Written by: Nico Steinweg, USC Union Student Athlete
Beautiful cities, enchanting beaches, first-class hotels, and great soccer. What more could a college athlete ask for? The generosity of the University of South Carolina Union and campus dean, Dr. Randy Lowell, made it possible for three Bantam athletes to travel abroad for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Nico Steinweg from Germany, Jameon Williams from Greenville, SC, and Jose Fernandez from Beaufort, SC, were given the opportunity to go on a 10-day trip to Madrid, Valencia, and Barcelona in Spain, to represent the men’s soccer program and USC Union. The trip was organized and guided by “Beyond Sports Tours” (www.beyondsportstours.com), which also offers international sports tours with volleyball, softball, basketball, and more.
Jameon Williams said, “I had an amazing time meeting new people and learning a different way to play the sport I love. I want to say thank you to Beyond Sports, USC Union, and especially Dr. Lowell for making this all happen. If I had to choose one thing about what I loved the most about the trip, it probably was exploring a new part of the world, because I have never been outside of the United States. Exploring some of the biggest cities in Europe opened my eyes. I want to explore even more now.”
The three athletes spent three nights in each city. Besides the city tours in the morning, the training, and the games in the evening, they also had time for the beach, shopping, and exploring the cities and local cuisine. Among others, they visited the royal palace in Madrid, Valencia’s beautiful Cabanyal beach area, and the breathtaking basilica “La Sagrada Familia” in Barcelona.
For Nico Steinweg, it has not been the first time in Spain. “Being from a European country definitely makes that an advantage. But the chance to play the sport I love on a professional level while exploring the city is a unique opportunity for which I would like to thank Beyond Sports, USC Union, Dr. Lowell, and my coach, Marc Curlee, for coming up with this idea! Such a thing is not to be taken for granted, especially without having to pay for it myself”, he said.
The trip can be described as unique and super successful. Among other things, the students were able to make new contacts on an international level, explore some of the most beautiful cities in Europe, and practice the sport they love.
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