New Braunfels, Texas — As the summer comes to an end, the American Southwest Conference is highlighting several student-athletes who spent their summer months gaining valuable experience, serving their communities, traveling internationally, and preparing for life beyond competition.
From medical mission trips and international service projects to study abroad opportunities, internships, and summer camps, these ASC student-athletes demonstrated that their impact extends well beyond the playing field.
Tanner Hake – East Texas Baptist | Tennis
East Texas Baptist University tennis student-athlete Tanner Hake spent part of the summer in Guatemala on a medical mission trip with Refuge International in partnership with ETBU. The experience provided Hake with an opportunity to serve others while gaining a firsthand perspective through an international service experience.
East Texas Baptist – Men’s & Women’s Golf
The ETBU men’s and women’s golf teams traveled to Northern Ireland for a summer mission trip. The teams partnered with the International Sports Federation and The Salt Factory during their time abroad.
Ellie Carter – Hardin-Simmons | Volleyball
Hardin-Simmons volleyball student-athlete Ellie Carter spent the summer studying abroad in Greece through the HSU Honors Program.
Addy Cunningham – Hardin-Simmons | Volleyball
Hardin-Simmons volleyball student-athlete Addy Cunningham gained valuable professional experience through an internship with Hendrick Medical Center, working in Acute Rehabilitation and Wound Care.
Rachel Nordt – Hardin-Simmons
Rachel Nordt spent the summer interning with Elite Physical Therapy, gaining professional experience in a field closely connected to athletics and sports performance.
Grace Gholson – Hardin-Simmons
Hardin-Simmons student-athlete Grace Gholson spent her summer working with Pine Cove City Camps.Through her work with the camps, Gholson gained experience working with children and serving her community during the summer months.
Noah Bela – Hardin-Simmons | Cross Country
Hardin-Simmons cross country student-athlete Noah Bela traveled to Costa Rica as part of a mission trip with Youth With a Mission. During the trip, Bela helped provide homes for families while participating in an effort to serve communities throughout Costa Rica.
Beyond the Game
These experiences represent just a few of the many ways ASC student-athletes spent their summers developing skills, serving others, exploring new cultures, and preparing for their futures.
Whether through an internship, study abroad program, mission trip, or community service, ASC student-athletes continue to demonstrate the values of leadership and service both in competition and beyond.