ACE in Panama 2026
For the 11th consecutive year, Duke student-athletes participated in an immersive summer service experience offered through the Rubenstein Student-Athlete Civic Engagement Program (ACE). This summer, ACE offered one international-based program focused on supporting community-based organizations in Panama.
Eleven Duke student-athletes participated in this program focused on facilitating an after-school volleyball camp for youth in two rural Panamanian communities located in Coclé, Panama. The group split into teams of six and worked at two elementary schools, Escuela de Coca and Escuela Toabre. Over the course of the week, the student-athletes lesson planned, taught volleyball, and engaged with the local community members of Coclé.
“I’m so grateful for the opportunity to be part of this experience in Panama. I got to meet and connect with so many amazing kids while teaching them volleyball and communicating in Spanish. Stepping outside of my comfort zone taught me to be open to new experiences and helped me learn more about the culture and communities around me. I left Panama with so many memories and so much gratitude for everything I learned along the way.”
– Taylor Williams, Duke Volleyball
After a week of hard work, the program culminated in a fun competition day between the two schools. The game was attended by parents, family, and community members from both schools, and the ACE team coached and played with their respective schools. After the competition, community members from the Tambo and Monte Grande schools hosted a “despedida,” or “goodbye” celebration, for the ACE in Panama team and the students. The despedida featured delicious Panamanian food and traditional Panamanian dances performed by the children. At the end of their time together, the school leaders, students, and the ACE participants exchanged thanks through photos and heartfelt speeches in Spanish, expressing how impactful the experience was for both the children and the ACE participants.
“Looking back on my ACE experience in Panama, what stands out most are the connections I made with both the kids and the other Duke student-athletes on the trip. Whether we were playing games, helping with activities, or simply spending time together, I was amazed by how quickly the kids welcomed us and how eager they were to learn from people they had never met before. Their curiosity, enthusiasm, and positive attitudes made every day rewarding and reminded me how meaningful even small interactions can be. As a member of the Duke Wrestling team, I also appreciated the opportunity to build friendships with student-athletes from other sports, something that doesn’t happen often during the school year. This experience gave me a greater appreciation for the power of service, the importance of stepping outside my comfort zone, and the lasting impact that genuine connections can have, and I know I’ll carry those lessons with me both as a student-athlete and in my future career.”
-Riley Rowan, Duke Wrestling
The students spent their last day in Panama exploring Casco Viejo, the historic district of Panama City. The group then ventured to the Panama Canal, where they learned about the history and construction of the canal and witnessed the engineering marvel in action at the Miraflores Locks. At the conclusion of the program, the group held a final discussion reflecting on their experience in Panama and what it means to be global citizens as well as Duke student-athletes.