July 30, 2007

Women's Soccer Team to Visit Italy

CHICAGO -- For the third time in the past decade, the University of Chicago women’s soccer team will embark on a preseason tour of Italy.  The Maroons will spend 10 days in the country prior to the start of its 2007 campaign.

From August 20-28, the team will visit Sorrento, Capri, Rome, Florence, and Como.  During that time, the Maroons will practice at various sites and are slated for matches against three area teams.

“Traveling together and experiencing Italian culture, history, and landmarks will provide an incredible backdrop and identity for our team in 2007,” said Head Coach Amy Reifert.  “The first two trips were amazing and we hope to replicate our experiences this year.   The soccer will be outstanding and will allow our women to see the level of play in another country.”

The trip has been made possible by donations from Chicago alumni and the athletic department's Edith Ballwebber Fund in addition to team fund raising efforts.

"We have committed these special funds to international travel for our teams and believe that it substantially enhances the student experience here,” said Director of Athletics Tom Weingartner.  “It sets our athletics program apart and makes it consistent with the college's emphasis on foreign study and travel. What could be better than traveling abroad and competing with your teammates in a different culture? We really believe that foreign travel and competition can be one of the most significant experiences in the lives of our students."

The women’s soccer team’s Italy tour – its third since 1999 – will mark the second international excursion by a Chicago sports team in the fall of 2007.  Volleyball will tour China from August 18-29.

Since 1997 several Chicago teams have made overseas tours, most recently the men’s and women’s basketball teams in the fall of 2006.  In the summer of 2005, two Chicago teams spent time overseas as the softball team visited Australia and the men's soccer team traveled to Brazil. The men's soccer team also embarked on European tours in 1997 and 2001.

In 16 seasons under Reifert, the Chicago women’s soccer program has evolved into one of the top programs in the NCAA Division III.  Reifert has led the Maroons to eight NCAA tournament appearances, including three trips to the national semifinals.  Her teams have also produced eight National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) All-Americans and 37 NSCAA All-Central Region selections.