The ETBU Women's Soccer team departed Texas for New Zealand earlier this week as a part of ETBU's Tiger Athletic Mission Experience (TAME). This is the 16th trip as a part of the ETBU Athletic Department TAME initiative and second for Tiger Women's Soccer, after the Tigers traveled to Costa Rica in 2019. ETBU is partnering with International Sports Federation (ISF), as they will conduct soccer clinics and other ministry activities alongside the 2023 Women's World Cup, which is being held in New Zealand.

Cheyenne Vick, a freshman Christian ministry major, shared the following regarding their first day in New Zealand. "Our arrival in New Zealand came after a 14 hour flight from Houston to Auckland with an early landing at 5:30 AM. Though the purpose of the first day was to get settled into camp, we were able to feel the presence of the Holy Spirit the moment we stepped foot into camp. We were greeted with a traditional welcome and haka performance and spent the majority of the day learning about New Zealand traditions. After lunch we had our first devotional led by an ISF director, Brett, and ice breaker games to get to know each other, while walking the beach. We split up into small groups and shared our excitement, as well as our anxieties, and prayed over each other. Later, the team took a stroll on the beach and each player took the opportunity to open up about their faith and how they expect God to move in them and other people the next two weeks. We are all excited to share the good news of our savior Jesus and we are expecting Him to keep opening hearts and changing lives through the upcoming days."

Junior biology major, Sarah Ramos, stated, "The camp we are staying at is called Willow Park, which is just off the beautiful Bucklands Beach. The camp staff, led by Jarome, has welcomed us with open arms and made us feel like family. The camp has plenty of fun activities like a gym, tennis courts, miniature golf course, and volleyball courts. The beds are bunk beds and everyone shares the restrooms that have private showers within. The food has been great so far, and there is always a supply of hot chocolate to keep us warm in this cold weather."

"The team had the opportunity to meet two boys and their mom on the beach and they asked for our autographs on a soccer ball and for a picture with the team! We invited them back to our clinic on the weekend and they said they will come and bring their friends! It's funny how many people have asked us if we are on the USA National Team, but also awesome how God has used that to open up the door for others to talk with us and ask us questions. God calls us to be obedient and to be comfortable with the uncomfortable, that's my goal for this trip."