In August 2026, I had one of the greatest experiences of my life when I traveled to Belgium to represent Team USA at the Para Field Hockey World Cup. It was an incredible opportunity to compete against athletes from different countries, explore Belgium, and create unforgettable memories with my teammates. This trip was about more than just field hockey. It was also about teamwork, friendship, traveling, and accomplishing one of my biggest dreams. When we arrived in Belgium, our team stayed at a hotel near downtown Louvain-la-Neuve. One of my favorite things about the area was the pedestrian-friendly village, where we could walk around and explore without worrying about heavy traffic. There was also a beautiful park and walking trail nearby, which made the area feel peaceful and relaxing. During our free time, our team explored some local places and tried Belgian food. One of our first stops was a Belgian waffle shop, where I ordered a delicious waffle topped with chocolate and whipped cream. The following day, we went grocery shopping to pick up Belgian snacks, and I also enjoyed eating at Black & White Burger.
We visited the mall in downtown Louvain-la-Neuve, where I stopped at Australian Home Made Ice Cream and got Crème Rocher, a delicious chocolate-and-vanilla ice cream flavor. It was fun discovering different places and trying foods that made my Belgium adventure even more exciting.
Competing in the Para Field Hockey World Cup
The biggest highlight of my trip was representing Team USA in the Para Field Hockey World Cup. We competed against several countries, including Belgium, France, Ireland, Germany, Italy, Pakistan, and Zambia. Although we faced some very challenging matches, our team continued to work hard and improve throughout the tournament. One of my proudest moments came against Belgium, when I recorded an assist on a Team USA goal. