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LOWELL, Mass. – UMass Lowell Field Hockey Head Coach Shannon Hlebichuk has announced her squad's first Division I international experience, which is set to take the River Hawks to Spain in the spring of 2020.
 
"We're really excited to take the team on an international trip," said Hlebichuk. "It's been nine years since our field hockey program has traveled abroad. We're looking to expose our student-athletes to a new culture, along with some high-level field hockey competition. We think it's important to provide this educational and cultural opportunity for them."
 
This will mark the first international trip for a UMass Lowell women's team in the university's Division I era. The trip is scheduled for May of 2020 and will bring the student-athletes to multiple locations to experience Spanish history and culture, while also taking part in international field hockey exhibition competition.  
 
"The opportunity to travel to Spain with the full 2019 team is an absolute dream," explained graduate student Brooke Roberts (Medway, Mass.). "We are so grateful for the amazing support network we have to make this dream a reality for us. This experience playing high-level, European-styled teams will give the 2020 team a competitive edge. From the day I committed to play field hockey at UMass Lowell, I've been immersed in opportunities that built me to be the strongest player, leader and woman I can be. I feel extremely lucky to be part of the UMass Lowell field hockey family and I think I speak for the whole team when I say this will be an unforgettable experience."
 
The team has already raised $50,000 towards the trip and a generous donor has issued a challenge to River Hawk alumni and friends, offering $5,000 to finish the campaign. In order to unlock their challenge funds, Coach Hlebichuk and the River Hawks are looking for 125 donors, in honor of the university's 125th anniversary, willing to pledge $100. However, a donation of any amount would help get the team closer to achieving its goal.
 
"This is a unique experience for us to be the first Division I women's team at UMass Lowell to travel abroad," commented Hlebichuk. "I think we were one of the programs looked at because of the continual support of our alums, families and friends. They have been nothing short of amazing over the past 20 years, so we're very thankful for all that they have done and all that they have given to us over the years. We know they will be an important part in getting us to unlock this $5,000 match to get us to Spain."
 
You can make your gift today by visiting the challenge website here.