This summer, seven Pepperdine University student-athletes traveled over 4,000 miles to Panama City, Panama, for a week-long mission trip that was filled with service, connection, and spiritual growth.
Athletes from Women’s Soccer, Beach Volleyball, Cross Country, Water Polo, and Swim & Dive teamed up with Athletics Chaplain Jordan Holm and Fellowship of Christian Athletes Director Leah Doherty to make a lasting impact in the community. The group shared the love of Jesus with local school children, helped with church construction projects, and built meaningful relationships with the people of Panama.
This trip marked the third consecutive summer that Pepperdine Athletics has partnered with missionaries in Panama, strengthening connections and creating a sense of homecoming for those returning.
“Being able to travel to Panama for the third summer in a row has been such an answer to prayer and such an amazing experience,” said Chaplain Jordan Holm. “We have built such amazing relationships with the people of Panama after three years, it feels like a sort of homecoming when we return.”
The theme verse for this year’s trip, John 3:30 – “He must become greater, I must become less” – was evident in the way student-athletes served and embraced each day. One of the trip’s most powerful moments was the baptism of three Pepperdine athletes, a testament to the deep spiritual impact of their experience.
Student-Athletes Reflect
Anna Ryan (Swim & Dive) shared how much she loved building connections with the local Embera Drua tribe and witnessing God’s faithfulness at work around the world.
Henry Hicks (Cross Country/Track) highlighted the powerful relationships formed on the trip, saying, “God did bring me down there to help others and have fun doing it—but more importantly, He brought me down to create new, meaningful, God-centered relationships.”
Kenzi McSpadden (Beach Volleyball) found inspiration in connecting with local missionaries and appreciated the nightly devotionals that allowed the group to open up about their faith.
Bronson Birdsall (Water Polo) called his baptism in the river a life-changing experience, adding that the trip opened his eyes to new perspectives on faith and gratitude.
Victoria Alessandrini (Soccer) loved working with children at a local public school, noting how teaching them about God through fun activities gave them hope and joy.
Kiana Fan (Swim & Dive) shared, “Panama truly showed me what is important in life: God, family, and the connections you make with people.”
Jon Carcarey (Water Polo) summed it up by calling the trip “one of the best decisions I’ve made,” particularly grateful for the friendships and his baptism alongside teammates.
An Experience That Lasts a Lifetime
FCA Director Leah Doherty reflected on the week, saying:
“Although there are differences in culture and language, the Lord’s presence and power to transform hearts remain the same. One of the highlights for me was seeing the student-athletes selflessly give up a week of their summer to be stretched beyond their comfort zones, grow closer to one another and the Lord, and serve with excellence.”
The trip not only impacted the communities in Panama but also left a lasting mark on each student-athlete. Their time serving reminded them of the power of faith, humility, and the importance of lifting others up.
Learn more about Pepperdine Athletics’ mission work here: Read the full story
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