For the third straight year, a Clarkson University student-athlete chose to spend a portion of their summer abroad, proudly representing the United States and the Golden Knights Athletic Department. Rising junior Hannah Walters (Amherst, NH) spent late-June in the Czech Republic, playing several games with the American International Sports Teams women’s lacrosse team in Prague.
Also for the third straight year, Clarkson’s student-athlete fared well internationally. Walters’ team went 5-1-1 in the tournament and was seeded first leaving round-robin play. Unfortunately, the AIST team lost in the playoff format and placed third overall. Walters allowed just seven goals in seven games and pitched a shutout as well. She was named MVP of the third game against Prague Sports when she produced her shutout, and was also selected as the team MVP in the tournament.
“I learned a lot from this trip, but I think the most important (learning experience) was that I play my best lacrosse when I am relaxed and having fun, something that I plan on carrying into our season at Clarkson,” Walters remarked. “I also learned that lacrosse, while it sounds different overseas, is essentially the same great game anywhere.”
The biggest challenge for Walters and most of her teammates proved to be the language barrier. “The referees’ lack of English was difficult at times, but the real difference came when we played the Czech teams. Hearing (opposing players) communicating with one another in a language besides English was a first for me, and was very odd. Not knowing what they were saying was slightly unnerving, but I got used to it.”
Outside of the tournament schedule, Walters also was able to experience the sights and sounds of a different country and culture. “Getting to travel somewhere amazing and getting to play the sport you love is a once in a lifetime opportunity,” Walters said. “The Czech teams were very welcoming to us and were happy to have us there. Being able to play lacrosse during the day and then getting to go see the city and surrounding areas at night was amazing. We also had four Czech girls on our team which was a fun experience. They spoke English, but it was tough explaining some concepts to them. They were great girls and played very well.”
AIST has been providing international sports tours for teams and individuals since 2002 and has participated in 22 different countries around the world. Over the years, AIST has established partnerships around the world and therefore receives invitations to participate in tournaments with other national teams as well as local club teams. Student-Athletes are invited by numerous recruiters and are expected to represent the United States with class and honor.
Walters followed in the footsteps of five other former and current student-athletes from Clarkson who participated in summer sports programs. In 2008, Brandon Linton played in Spain for the men’s basketball team, and Golden Knights’ teammates Rey Jefferson and Keith Murray competed in Italy the following summer. Jenna Stock of the Clarkson Volleyball team played in Scotland in 2009, and Sierra Noles of the women's basketball team challenged herself in Ireland last year as well.
