For Averett University student-athlete Andrea Grant, the chance to combine two things she loves— softball and working with children — seemed like the perfect summer opportunity. The rising junior recently traveled to South Africa as a Division III representative on Beyond Sports' summer tour in June.

"This experience has made my love for softball grow even more," said Grant, who was a starter on Averett's USA South Conference championship team this spring.

As part of the touring softball team, Grant had the opportunity of a lifetime to play against several South African national teams, help coach local youth the sport through service-learning clinics and tour the region around Cape Town during the 13-day trip. Beyond Sports selects participants based on all-conference recognition, statistical leaders and coaches' recommendation. 

Grant, who had never before traveled abroad, got to experience many adventures while in South Africa. She hiked up Table Mountain (which overlooks Cape Town, went on a safari in the Wilderness and went shark cage diving. 

"The experience was incredible," Grant said. "You never know how big the world is until you fly for 25 hours."

Yet, Grant's favorite part was being able to work with kids. The Elementary Education major helped instruct kids during two camps while on her trip.
"We had some kids that play on local teams and some that have never picked up a ball in their life," Grant said. "So it was amazing being able to teach these kids the game. The kids loved working with us and just talking to us."

Grant and her teammates played an exhibition game against a professional team that had players whose age ranged from 12-47. She said five players on the team are scheduled to represent South Africa this summer in Florida at the Junior Olympics.

Grant said the emotional payoff of her South African experience reminded her of when she suffered a knee injury in high school, where her love for softball grew because she unable to play and was so eager to get back on the field.

"This experience did the same thing," Grant said. "I cannot wait to get back to the field and grow as a softball player so I can teach others."