Five Eagles Set For Journey Of A Lifetime This Summer

As the semester draws to a close, five Georgia Southern student-athletes are preparing for the adventure of a lifetime. The Georgia Southern courts will be hushed with no bouncing of tennis balls, the fields will be resting after a season of work, and the dive pool will be still. However, it will be replaced with all the sights and sounds of Ireland and France. 

This year’s participants are: 
Reese Connelly (XC/TF) Ireland 
Bella Gamez (RF) Ireland 
Samantha Holbrook (XC/TF) Ireland 
Isabel Ptacek (XC/TF) France 
Emma Sutton (S&D) France 

Eagles Worldwide Study Abroad Program was created by the APEX program at Georgia Southern to give student-athletes the opportunity for experiential learning. APEX is committed to the holistic growth of all student-athletes to become confident and independent leaders for life after sport. This will be the second year of the program after seeing immense success with last year’s participants. The goal is to prepare each of them to be productive citizens and teammates through acquainting themselves with the attitudes and skills that coincide with receiving global knowledge. 

Senior Associate Athletic Director for Athlete Development Gleen Hart put it as, “As a part of the mission of the APEX program to provide experiential learning opportunities for our student-athletes, we are excited to be able to provide this extraordinary learning experience for two student-athletes and allow them gain real world experiences and help foster a successful transition to Life Beyond Sport.” 

The application process is not an easy feat, nor is the selection process. “We had to write an essay and fill out the application which was considered the first round,” said Isabel Ptacek. “From there, we had an interview with the APEX staff members, which is the second round. Finally, the remainder of candidates that were in contention had to give a speech to senior administration in athletics about why we should be selected for such an exciting opportunity.” 

Each of the student-athletes have commented on the anticipation leading up to the summer abroad and how beneficial this experience will be for them as both athletes and students. Georgia Southern continues to put its athletes in position to flourish and succeed in all facets of life. If you would like to show your support to our student-athletes, you can do so by joining the “Soar To Six” campaign to help aid one of the almost 400 student-athletes in their pursuit of excellence in competition, in the classroom and in life.

 Let’s meet our 2023 Eagle Worldwide Program participants! 

Reese Connelly (Sophomore) - Cross Country/Track & Field

Reese is a sophomore from Marietta, Georgia and is majoring in exercise science. While abroad, she will take two classes pertaining to her minor in psychology. Being a college athlete, she thought that it would not be possible for her to study abroad. She went on to say, “I have always been interested in studying abroad so I applied for the scholarship, just to see.” Reese will spend the majority of her time in Ireland, the hub of Gaelic sports including football, hurling, and camogie. The Wexford culture puts added emphasis on sports so Reese will be able to see firsthand the differences between sports cultures in the United States and Ireland. 

“I have met with many people about this trip, so I‘ve been able to learn more about Irish culture and what it will be like when I get there,” said Reese. “From what I’ve heard, everyone in Ireland is very welcoming and I will get a great experience in Wexford. I’m also excited to be able to take the train and see other parts of the country like Dublin and Galway!” 

This exciting excursion will be Reese’s first time out of the country and she said the flying aspect is a little nerve wracking. Nonetheless, she is excited to get the opportunity to meet new people and come back with memories to share with her teammates. 

Bella Gamez (Senior) - Rifle

Bella Gamez is taking some inspiration from her fellow teammate Ashley Judson who studied abroad with Eagles Worldwide last year! Bella is from San Antonio, Texas and is majoring in psychology. While abroad in Wexford, she will be taking one experiential learning psychology course .

“My teammate Ashley Judson had the amazing opportunity to study abroad in Paris last year and she said it was an amazing experience,” said Bella. “With the support of my coaches and mom, I decided to apply. I am not familiar with Wexford but I am so eager to learn more about their culture and the unique traits of Ireland!” 

In terms of her psychology course, Bella will be able to supplement routine lectures with field excursions and other outings with the Center for Irish Research and Teaching. Like Reese Connelly, this will be Bella’s first time in Europe and is looking forward to seeing the architecture of castles and scenery. 

Samantha Holbrook (Junior) - Cross Country/Track & Field

Samantha Holbrook is a junior from Bradenton, Florida studying exercise science. While abroad, she will be taking a philosophy class with a focus in music. Along with Bella Gamez and Reese Connelly, Samantha will be in Ireland. 

“I had a want and a need to travel and learn about different cultures,” said Samantha. “Ever since I was in high school, studying abroad was something that I wanted to experience. I think that being able to get to know new people and the country of Ireland will be what I’m looking forward to most.” 

Others have commented on the culture and language adjustment but what sticks out for Samantha is the time difference! The time difference between Wexford, Ireland and Statesboro is 5 hours. This will be her first time in Ireland, although she has always had an interest in going. 

Emma Sutton (Junior) - Swimming and Diving

When Emma Sutton saw the opportunity to study abroad with Eagles Worldwide, she had to jump on it. Emma is originally from Calgary, Alberta and is majoring in Marketing. While in France, she will be joined by one of her best friends, Isabel Ptacek. 

“I think the biggest adjustment will be the language barrier,” said Emma. “I am fluent in French but it’s been almost three years since I’ve spoken the language. Adapting to a new culture can be difficult, but being able to go with Izzy will make it easier!” 

This will be Emma’s third trip to Paris but her first time seeing the city on her own. As a child, she attended French immersion school from kindergarten to senior year of highschool. While there, she will be taking a women’s gender studies course and a European history course. These courses will give her insight on Europe and learn more about the rich history. 

“On Mondays and Wednesdays, we will have class but Tuesday and Thursday will be field trip days around Paris to provide supplemental learning experiences,” said Emma. “I am so excited to make connections while I’m abroad and see where this takes me in the future.” 

Isabel Ptacek (Junior) - Cross Country/Track & Field

 Isabel Ptacek is from Cumming, Georgia and is majoring in marketing. Just like her best friend Emma Sutton, when she saw the opportunity to study abroad with Eagles Worldwide she had to jump on it. She will join Emma in Paris, taking Women’s Gender & Sexuality: An American/French Transitional Approach and Urban Geography: Exploring Cities and Urban Life in Paris 

“I cannot wait to explore Paris and its history and culture. This is my first time going to Paris so I’m not familiar with much of anything” said Isabel. “I have two credits left to take before I graduate and I will fulfill those in Paris. I’m mainly excited to go on an adventure alongside one of my best friends.” 

Luckily, her adjustment to the language barrier will be easier having Emma Sutton by her side!