More Than Soccer; Men's Soccer Takes Impactful Trip to Puebla Mexico
While spring break is typically associated with relaxation and time away, the Holy Cross College men's soccer team saw this year's break as an opportunity to serve. The Saints chose to spend their week in Puebla, Mexico, trading vacation time for time at an orphanage, where shared moments, games, and laughter quickly built relationships that didn't require a common language. In addition to spending time with the children, players also worked to help create a new space for a future playground, shoveling and removing rocks that prevented grass from growing. The hands-on project allowed the team to leave a lasting impact, helping prepare an area where the children can continue to play and grow. As the team prepared to leave, the emotional goodbyes served as a powerful reminder of the impact of simply showing up.
The presence of the recently passed Brother Jim Kozak's was felt throughout the journey. His absence, which was initially intended to travel with the squad, turned into a unifying factor as players honored his spirit through service, prayer, and the bonds they formed. He served as a reminder to the Saints that this journey was much more than just soccer; it was about faith, service, and the people they were there to influence. Throughout the trip, Holy Cross also competed in a series of friendly matches against Anahuac University, Licantropos, and Puebla FC Sub-21, using the competition as another opportunity to grow while representing the program internationally. The experience reflected the mission he personified in a location that was focused on compassion and connection.
Sophomore captain Cesar Vela brought a personal connection to the trip. While his family now lives in Goshen, Indiana, his parents are originally from Aguascalientes and Zacatecas, Mexico, making the experience an opportunity to share his heritage with teammates while reconnecting with the culture that shaped his family. For Cesar Vela, the journey back to Mexico was deeply personal and significant. Throughout the trip, he served as a guide, assisting his teammates in navigating the customs, food, language, and social expectations of Mexico. What he considered commonplace often revealed unexpected insights to others, fostering engaging discussions and enriching learning experiences.
"I am proud to be Mexican… it recentered myself in a culture that I loved," Vela said.
Vela also saw teammates fully embrace the experience, asking questions and building relationships within the community. Watching others connect with his culture made the trip even more meaningful, as players immersed themselves in traditions, interacted with locals, and stepped outside their comfort zones.
Sophomore Eric Johnson, a Mishawaka, Indiana native, entered the trip with no prior experience traveling to Mexico. What began as a step into the unknown quickly turned into one of the most impactful experiences of his time at Holy Cross, as he embraced the culture, connected with local communities, and stepped outside his comfort zone alongside his teammates. Free time became some of the most impactful moments for Johnson, as players visited street vendors, communicated with local families, and supported small businesses. These interactions allowed him to dive deeper into the culture and experience daily life firsthand.
The service portion of the trip left an impression. Despite language barriers, Johnson and his teammates connected with children through smiles, games, and shared moments. The emotional goodbye highlighted the impact of the visit and reinforced the purpose behind the trip. The experience encouraged Johnson to remain open-minded and appreciative, while inspiring a desire to continue traveling and learning from other cultures.
Junior Fabian Velazquez, a South Bend, Indiana native, described the trip as a meaningful opportunity for personal growth and team bonding. The experience, particularly the visit to the orphanage, encouraged reflection and helped strengthen relationships within the team while reinforcing the importance of gratitude and perspective. Velazquez experienced significant personal growth during the team's visit to an orphanage, which highlighted the contrast between their fortunate circumstances and the challenges faced by others. This visit served as a strong reminder of the impact that small acts of kindness can have, leading to lasting joy for both the giver and the receiver.
The trip facilitated the formation of stronger relationships within the team, fostering deeper conversations among players about life, opportunities, and their capacity to impact others. The time spent together outside of soccer activities, which included evenings of music, dancing, and community interactions, contributed significantly to building team chemistry that transcended the field.
Velazquez emphasized that the competitive matches served as a catalyst for the team's development. Encountering formidable opponents necessitated heightened focus and intentionality, underscoring the significance of thorough preparation and respect for the sport. These challenges, alongside the collective experiences shared outside of the games, significantly strengthened the bond within the team as they approached the season.
As a junior captain from Chesapeake, Virginia, Anthony Panayiotou, regarded the trip as a defining leadership experience. He observed that his teammates naturally assumed responsibility and exhibited maturity without needing enforcement of expectations. The team approached travel, service, and competition with professionalism, which mirrored the culture the program seeks to develop.
The visit to the orphanage was a profoundly meaningful experience for the team, highlighting the children's circumstances and evoking humility. By the end, players understood the significant impact of their presence, as they brought joy and smiles through their time spent playing with the children.
The trip held deep emotional significance for the team as they paid tribute to Brother Jim Kozak, C.S.C. a cherished chaplain for the program who died in January at age 82. Brother Jim was scheduled to travel with the team, which maintained the traditions he initiated and felt a strong sense of unity, carrying his spirit with them throughout the journey.
"We didn't go just to play soccer... We went to serve and embrace the mission," Panayiotou said. "We came back closer as a team and as a family."
Omar Gallo
Head coach Omar Gallo emphasized that the trip reflected the core values of Holy Cross men's soccer; faith, family, respect, and personal growth. From visiting churches and experiencing the culture to competing and serving the local community, the journey provided players with an opportunity to step outside their comfort zones and experience something bigger than the game.
Omar praised how the team handled the experience, noting their professionalism and maturity throughout the trip. The players represented both the program and Holy Cross College in a first-class manner, earning positive feedback from those they encountered while fully embracing new environments and challenges.
The team also honored the memory of Brother Jim during the trip, including planting a tree in his honor. The tribute served as a meaningful moment that reinforced his continued presence within the program and brought the group closer together.
Ultimately, Omar hopes the experience leaves a lasting impact beyond soccer. By seeing both the beauty of Mexico and the challenges faced by some communities, players gained perspective, humility, and a deeper appreciation for the opportunity to serve others — lessons that will stay with them long after the trip.
"This trip was bigger than the game. It was about understanding what it takes at the next level and learning to make adjustments in new settings. Ten or twenty years from now, you might not remember every match, but you will remember the lives you impacted, the pictures, and the experiences after the game. We gave someone hope, we touched someone in a way that showed there is opportunity."
Representing Holy Cross College on an international stage added another layer of meaning to the trip. For many players, it was an honor to be part of the program's first experience of this kind, making history while wearing the Holy Cross crest. Although each player arrived at Holy Cross through different paths, the shared opportunity to represent the college and its values brought the group together with a common purpose. The visit to Casa del Sol reinforced that mission, as the team aimed to encourage the children and show that their current circumstances do not define their future. By simply being present, the Saints hoped to share a message of belief, support, and opportunity.
The trip also challenged outside perceptions. Several players noted that people back home expressed concern about traveling to Mexico, but those worries quickly faded once they shared their experiences. Instead, the team returned with stories of hospitality, culture, and community. The experience reinforced the value of travel — staying open-minded, embracing different perspectives, and recognizing similarities across cultures. Combined with the opportunity to compete internationally and earn a result abroad, the Saints left Mexico proud to represent Holy Cross College and grateful for an experience that extended far beyond soccer.