HAMILTON — The Colgate field hockey program took a trip of a lifetime, crossing the pond to play field hockey and spending a week immersing itself in the culture of Barcelona, Spain from Jan. 5-12.  

Members of the 2025 squad spent eight days in Spain touring historic buildings, enriching themselves in the country's culture, and enhancing their athletic skill sets by competing against three different opponents while participating in a clinic.

"Having a global experience in the sport we love brought us closer as a team," said Colgate goalkeeper Kennedy Glinn. "For me, I had to challenge myself to feel comfortable communicating with my teammates in the backfield against a very different style of play. As a program, it was special to represent Colgate in an international setting and show that we can compete with a variety of talent. I think this experience will stay with all of us for the rest of our lives." 

The team posted a 2–1 record in Spain, highlighted by multiple goal scorers. The Raiders won their first two matches by scores of 3–1 and 2–1 before falling 2–1 in their final contest. Colgate also participated in a clinic led by coaches from the Junior Hockey Club, which focused on passing patterns and defensive positioning in game-like scenarios. 

"I think the team learned that it can problem-solve quickly and recognize issues it may be struggling with or identify how another team is playing," said assistant coach Bridgette Street. "That translates on the field to being able to make decisions faster. Even heading into our final game, we were already working to incorporate some of the passing patterns into play, and you could see the difference in field vision and heads-up hockey. It was a quick transition, and we will continue to build on that into the spring."

Some of the many locations the team visited included Castelldefels, La Sagrada Familia, Montserrat, Tarragona, and the Junior Hockey Club. The Colgate field hockey program toured these sites by foot, bike, and bus to maximize its experience.

"It was a great experience, and the team had so much fun stepping out of its comfort zone while learning more about Spain, its culture, its food, and the opportunities that international travel can provide moving forward," Street said.

Day 1

• The first day featured lower-impact activities. The Raiders stayed in Castelldefels, Spain, a coastal town located two blocks from the ocean. The team participated in some local sightseeing and shopping within the area. 

Day 2

• Gearing up for the second day, the team participated in a driving tour of Barcelona, including a stop at the Olympic Center. Inside the Olympic Center, the team had the opportunity to explore portions of the main grounds and concourse. The tour bus also took the team to an overlook of Barcelona, offering views of the port. On the way back, the team roamed around the city and admired the famous architecture of Antoni Gaudí, including Casa Milà.
• That night, the team prepared to play the first of its three matches at the Junior Hockey Club. Katie Convey, Morgan Willis, and Tyler Argilagos each tallied their first international goal. Colgate captured its first international win of the trip with a 3–1 victory.

Day 3

• Day three consisted of touring the Basilica de la Sagrada Familia, which began construction in 1882 and has been under construction for more than 140 years. The team participated in a tour of the basilica, learning about the history of Antoni Gaudí, the timeline of the church's construction, and the various elements and religious influences incorporated into La Sagrada Familia. 
• Following the tour, the team visited Park Güell, another masterpiece designed by Gaudí. The park is known for its colorful mosaic tiles lining the benches, its curving architecture, and its panoramic views of the city.
• That night, the team played its second match at the Junior Hockey Club. Colgate remained unbeaten in Spain as Dani Palmer scored a pair of goals to lead the Raiders to a 2–1 victory, improving their international record to 2–0.

Day 4

• The fourth day was dedicated to Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey, home to the Black Madonna, which has been venerated by Catalans for more than 1,000 years. The abbey is also home to one of the oldest boys' choirs in Europe, which continues to perform today. Montserrat is located northwest of Barcelona at approximately 2,370 feet above sea level. The Raiders enjoyed breathtaking views while following a guided tour that highlighted the site's history.

Day 5

• A week into the trip, the next excursion included a visit to Tarragona, specifically the Roman Amphitheatre of Tarraco. The team learned about the amphitheatre's multiple uses, including its role in the second century AD as a venue for gladiatorial combats, animal hunts, and public executions. The site was later repurposed as a sixth-century Visigothic basilica and a 12th-century Romanesque church.
• Following the tour, the team visited the city of Sitges. The coastal town provided the team with opportunities to enjoy local food, history, shopping, and views of the Mediterranean Sea.

Day 6

• Day six consisted of a 10-mile bike tour through the city of Barcelona, which included stops at the Fuente de los Baños de Diana, an 18th-century fountain complex, and the Arc de Triomf, a symbol of French military glory and national identity. 
• Following the early afternoon excursion, the team returned to the Junior Hockey Club to participate in a clinic. The coach who leads the program trained the Raiders for an hour, focusing on intensive passing patterns and defensive positioning to help translate those concepts into game situations.

Day 7

• The final day was a free day for the team to explore last-minute sights in Spain. Once the team regrouped, they prepared to play their final game of the trip. In the third match, Colgate fell 2–1, but Katie Convey scored the lone goal, assisted by Ava Poliafico and goalkeeper Claire Van Kempen.