University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Athletics
STEVENS POINT, WI (WSAU) — They may not engage in a vegemite sandwich but they will certainly take in the soccer culture.
Head Coach Dawn Crow is making it a quadrennial tradition to take her teams on a trip to the FIFA Women’s World Cup which begins in Australia and New Zealand next week. She says she’s seen firsthand what this event means and wants to share that experience with her players. “My job as a coach is to enlighten them to other things going on in the world,” said Crow. “When will they do this on their own? We want them to have that experience, and it’s a great recruiting tool.”
Crow says she’s been at several Women’s World Cup tournaments in various capacities dating back to the 1995 tournament in Norway. It’s an experience that she never forgets, and she hopes her players feel the same way. “If I can give our players anything it would be the experience to be able to do something like this. It’s a game they are passionate about, and they get to experience others having the same or more passion [for it.]”
Their itinerary includes three matches highlighted by the tournament opener between New Zealand and Norway. They’ll also be in the building for the United State’s opener against Vietnam. Both of those matches will be played in Auckland.
Crow says they will also do some ziplining in the rainforest and take in a few local wineries as part of their trip.
There will be some business for the players as well. Crow has scheduled some exhibition matches against local teams which she says is a way to connect with the locals through soccer while also serving as ambassadors for the Pointer brand and mission. “The Alumni Association has given us UWSP pins to give to each student and I have a coach’s gift for the two coaches.”
UWSP alumni living in both countries will also be notified of the matches to allow them to attend a game featuring their alma mater in their new home.
Crow’s team took a similar trip to France in 2019. FIFA is in the bidding process for the 2027 event, and among the proposals is a joint bid between the United States and Mexico. Some European nations are also under consideration.
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