91Ӱ��

After a season of intense competition in 2025, the women’s soccer team traded their usual schedule for something a little different: a 10-day trip to Italy.

From August 1–10, 2026, the 91Ӱ�� women’s soccer team explored Italy, including Rome, Milan, Venice, and Lake Como, all made possible by fundraising efforts and generous donors. But the journey wasn’t just about sightseeing; the team was invited to play friendly matches against two local clubs, including a semi-professional squad that regularly feeds players into Italy’s national team: Res Donna Roma and F.C. Como Women’s U-20 team.

For the team, stepping onto the pitch against these opponents was unlike anything they had experienced back home.

“They were very fast-paced; they knew who they were going to pass the ball to, and they moved and shifted together as a team. They were three steps ahead of us every time,” said Isabellah Avila, a third-year psychology major.

Tilda Karlsson, a third-year double majoring in sociology and criminal justice, nodded in agreement. “It was interesting to witness how fluid they were on the field. There were no strict positions; one of the players could start as a center-back, but the next second they’re up trying to score a goal.”

Although the Vikings lost the matches, they embraced it as a victory of a different kind, one that rekindled their pure passion for the sport.

“It’s always a competition back home, and there’s a high expectation placed on us,” Karlsson reflected. “In Italy, no one expected us to win a championship or deliver at a top level. It was an experience that brought us back down to Earth and reminded us to play because it’s fun. I feel our team really needed that.”

Our Vikings shared a heartwarming moment as they gave their jerseys to the teams they faced and received a complete training kit in return, a practice considered a sign of mutual respect in soccer.

Beyond the game, the trip was transformative. For many players, including Avila, it marked their first time traveling overseas. Immersing themselves in Italian culture and watching international play gave them a brand-new strategic perspective. Just as importantly, the journey forged deeper bonds among teammates, setting the stage for a more united team in the fall.