Galesburg, IL – Members of the Knox women's basketball program recently competed overseas and visited several sites during their stay in three different countries.

Chantal Heckman (Chicago, IL, Latin) and Grace Theisen (Minneapolis, MN, Southwest), who will be seniors next season, were part of a team that played in Ireland while junior Jodi Marver (Northbrook, IL, Glenbrook North) and 2013 Knox College graduate Sara Johnson (Grinnell, Iowa, Grinnell) played on a squad in Italy.

In addition, Prairie Fire head women's basketball coach Emily Cline led a group of players representing several NCAA Division III colleges in Costa Rica.

The trips were in late May and early June.

Heckman, Theisen, and two players from Carroll University of the Midwest Conference teamed with other players from all NCAA divisions and played games against their counterparts from Ireland.  The squad was coached by Monmouth College head women's basketball coach Melissa Bittner.

Heckman said she was glad to experience the trip with Theisen – her teammate and roommate at Knox – and be able to step out of her comfort zone.

"In terms of basketball, it was difficult at first to adjust to international rules and new teammates, but I think we all got the hang of it quickly," she said.  "It was also cool to get a chance to play with Kelly Menden and Hilary Arthur from Carroll, and see how Melissa Bittner coaches."

Theisen said the type of basketball played in Ireland isn't much different than the fast-paced system the Prairie Fire women's team runs.

"Our team played three games: one in Dublin, one in Cork, and one in Limerick.  Each team was a local team from the area comprised of girls around our age," she said.  "My favorite part about playing the games was learning the different rules.  Because Chantal and I play the system at Knox, and the rules in Ireland allow for quick play, it was easy and fun for us to adjust to their style of play."

Heckman and Theisen traveled to Ireland through USA Athletes International (USAAI).

Marver and Johnson played four games in Italy.  "We played teams from Latina, Vicenza, and Costa Magna," Marver said.  "We played teams ranging from A1, A2, and A3 levels, which are equivalent to our NCAA Division I, II, and III."

Johnson said the level of competition was more difficult with each game.

"We started off with easier teams, like A3, which is equivalent to (NCAA) Division III, and then our last game was against an A1 team, which is equivalent to Division I in the United States.  In the last game we were behind the entire game until the last minute.  We won that game by one point," she said.

"It was also nice to experience a different coaching style and be able to play with some really great U.S. teammates," Johnson said.  "Half of our team was (NCAA) Division II and mostly from the east coast."

"The experience I had playing in Italy was one of the most amazing things I have ever done in my life," Marver said.  "I got to travel throughout all of the main cities, see famous tourist attractions, learn about the culture, make life-long friends, and play basketball against Italian competition."

Johnson said she couldn't have asked for more out of the experience.

"I created friendships that are still growing strong and will last forever," she said.  "The teams we played and the organizations we were involved with in Italy were so overwhelmingly welcoming and friendly as well."

Marver and Johnson traveled to Italy through American International Sports Teams (AIST).

Cline, who traveled to Bolivia as a player in 2002, said the team she coached played the Costa Rican National team twice, a local San Jose team, and the younger National team.

"It was great to coach players from other NCAA Division III schools.  Also, international rules are different, so that was a learning experience.  It was also great to coach against a different style of play.  I learned a great deal," she said.

Cline said she really enjoyed the service aspect of her trip.

"We put on a couple of basketball clinics for kids while we were there.  My sister was my assistant coach, and that was the first time we've been able to coach together, so that was another highlight.  Also, the Costa Rican people were great and they were patient with my limited Spanish."

Cline traveled to Costa Rica and coached through Beyond Study Abroad.

Heckman, Theisen, Marver, Johnson, and Cline also shared their favorite places to visit while away from the basketball court.

Chantal Heckman – "Going to the Cliffs of Moher was the best site we got to see during our time in Ireland.  It was just so calming to look out over the ocean and take a nap out there before gearing up for a game."

Grace Theisen – "My favorite spot that we got to visit while in Ireland was the Blarney Castle or Old Head Cliffs.  The Blarney Castle was a must see that was rich in history.  The Old Head Cliffs was a site that not many tourists would normally see.  Because it is not as well known, there weren't many tourists there at all.  It allowed our team to relax at the cliffs and take in the beauty of the area."

Jodi Marver – "Out of all the places we visited in Italy, it is very hard to choose a favorite because it was all so beautiful.  One of the places I really enjoyed, however, was San Marino.  The entire city is stunning and is made up of a bunch of castles.  We actually stayed in a hotel inside of a castle, which was one of the coolest things I have ever done.  Just to be walking around and seeing all the gorgeous scenery of this area was amazing to me."

Sara Johnson – "My absolute favorite place we visited was on the last day.  We spent the entire day at Lake Como.  We got an hour boat tour and saw some magnificent houses.  We were also able to jump in the lake as a team and just walk around Bellagio and enjoy the amazing views.  It was colorful and sunny.  I would love to visit there again one day."

Emily Cline – "My favorite places were Arenal Volcano where we ziplined.  Also, the National Park Manuel Antonio was awesome.  Great beaches and amazing wildlife and jet skiing."

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