Lipscomb soccer serves through sport in El Salvador

The Lipscomb women’s soccer team recently returned from a life-changing mission trip to El Salvador, where they used their love of the game to connect with local communities.

Organized through Sport Outreach International (SOI), the trip gave players the chance to teach and play soccer with kids in underserved areas. While the language barrier posed some challenges, players found that the sport itself became a powerful tool for connection.

“This one felt different because we got to play soccer and connect with them through sport,” said sophomore midfielder Neeley Geissinger. “I thought that was even more beautiful just because it is so hard with the language barrier.”

The team rotated between communities throughout the week, sharing not only their soccer skills but also their time and energy with children who welcomed them with open arms.

“We kind of moved around between communities and different groups of kids,” said junior midfielder Haley Johnson. “We went into one community a couple different times and just got to run around and hang out with the kids.”

The trip had a spiritual impact as well. For many players, the joy they witnessed transcended language and cultural differences.

“I think it was really cool to see my teammates and the SOI staff and the kids that live in really poor areas just have so much joy,” Geissinger said. “I think the Lord was present in all of the joy on the trip.”

Sophomore midfielder Tatum Ahlemeyer echoed that sentiment, noting how the experience helped her grow closer to her teammates.

“Seeing my teammates use their different gifts and abilities, it helped me appreciate them more and get to know them even better,” Ahlemeyer said.

For Johnson, the trip was especially meaningful. After feeling called, she knew this was the time and place where she wanted to be baptized.

“I think it was something I had been thinking about for a while,” she said. “I kind of felt my relationship with the Lord had really grown over the last couple of years. I was a little hesitant to do it last year, but this year I had family there, so knowing my dad was going to be there, it was the perfect place and perfect time.”

And perfect it was. Ahlemeyer hopes she never forgets what she witnessed.

“Watching her and her dad walk out into the water together, with the ocean and skyline behind them, I hope I never forget that image. It was just such a beautiful picture of what I think heaven looks like.”

As the team returns to the field this season, they carry with them more than just memories, they carry a renewed sense of purpose, perspective and faith that was provided to them on this trip. 

Featured image courtesy of Lipscomb Women’s Soccer.