When one thinks spring break, the Bahamas, Mexico, and Puerto Rico come to mind. But the Harvard women’s soccer team dribbled in another direction, traveling across the Atlantic to Italy last week.

While many of the Crimson’s opponents in the States were taking a reprieve from soccer, Harvard was busy sharpening its skills against some of Europe’s finest players. And with the added perks of exploring a country known for its savory food, timeless architecture, and diehard “football” fans, the team couldn’t go wrong.

A few years ago, the Crimson soccer staff decided that the men’s and women’s squads would go on an international trip every four years. This year marked the women’s turn, a well-deserved reward for the two-time defending Ivy League champions.

“Our coaches were the ones who picked Italy,” explains forward and junior co-captain Katherine Sheeleigh. “We completed the process through a company called XL Tours. They were really great about working with us to pick out the exact cities we wanted to visit.”

But there was one major obstacle separating the Harvard women from their dreams of cannolis, gondola rides, and top-notch European soccer—money.

Although the Crimson gained financial assistance from Friends of Harvard Soccer, the burden of paying for the trip rested largely with the team.

The women responded to this challenge as they would to any other on the soccer field. With a little creativity and a lot of hustle, they managed to raise the necessary funds.

“Our main source [of revenue] was selling our Ivy League Champions t-shirts,” Sheeleigh says. “Then we had some players work at a swim meet to make extra money. We also held an event at Uno’s Grill one night, where all of the proceeds went to the Harvard women’s soccer team.”

The team’s tireless efforts were well worth it, as the trip was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for all those involved.

Harvard kicked off the trip in style, heading to a professional AC Milan soccer game its first night to witness the skills of none other than David Beckham.

“It’s a shame that Beckham’s injured now,” Crimson coach Ray Leone says. “He was just getting back to playing his normal position at center midfield. Our team was present for what may have been the last good professional game of his career.”

During its stay, the squad visited Milan, Florence, Venice, Lake Como, and San Marino, a small independent republic located in the Apennine Mountains. Members of the team also took time out of their soccer schedule to go shopping, eat in quaint local cafes, bike ride in Milan, and go paddle boating in Lake Como.

“There were just so many unforgettable moments on this trip,” senior defender Lizzy Nichols says. “Whether it was hiking through the streets of Milan or climbing up to the top of a famous cathedral in Florence, we all had such an invaluable experience.”

Adventurous excursions aside, it was business as usual for Harvard, as the women took the field for exhibition contests against three Italian teams—ASD Mozzanica, ACF Firenze, and Cervia. The Crimson lost a hard-fought match to Cervia but picked up 2-1 wins against Mozzanica and Firenze.

As expected, matching up with the different tempo and style of play of international opponents had its challenges for the Crimson.

“[The Italian teams] were more direct in terms of goal scoring,” Nichols says. “They hit the ball out of the air a lot more. They were fast, strong, and all very skillful on an individual level.”

The opposition also applied unfamiliar tactics usually absent from the American collegiate circuit, such as marking man-on-man and deliberately pulling players offside.

But there were also aspects in which the players feel the Crimson had an edge.

“My impression was that we had a more tactically cohesive team,” Nichols observes. “I was also struck by how silent the other teams were. Usually, we try to communicate a lot on the field, but we really didn’t hear that coming from the other side.”

And it simply wouldn’t be an international soccer match without a little controversy.

“The officiating was interesting in each of the games,” Leone says. “One game was especially funny—the referees just decided to add four minutes to the game clock [for no apparent reason].”

All things considered, competing in Italy has now given the Crimson distinct advantages right as it prepares to enter the spring.

“Because of the trip, we were able to get in five extra practices and three extra games,” Leone says. “It’s nice that even before we enter spring training, we already have that under our belt.”

Though the players appreciate further honing their skills, they are equally grateful for getting to bond with old and new friends on the team.

“Trust and comfort in relationships translate onto the field,” Nichols stresses. “A healthier team community will open up doors for success. Mostly, I’ll remember and value this trip not so much for Italy, but because I got to spend it with my friends.”