ACE in Panama 2024

Summer 2024 marked the ACE program’s first ever one-week long program in Panama. The one-week program was designed to provide Duke student-athletes with more flexible programming options, allowing them to take summer courses, train on campus, or participate in internships all while still taking part in the ACE experience.

Twelve Duke student-athletes participated in this new 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 Tambo and Escuela Monte Grande. Over the course of the week, the student-athletes lesson planned, taught volleyball, and engaged with the local community members of Coclé.

“I am grateful for this experience, to have interacted with these communities, to have made friends with my fellow student-athletes, and to have learned more than I ever could have in school.”

– River Hanson, Duke Football

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 photo mugs and heartfelt speeches in Spanish, expressing how impactful the experience was for both the children and the ACE participants.

“I will never forget the sparkle in the kids’ eyes as they played with each other and conquered new skills. Witnessing this each day reminded me of the true purpose of sport: joy. The kids reminded me of the reason why I play my sport and why I chose to play at the next level; I play because I love it and because I have fun doing it.”

– Paige Bitting, Duke Field Hockey

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.