Throughout the 2025 ACE in Costa Rica experience, we spent a few afternoons playing soccer within the community of Gandoca. One thing that was striking to me was that every school in Costa Rica has a soccer field. Soccer is a huge part of the Costa Rican community. Every Sunday, people gather from neighboring communities to play soccer for hours. Matchdays are like town festivals. During the games, people are selling snacks and small items. But soccer is almost just the backdrop of the day. The main focus is spending time with each other. Don’t get me wrong, winning matters, and they’re incredibly talented, but what really stood out to me was how much fun everyone was having. The energy on and off the field was impossible to ignore and something I will always remember.
Before this trip, I wanted to get out of my comfort zone as much as possible. Playing soccer was one way I challenged myself to do that. I had never played soccer before, and it was pretty clear from the way I played. However, that did not matter; the kids were very welcoming and just wanted everyone to play. Andrey is the head of Casa Tucan, the family-run lodge where we stayed. Just like everyone else in Gandoca, he is a talented soccer player. After one game, I jokingly told him my terrible stat line that consisted of zero goals, allowing a few goals, and covering a ton of ground with no real purpose. All he wanted to know was if I had a good time. I hadn’t noticed it right away, but I really did enjoy it. This experience showed me that soccer is more than just a game. It brings people together and creates a space for community, laughter, and lasting memories. It served as a reminder that enjoying the moment often matters more than the outcome.
Reflecting on our ACE experience has given me new ways of thinking that I will carry with me forward. It reminded me of what sports are really about. They are not just about winning a game or being the best, but sports are about creating lasting memories with the people you share the experience with.
I saw how soccer could be casual and unstructured, but still meaningful without being intense or outcome-driven. It also stood out to me how there was no coaching, but just people playing and trying to have fun. It was inspiring to see the commitment towards building a real connection with one another in a meaningful way. The environment in Gandoca made it easier to be present and less focused on performance. It reminded me that the experience is more valuable than the outcome.
Through my ACE experience, I came to understand that the purpose of sport goes beyond outcomes. It is easy to get caught up in results and comparisons, but that often distracts from the parts that actually matter. What stays with you are the monotonous moments that lead to lasting memories. The daily acts of showing up and engaging with teammates are what make me enjoy my sport. My time in Gandoca showed me that while competition has its place, it was the relationships that shaped the experience. I found value in just playing soccer for fun, even when I was not playing well. This experience helped me see the importance of letting go of outcomes and being present with what is happening around us.