent the day bonding with the children, and by the end, we had formed deep and genuine connections. We lost count of the number of soccer, handball, and volleyball games played; each one filled with laughter, teamwork, and an overwhelming sense of shared joy.

The next three days were some of the most rewarding of the entire trip, as we got to work building the court we had all dreamed about. From the very beginning, it was a collective effort both from the community and our own AU Eagle family. Community members, ranging from a 16 year old to elders being as young as 65, joined us with open hearts and helping hands, turning hard labor into something deeply meaningful. Majority of the community members, including us, are not specialized in construction work - with one local in particular who was the site manager manning the cement mixer being a teacher at the school. 

We passed hundreds of buckets filled with sand, gravel, water, and bags of cement, feeding the mixer every morning. As each section of cement was poured, the court slowly, but surely, began to take shape. The pride and joy on everyone’s faces - regardless of a language barrier - was unforgettable. There was laughter, shared determination, and a deep sense that we were creating something far bigger than a concrete slab with some basketball hoops. Working side by side with the community, sweating, smiling, and encouraging each other, formed a bond that words can hardly capture. It wasn’t just about building a court; it was about bringing the community together. A smile, regardless of where you’re from, what language you speak, or your age, is the universal language of the world.

Each day we worked hard for about four hours in the morning, and then our afternoons were filled with experiences organized by the community. A new sunrise meant that new, meaningful experiences were about to begin. One afternoon, we hiked to a natural hot spring that operated due to the nearby volcano, an incredible first-time experience for many of us. Learning about the history and significance to the community made the visit to the volcano-powered hot spring unique and deepened our intra-cultural understanding of how Chuasiguan works. 

Another day, we went on a challenging “quick one-hour hike” that turned into a three-hour hike through breathtaking landscapes and scaling mountain ridges. The terrain was tough, but the beauty around us made every step worth it. New appreciation for the physical endurance of the community members who navigate this terrain daily as part of their routine was acquired from this hiking experience. 

Additionally on this visit, we also learned how to cook traditional meals and prepare a staple to every meal we had in Chuasiguan: tortillas. A highlight and the biggest challenge was mastering their handmade tortillas. Watching the women shape them with such precision, speed, and ease was humbling; despite our best efforts, we quickly realized we were far from experts but had some successes. Our group gained an even deeper respect for the skill and care poured into every meal we were served. 

A moment of true intra-cultural connection, and one of the most joyful moments, was a spirited soccer match against members of the community from our very own AU Eagles. The pitch was electric, and excitement filled the air. High energy, laughter, and friendly competition were common amongst the two cultures despite working in the hot sun for four hours just briefly before. These soccer matches were a beautiful reminder that no matter where you come from, sports have a unique power to break down barriers and bring people together.

Our AU Eagle family and the Chuasiguan community will never forget our experiences and leaving the community was 100 times harder than arriving there, away from all comforts of the U.S. we have become accustomed with.