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‘Eye-opening experience’

FDSH grad, UNI volleyball player Astor reflects on Nicaragua trip

Submitted photo Lexi Astor, a Northern Iowa volleyball player and Fort Dodge Senior High graduate, visited Nicaragua with her Panther teammates earlier this month for the program’s overseas trip.

CEDAR FALLS — Lexi Astor made the decision to continue her volleyball career at the University of Northern Iowa so she could become a better player.

Astor, a redshirt sophomore this past season for the Panthers, was recently given the opportunity to grow as a person.

Along with the rest of the UNI program, Astor took an extended trip to Nicaragua earlier this month to interact with the developing nation and see what life can be like 1,900 miles from home.

“Every four years, our team takes an overseas trip,” said Astor a 2014 graduate of Fort Dodge Senior High. “It has been a tradition for as long as I know. In the past teams, have typically done tours through places such as Europe or Brazil. Nicaragua is currently a developing nation so this experience was very unique compared to adventures in the past.

“Unlike the other trips, a major part of our time in Nicaragua was spent interacting with local service organizations at elementary schools, special needs centers and with youth athletics. It is important to understand that countries like Nicaragua do not have the access to the privileges we may not even recognize we have here in the United States. It was an extremely eye-opening experience.

“Working with the children and locals who make so much out of so little is very humbling and builds an incredible sense of gratitude. Our volleyball program at UNI takes great pride in developing the character of our student-athletes both on and off the court, which is one of the many reasons I love being a Panther.”

Nicaragua is the largest country in the Central American isthmus, with Honduras to the north, the Caribbean to the east, Costa Rica to the south and the Pacific Ocean to the west. At last census, the population was over six million.

“Aside from the service opportunities, we also got a chance to to enjoy our time in the foreign land as well. The Nicaraguan countryside majorly consists of volcanic terrain, which gave way to some breathtaking views and unique adventures you definitely could not duplicate in the United States,” Astor said. “For example, our first day in Managua (the capital city) we visited an active volcano, lava and all! As we moved South to the city San Juan Del Sur, we had an opportunity to zipline through the jungle-mountains, surf in the Pacific, and do a little bit of sightseeing-hiking. No matter how good of shape we’re ‘supposed to be in,’ it was probably one of the toughest hikes of my life — straight uphill, hot and sticky — but the view was definitely worth it.

“We also spent some time in Granada (one of the oldest C.A. cities) where we took a boat tour through the monkey islands on Lake Nicaragua, swam in a volcanic crater and experienced a little more of the traditional ‘Spanish flare.’ On top of all this, we ate at small local vendors every day and I had some of the best authentic food and fresh fruit I’ve ever come across.”

Astor and UNI did get in some volleyball practice while away from Iowa, competing four times against the Nicaraguan National team. The Panthers posted a record of 24-10 last year, advancing to the NCAA Tournament. They also made the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament finals, falling to Wichita State.

“We played in some very different environments than what we’re accustomed to, but still came home with a 3-1 record,” Astor said. “One match was even played on an outdoor cement court, which brought challenges of its own, but the sunset ocean view was well worth the skinned knees.

“We also had an opportunity to run a youth volleyball camp to share our knowledge with a bunch of local aspiring athletes. There were a few language barriers that resulted in laughs here and there, but overall I think the kids enjoyed themselves and I know my teammates and I definitely appreciated the experience.”

For now, Astor is focused on training in preparation for the upcoming season this fall. She will be entering her fourth season, but still has two years of eligibility remaining after taking a redshirt in 2014.

“I am really looking forward to finding ways I can make an impact on our team this upcoming season,” she said. “I know my teammates, coaches and I are more than prepared to battle for another appearance in the NCAA Division 1 tournament and I would be more than thrilled to have my hometown people follow us on our journey.

“I wouldn’t be where I am today without the work ethic and drive instilled in me by my fellow Dodgers and previous coaches. It’s true what they say, ‘Once a Dodger, always a Dodger,’ and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I am also looking forward to following the success of the young athletes in our community as they reach new goals and set new records.

“Keep dreaming big and working hard. Make this town proud!”

More information on the trip is available on the UNI Volleyball Facebook page.

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