Much like many collegiate athletic programs, Jackson-Reed athletics has made it a priority for student-athletes to experience culture, community, and their respective sports outside of the United States. This year, members of the cross country team and varsity volleyball team traveled to Bermuda from December 5 to December 9.
“Bermuda was amazing. The opportunity to travel to a warmer place during winter and go to the beach felt unreal,” said senior cross country captain Alvaro Orlove Rodriguez. “It was a culture shock to us; they drive on the left and have strange traditions like tea time at 3:30 since it is a British colony.”
The JR athletic department is experienced in travel: varsity baseball makes a yearly trip to the Dominican Republic for friendly competition and community service.
“Traveling overseas enhances a sports team’s athletic development, cultural understanding, and sense of camaraderie, preparing athletes for challenges both in sport and life,” said Athletic Director Patrice Arrington.
For a second year in a row, the cross country team competed in the third annual Bermuda XC Challenge. The course spanned a traditional 5k race, where athletes took three laps through Bermuda’s Botanical Gardens. JR was one of three mainland teams that competed.
However, the race did impose challenges for the Tigers. “The course was made up of steep hills,” noted Orlove Rodriguez. “The competition was very solid and definitely pushed the pace.”
Early one morning, the volleyball team chartered to one of the island’s high schools and returned victorious, defeating the 16U and 18U Bermudian national teams in straight sets.
“We didn’t know what to expect going into it but it was definitely some great competition [and] really interesting to see how international teams play,” junior captain defensive specialist Blake Gessert said. “The trip was also amazing and a great way to end our season.”
JR’s team and their level of competition “inspired and solidified the organizers to add a volleyball component to the competition moving forward,” said varsity volleyball head coach Perette Arrington.
Out of uniform, the teams made the most of their time on the the island. Both teams enjoyed a ferry tour, cliff jumping, and eating delicious food.
The teams made sure to support one another during the trip. “It was nice to have another JR team with us, to be able to support them while they were there,” said cross country head coach Tia Clemmons. She joined the volleyball team and showed serious Tiger pride during their games, while the girls took to the course to cheer on the runners a few hours later.
“With the ocean in sight, it is easy to get carried away and think about Bermuda as just a vacation,” said Orlove Rodriguez. “But with Coach TC watching and the volleyball team coming out to support, we were quickly reminded that we were athletes there to compete. No matter the race, you always gotta sprint at the end!” •