For the Gazette

The UW-Stevens Point women’s soccer team, coaches, families and others recently took a trip to the FIFA Women’s World Cup. 

The 10-day trip included five-plus days each in and around Auckland, New Zealand and Sydney, Australia.

While in Australia, the group toured the Sydney Opera House, visited a botanical garden, rode a ferry to Manly, took a day trip to the Blue Mountains with a stop at a wildlife sanctuary, attended another World Cup match and watched another U.S. match at the FIFA Fan Fest, along with additional individual time for exploring.

Here is what some of the players had to say about their experience. 

“My favorite part of the trip was swimming in the ocean at sunset at Manly Beach. It was so peaceful,” defenseman Gina Wasniewski said. “I am grateful to have gotten to enjoy the natural beauty of such a cool country.”

Many players mentioned how the locals were welcoming and loved to talk about their culture. 

“Some of my favorite parts of this trip were getting to explore Auckland and getting to experience their culture,” midfielder/forward Lauren Johnson explained. “The locals we encountered were very friendly and happy to share what history they knew.”

Some players finished UW-Stevens Point soccer this past season and reflected on how the trip wrapped up their playing careers.

“I enjoyed playing the friendly match vs. Sydney University. It was a great way to wrap up my soccer career,” Johnson added.

Forward Kati Frierdich also ended her UW-Stevens Point career with this trip to the World Cup.

“Exploring, learning about new cultures and seeing World Cup games was the perfect way to celebrate earning a college degree and the end of my soccer career.”

The 2023 UW-Stevens Point women’s soccer season starts on Friday, Sept. 1, vs. St. Catherine University, in St. Paul, Minn.