PORTLAND, Ore -- The Lewis & Clark College men's and women's tennis teams spent eight days in Costa Rica from Jan. 11-18. While abroad, they practiced and competed against local club and academy players in preparation for the 2026 spring season.
Athletics are structured much differently in Costa Rica than in the United States. Instead of collegiate athletics, tennis players primarily compete at the professional, club and academy levels. Head coach
Jimmy Chau explained the level of competition the teams encountered.
"There were a few International Tennis Federation (ITF) tournaments that were happening in San Jose at the exact time that we were there, so many local players were preparing or participating in those tournaments. We basically played anyone that our tour company could find. Many ended up being local club/academy players who were definitely excited to play against U.S. College players. Many of them have dreams of coming to the U.S. to play some day at the NCAA level."
Outside of tennis, both teams bonded over sightseeing and shared experiences. One of their days abroad, they toured San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica, where they interacted with and played games against elementary school children. They went zip-lining, surfing, snorkeling, explored the country's nature and rode on a catamaran sailboat. While sailing, they saw a family of dolphins, seven humpback whales and experienced a sunset over the Pacific Ocean.
Senior
Wade McDermott shared two of his favorite memories from this trip.
"It was our last night while staying on the coast, and we were in a town called Jaco," McDermott said. "We had been in town for most of the day after doing surf lessons earlier. We decided to stay in Jaco to watch the sunset over the ocean, and a lot of us took that as a chance to spend some more time in the ocean before heading back to San Juan the next morning. I remembered floating around in the surf playing catch with a coconut in the middle of the most beautiful sunset during our time there. I will never forget that day in Jaco."
He also explained that another memorable experience while in San Juan was, "when we went to a local after-school program and spent the afternoon playing games with kids from the area. Naturally, all the kids spoke Spanish, and it was really fun trying to communicate with them. There was a lot of joy in the air that afternoon on that playground.
Coach Chau commented that this trip strengthened team culture for their upcoming season through team bonding activities.
"The bigger thing that I was hoping for was that we got to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience together, where we could grow closer and make bonds over things that aren't just our sport," said Coach Chau. "Experiences were had, and memories made that will forever connect us!"
McDermott also stated that the teams and coaches could connect on a deeper level, both on and off the court, through their team bonding and shared experiences exploring a new culture.
"Travel changes you" McDermott said. "Travel is full of unforeseen obstacles. Traveling as a team outside the country gave us the unique opportunity to face challenges and come together to find solutions. This is the same skill we will need during our matches this year, and I believe this trip helped us become a more cohesive unit."
Coach Chau has been planning and fundraising for this trip for the tennis team since before the COVID-19 pandemic. He expresses how thankful and excited he was for this trip to finally come to life, and for the players to experience traveling abroad and playing the sport they love together.
"The biggest joy I got from this trip was being able to see a decade-long dream come to fruition," said Chau. "To be able to give an experience like this to our players for their unwavering commitment and dedication to our program simply because they love the sport and want to represent our school is the greatest feeling ever."
Chau and senior
Landon Cronin believe this year will be the best year yet for both teams. This trip brought the team together socially, but also enhanced their tennis skills, as the teams trained consistently and played against other players before competing in the Northwest Conference (NWC).
"The goal for this season is to win the conference," Cronin said. "We have a really talented team, and while I strongly believe we haven't hit the level of tennis we would like to be playing at, I do believe we will, and if it happens at the right moment, then this is gonna be a fun season. The trip definitely helped with shaking a little bit of rust off, but there is still more to go."
McDermott also commented on the team's goals for the upcoming season, and especially for his last season at L&C.
"I'm always looking forward to the competition and the energy inside the dome during our dual matches. You can expect both teams fighting to take home the trophy this year. There is a lot of talent on our team, and we are feeling motivated," said McDermott.
"This is my last season, and I think this trip really cemented my goal of trying to make the most of my last season and savor every moment I have left with my teammates," he said. "Whether we are competing or grabbing food at The Bon or practicing late on Friday nights or throwing a coconut in Costa Rica, I just want to enjoy this final season because I know I won't get to experience anything quite like this again."
Costa Rica is only the beginning for this bright and successful group. Tennis will finish its season and compete in the NWC through the Spring season. Make sure to follow their schedule and show up to L&C's Tennis Dome to support your River Otters.
"Going to Costa Rica is just another part of L&C's commitment to having the best collegiate athletic experience possible and hopefully just the first of many trips in the future," said Chau.
