The Ohio State field hockey team and staff recently returned from a nine-day trip to South Africa that combined international competition and culture. Below, student-athletes recapped their experiences on a day-by-day basis to provide a sense for the great impact that trip had on them.
Day 1: Cape Point Excursion & Gold Restaurant Cultural Dinner
“We started our trip with an unforgettable, jam-packed day one. We woke up early to start our journey to Cape Point, which is the southwestern tip of Africa. As soon as we got on the bus, we were all in shock at the incredible views of the mountains and ocean. None of us thought that a two-and-a-half-hour bus ride would be such a memorable part of our trip. We made a few stops along the way for group pictures in front of the breathtaking scenery. Our second stop was a small fishing town where we took a ferry to Seal Island, a small island off the coast that is home to over 60,000 seals. The seals were cute in a way but also a little bit scary. After the seals, we continued the drive to Cape Point down the most beautiful windy road positioned on the side of a cliff overlooking the ocean. Our next stop was at Boulders Beach where we saw African penguins. Unlike the seals, the penguins were nothing but adorable! We then finished the drive arriving at Cape Point where we got lunch and climbed to Cape Point Lighthouse. We thought the views from the bus were amazing, so we were absolutely in awe of the views from the top of the lighthouse. After getting some food, seeing some amazing views, and watching an Eland, the largest antelope in Africa, charge through the parking lot, we made our way to our final stop, which was the very most southwestern tip of Africa. After grabbing a quick group photo, we climbed back on the bus for our first of many bus naps. We ended day one at Gold Restaurant for a traditional African dinner. This was such a cool experience. Dinner started with an entire restaurant group drumming session, led by amazing performers. Throughout dinner they continued to perform traditional African songs and dances, and even painted our faces with traditional cultural designs. We were served a traditional 14 course South African meal, which was so delicious. This was the perfect way to end our amazing first day in South Africa.” - Erin Little
Day 2: Surf Lesson & Dinner in Camps Bay
“Day two of the trip started with going surfing in the morning. We went to a part of Cape Town called Muizenberg, which was a beautiful beach town located on the water with a view of Table Mountain. As we met our guides and put our wetsuits on, we set for the water to take on surfing! The surfing activity was one of the teams’ favorites. A lot of us have never been surfing or even tried surfing before, so it brought a lot of excitement for us all. We spent around two hours in the water just enjoying the amazing view while learning how to surf the waves. The guides were so helpful, and we were so appreciative of them and all their help.
As we wrapped up our activity of surfing, we all enjoyed a nice fish and chips meal by the water. The area we were in was very quaint with awesome restaurants and shops. The team spent a few hours just walking around the town enjoying all it had to offer.
Later that evening, after having some down time at the hotel, we went to Camps Bay at Paranga. As we arrived, we were able to go onto the beach and watch the breathtaking sunset. There were lots of pictures taken with the amazing backdrop of the mountains and the sun setting above the water. We continued our night with a nice steakhouse dinner on the beach continuing watching the sunset. The restaurant was spectacular with delicious foods and drinks, but the view was even better. We were all taken back by the scenery that Camps Bay had to offer and couldn’t take our eyes off of it.
The entire day was something that we will always remember. Starting with a great morning of surfing that led to a delicious lunch by the water, followed by an amazing sunset dinner on the beach. The whole day was filled with enjoyment and laughs and was truly such a remarkable day in South Africa!” – Claudia Thomas
Day 3: Table Mountain Cable Car & Match vs. Western Province Hockey Club
“On our third day in Cape Town we traveled to the base of Table Mountain. I remember looking up from the base to the top of the mountain and feeling an overwhelming sense of excitement and fear. On our way to the top, we rode in cable cars fitted for 30-plus people which rotated 360 degrees so each person could look out toward the coast as we traveled up the mountain. Once we reached the top the view was breathtaking. The path followed the border of the mountain so you could see in all directions for miles. Each side showcased the many different terrains Cape Town was built into. The mountains and coast seemed to stretch forever. I was sad to hear that it was time to make our way back down the mountain but the alluring view from the way down made the journey easier.
Our next destination for the day was at a waterfront mall in Cape Town where we could shop around and eat for a few hours. It was interesting that the mall had many of the same stores as in the us but there were also a lot that we had never heard of before. There were so many places to get souvenirs to bring home for my family.
