The Simpson College softball team is making their first trip in four years out of the country this week, traveling to Panama to compete, host camps, and volunteer. Coach Brent Matthias tells KNIA Sports the team will play two games against some of the top athletes in Panama, but the trip is much more important than getting better at softball.

“We’re also running a kids camp for girls down there, so that will be exciting to give back. To teach what we know about the game and help young people in Panama to help grow the great game of softball. So we are really looking forward to it, but our big goal we tell everyone is cultural immersion, team bonding, volunteering, and the last and final thing is softball.”

Matthias also said the educational aspect of making a trip like this can’t be measured, because the growth won’t be just expanding knowledge, but growing as a person and as a team.