Aug. 2, 2011

WACO - Members of the Baylor softball team will embark on the journey of a lifetime with a mission trip to Panama beginning on Wednesday, Aug. 3 and returning on Tuesday, Aug. 9.

"This is something I have wanted to do for quite some time and I am excited that we are being blessed enough to do it now," head coach Glenn Moore said. "They say that to whom much is given, much is expected, and we have been given so much here at Baylor that we need to pass it on and give to others."

A travel party of 25, including nine student-athletes, three coaches and one manager will depart Waco at 3:00 a.m. on Wednesday morning and fly out of Houston into Panama City. After spending Wednesday in Panama City, the group will head on a four hour drive through the rainforest before getting on boats to head for the island of Aligandi, where they will stay until Sunday morning. Staying at a Baptist mission, the group will spend time delivering God's message and volunteering with any tasks needed by the villagers.

Upon returning to Panama City on Sunday evening, the group will have Monday to tour the city, including the Panama Canal, before returning to the United State on the afternoon of Aug. 9.

"I know I speak for everyone when I say how excited we are to be able to do this," senior Megan Turk said. "I think this is one of those rare opportunities you can only experience at Baylor and one that will change our perspectives and lives forever."

In addition to Turk, the other eight student-athletes include: Whitney Canion, Clare Hosack, Kelsi Kettler, Liz Paul, Shelbi Redfearn, Sydney Wilson, Kathy Shelton and Kayce Walker. Head coach Glenn Moore, associate head coach Mark Lumley, volunteer assistant coach Pete Vamvakas and head manager, Courtney Cox will be making the trip.

Please stay tuned to baylorbears.com for updates on the trip. News will be shared as often as conditions allow.