We ended the day with a match against the Western Province Field Hockey Club. After strong playing from both sides, the game ended in a tie. It was fascinating to see the two different styles of play and I feel like both teams learned from the other from this experience. Following the game the club supplied dinner for us and we had the opportunity to meet and talk with the players. I learned that most of the girls were out of college and from around the area and one of them even trained in the U.S. last year in Charlotte. Many of them were very similar to us in a lot of ways and it was so special to be able to make connections with them. We left exhausted but content, looking forward to our next day of adventures.” – Anne Marie Krebs
Day 4: Robben Island
“Today, we went on an unforgettable excursion to Robben Island. We took a 40-minute ferry ride to Robben Island were greeted by our tour guide, who was a former prisoner for five years there. He led us through a tour of the island educating us on the important history. We saw the graveyard of leprosy victims, the Lime Quarry, Robert Sobukwe's house, the Bluestone quarry, and the army and navy bunkers. A memorable part of the tour was the Maximum Security Prison, where we saw the cell that once held Nelson Mandela. Our tour guide made it a deeply moving experience while sharing his story.
After the tour, we took the ferry back to the waterfront and enjoyed lunch on our own in small groups and shopped around. After that, we went out for a delicious team dinner at Burger and Lobster!” – Hanna Killeen
Day 5: Stellenbosch City Centre & Match vs. Stellenbosch University
“During this day we went to the Stellenbosch City Centre to enjoy a bite to eat and explore the area with various stores to shop from. This area was beautiful with a lot to see from restaurants, coffee shops, and local vendors. There were many delicious food options we explored for lunch. After a day out visiting in the Stellenbosch city shops, we played our second field hockey game of the trip against Stellenbosch University. It was a very unique experience and a hard-fought game. After, we shared food and laughter with our opponents. It was fun to learn all about their university and to learn more about South Africa!” - Makenna Webster
Day 6: INSPIRE Children and Youth & Match vs. Somerset West Hockey Club
“As a team we were given the awesome experience of meeting the most amazing people at Inspire Children and Youth. We started the day by picking olives for the fresh olives and olive oil the women produced at the farm. We were able to build relationships, learn cultural dances and share laughs with the women and children at Inspire Children and Youth. This is an experience that I’m sure we will all cherish for the rest of our lives. After spending time with the women and children, we played a competitive match against Somerset West Hockey Club and were able to eat dinner and socialize with the team after. We learned about what life is like as a girl our age growing up and playing the sport we all love in South Africa!” – Loryn Jordon
Day 7: Cape Canopy Zipline Tour
“We went ziplining on the seventh day of our trip. This activity is one that we were all talking about and excited for leading up to it and it definitely lived up to our expectations. We got into groups and got onto trucks to drive up the mountain, which they called an "African massage". Once at the top we took a few pictures, got into our groups and got hooked up. We went on 11 different zip lines, all ranging in heights, lengths and speed. We also walked across a suspended bridge where we did a few dances across with everyone looking on. We had a beautiful aerial view of the mountains with scattered things like waterfalls throughout. The tour guides we were with were amazing people who were not only great at their jobs, but were so fun and made the experience that much more enjoyable. Not only was this a day that we got to continue to see the beautiful country, but yet another day for team bonding and building new relationships. This day is one that I don't think anyone on our team will forget and I am so grateful for this opportunity!” – Katie Fichtner
Days 8 & 9: Aquila Reserve Game Drives
“On our final two days we stayed at a hotel on Aquila Game reserve and the views were absolutely breathtaking! Our first game drive was a sunset safari and we got so lucky seeing so many incredible animals. First, we saw a lot of antelope and zebra. After a short drive, we got to see hippos out of the water which our guide told us we were lucky because they spend most of their time in the water. We also saw, rhinos, springbok, giraffes, lions, and my favorite, elephants! The reserve had 4 elephants and we got to see all of them up close! They walked right past the truck and we couldn’t believe how close they got! The next morning, our last day on the trip, we went on a sunrise safari to try and find the final two animals of the big five! While we didn’t see a leopard or a Cape buffalo, we were lucky enough to see the lions feeding on a horse leg! It was so amazing to be able to experience nature in that way and up so close. This trip was truly once in a lifetime and I couldn’t be more grateful to have experienced what we were able to experience with my second family!” – Sarah Richards