In late May, during the course of a week, 16 Washington State University student-athletes performed a multitude of tasks that, when completed, restored a school for students with neurological disabilities.  

The tasks included: sanding, sealing, painting handrails, cleaning, repainting walls, and repainting a play area.

Additionally, with average annual rainfall in the region reaching 100 inches, and mountainous rain forest regions receiving up to 25 feet of rainfall, the students-athletes built a ditch to help with drainage to prevent flooding.

Sophomore swimmer Lauren Willie was moved by what was accomplished.

"My favorite part was seeing the change that we made at the school," Willie said. "When we were told it was a special needs school, I almost cried because that community means so much to me and being able to help another country meant the world to me."

The student-athletes' work at the school was a significant aspect of an eight-day community service "CougVenture" trip to San Jose, Costa Rica.

"I'm proud of the way the group committed to the service work, bringing a positive attitude and strong work ethic each day," said Nick Garner, Assistant Athletic Director, Student-Athlete Experience.

The trip was organized through the athletic department in conjunction with International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) and Maximo Nivel, an organization that specializes in study abroad and educational travel in Latin America. It was funded through the NCAA Student-Athlete Special Assistance Fund, a fund that each university receives from the NCAA tied specifically to student-athlete programming.

In preparation for the journey, Garner organized a class for the participating student-athletes, representing men's golf, rowing, swimming, men's and women's track & field, and volleyball, to explore their leadership styles and skills, as well as details of the trip.

In addition to their community service in the morning, the student-athletes participated in sightseeing opportunities spending their afternoons visiting the La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park, hiking Irazú Volcano National Park, ziplining over coffee fields, and swimming at Tortuga Island.

Furthermore, the student-athletes also stayed with host families where they were able to practice their Spanish and immerse themselves in the Costa Rican culture.

Another benefit from the trip was student-athletes were able to bond with their fellow student-athletes not on their teams.

 "My favorite part of the trip was spending time with the people who participated with me," said men's track and field sophomore Eric Swedin. "I had such a great time learning more about each person's respective sports and came to really enjoy the conversations I had with them. The cool experiences that were available to us were only heightened by these awesome people."

"The group of student-athletes made the trip so fun and meaningful," said Garner. "It was fun to watch the group experience new things and I was so impressed by the way they embraced the culture of a new country and were willing to try everything. Hopefully, we'll be able to continue to give Cougar student-athletes experiences like these through future trips."