WAYNESBURG, Pa. (June 22) – Imagine being able to spread the word of God and play your favorite sport every three years on an international stage. Both the Waynesburg men's and women's soccer teams get to do exactly that next month.
 
Once every four years, the teams have been taking a week-long trip to other countries to spread the word of God, serve other communities and play soccer internationally through Missionary Athletes International, which is a Gospel-centered ministry that introduces people to Jesus Christ, teaches them to follow him and empowers them as leaders through the global environment of soccer. This will not only be the first chance for both squads' rosters to have an experience like this. Head women's coach George DeAugustino and head men's coach Treg Lunger will also be making their first trip in Orange and Black.
 
"This will be the first time in our time here as coaches going on an international service trip," DeAugustino said. "There was an international service trip with both soccer programs a few years prior to our arrival that went to Costa Rica."
 
DeAugustino and Lunger both completed their fifth years as the leaders of their respective programs this past fall.
 
"We are limited to an international trip once every three years by the NCAA," Lunger added. "This ensures equitable opportunity for each student over the course of their college experience, keeping it regulated for each team so that the experience is fair across all of Division III."
 
This mission trip is more than just an outing for the soccer teams. It's about building a community. For players like junior defender Gabe Bowman, the excursion is about getting out of their comfort zone.
 
"It allows me to be an obedient disciple to Christ and love others as he has loved me," Bowman said.
 
The trip gets underway on Thursday, July 30, and is expected to last until Sunday, Aug. 9. The Waynesburg kickers will be making stops in Sao Paulo, Monte Santo, Atibaia and Pedra Grande Mountain. The itinerary includes growth opportunities for the coaches, training and competition time for the athletes and service opportunities for all involved.
 
"We'll get to take part in coaching clinics with kids at local schools or outreach programs, sharing with kids at schools and churches and possibly doing a service project of some kind," DeAugustino said. "We also see playing the game as being on a mission. This will be a unique emphasis of the trip."
 
This is not Lunger's first experience with MAI.
 
"I have been working with them for several years through domestic opportunities, such as the Charlotte Eagles USL (United Soccer League) and NPSL (National Premier Soccer League) teams, and their coaching development opportunities called Coaching on Mission," Lunger said.
 
Both Coaches are looking forward to not only spreading the word of God externally to others, but strengthening the sense of community and comradery within the Waynesburg players themselves.
 
"The trip will provide that unique opportunity to develop the community or fellowship we are building together, but also the action of obedience to take care of one another as we partner with God to have soccer be the influential piece of the Gospel message," Lunger said.
 
For some members of the Waynesburg men's and women's soccer teams, this will be their one and only opportunity to have such a unique experience. That fact is not lost on either of the programs' leaders.
 
"We are extremely excited to represent Waynesburg University on this special trip," DeAugustino said. "I'm so excited and honored to utilize the game of soccer as a way to make a positive impact in Brazil."