Editor's Note: The George Mason women's basketball team looks back on their 10-day foreign tour of Italy. Each day, a different class will reflect on their experience overseas. Today's blog features the thoughts and experiences of the senior class.

Jacy Bolton | Forward | Drexel, Mo.
As a student-athlete, going abroad was not an option because of the time that I committed to my sport. Never could I have imagined of getting an opportunity to play the sport I love in a different country while being exposed to some of the most beautiful places on Earth. Going to Italy on a foreign tour changed my experience at Mason. Not only did I discover new things about this world, I uncovered more about myself and my team while having to adapt to a different culture. 
 
This tour changed my student-athlete experience because it gave me a chance to uncover a whole new way of life. In Italy, I learned so much about myself. I'm in my comfort zone in the United States and taking a step outside of that allowed me to grow as a person. I learned that I'm a little impatient and being in Italy helped me calm down from that because everyone else wasn't in a hurry. In the U.S., people are always trying to get from place to place as quick as possible so that they're not wasting time. Taking a step back, I realized how this impatient living has lead me to miss some beautiful moments. When stuck in traffic, I could take time to enjoy a song or the scenery rather than be annoyed by being cut off. There are many more moments I could describe, but I just want to keep reminding myself to try and live in the moment rather than rush to the future. Italy taught me to live in the moment. Another thing that I discovered about myself was my future mindset. Witnessing new places for the first time was a experience that I want to continue having. Adventure is addicting and I'm ready for more. 
 
As a team, this experience helped us grow closer. Being a family, we pride ourselves on understanding each other. When put to the test during this trip, each and every one of us took that moment to step up for each other. Whether that moment be put sunscreen on another, pay for a meal, share a water bottle, or encourage during the game, each moment game us the opportunity to grow to be better teammates. Our growth of team chemistry has skyrocketed as well. Being together 24/7 on this trip has also allowed us to better understand each other's ticks. When we know what another needs, we can step up and take on the challenge of leaving no one behind and making sure every one is cared for. Helping a teammate with homework, taking them to the store, doing their hair, etc., it's all the little things that make this team special. That was amplified these past 10 days. Not only were we supportive of each other on and off the floor, we helped managers, coaches, tour guides, waiters, and all those we encountered. This personality is contagious and helps us be better people. 
 
Our trip to Italy was life changing. I never thought I would go abroad and Mason was able to provide a once in a lifetime trip for my teammates and I. Not only our we grateful, but we're excited to show what we've learned throughout this season!



Sarah Kaminski | Guard | Plymouth, Minn.
My trip to Italy with my team was the single most unforgettable experience of my college career. Not only was I able to see amazing sites and taste incredible, authentic Italian food, but I was able to experience the toughness and physicality of international basketball that will help my team towards winning an A10 championship. 
 
First, the shopping, sightseeing, and camaraderie were truly invaluable. Together with my team, we explored the canals of Venice, bought one too many purses in Florence, and scouted out local restaurants to find the best pasta in Rome. The laughs and memories will stay with me forever, and the trip greatly expanded my worldview as I learned firsthand the challenges of navigating a country whose language I don't know. 
 
Second, I have immense confidence in my team that we will be able to compete at the highest level in the A10. Playing against older, more professional basketball players was a reminder of the physicality waiting for us during the season. Also, playing 3 games in 10 days was a great simulation of what our schedule will look like during the season, and it offered us the opportunity to grow and build chemistry with every game. Competing against other teams is much more challenging than competing against one another in practice, and our trip to Italy surely gave us an advantage in gaining competitive experience. 
 
As we go forward into the school year and back to the grind of daily training, I know that we will remember this trip as a turning point in our development as a team. I will always treasure the memories, and I am grateful for this opportunity that I would not have otherwise had if I was not a George Mason student-athlete.



Allie McCool | Forward | St. Leon, Ind.
Italy was by far the greatest experience I have ever had. Basketball opened the door to the opportunity to travel abroad and play the game I love. Not only did we accept the challenge of playing very good teams, we also learned so much about the Italian culture and even brought back new vocabulary and knowledge of their deep-rooted history. Without this opportunity I believe we would have missed out on the amazing memories Italy has left us.

The 10 days spent in Italy gave me the best memories I have ever had. I have a new appreciation for my teammates and coaches. Being together for those days allowed us all to become closer and building our relationships on and off of the court. I am so happy I was able to go to Italy and truly experience everything about the country. I am so blessed to be a part of George Mason University and I am forever grateful for the opportunity to be a part of an amazing experience! 



Alexsis Grate | Guard | Hampton, Va.
This trip has taught me many things on and off of the court. On the court, it has taught me toughness. Going against teams from different places with different styles of play has shown me that mental and physical toughness is very important for success. I also need to learn my new teammates and how they gel with the rest of the team. 
 
Off of the court. I got to see some amazing new places and things. The tours that we went on were very informative and exciting. My favorite place to visit was Florence. I loved the city, the attractions, and the food there. I also loved seeing Venice, and also the Ferrari museum. 
 
This trip helped me to build stronger bonds with my teammates and explore a part of the world that I had not seen before. This experience was life changing and I am grateful to all who contributed to making it happen.



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