"More Than Just Soccer” Rory And Grace Enjoy Costa Rica On And Off The Field

Recently two Indiana ODP 2004 girls headed off to Costa Rica.  Rory Barnard and Grace Weaver provided a brief snapshot of their experiences.   

Rory Barnard, IN ODP 2004 and IFJ 

Costa Rica was an incredible experience. The soccer was the best I’ve ever played. It was fast, skillful, and challenging, but most of all I enjoyed playing against them. However, when we weren’t playing soccer, we experienced Costa Rica’s culture and learned about their interesting history. We also interacted with kids who are in poverty or parents abuse drugs and/or alcohol. The time I spent with the kids was an event I will never forget. My entire time in Costa Rica was remarkable. If I got this chance to play here again, I would take it. I also want to say thank you to Indiana ODP for letting me have this opportunity. This trip is going to help me on my soccer journey and I’m so happy that Indiana ODP is a part of my soccer progression. I will always be an ambassador for Indiana ODP and will always represent it. 

Grace Weaver, IN ODP 2004 and ECU  

Hi my name is Grace Weaver and I recently attended the Interregional-International event representing the Midwest Region in Costa Rica. This was a super fun experience and I had an incredible time representing Indiana and the Midwest. Our team had the opportunity to play some of the top professional Costa Rican women’s club teams. Our team also traveled to La Paz Waterfalls, and we took a trip to the National Stadium. We were given the chance to go out and experience downtown San Jose, Costa Rica, and we also were given the opportunity to serve working with kids. Honestly, the service with the kids we worked with was one of the best parts of the whole trip. I had such an amazing time down there, and it was honestly just a really fun experience.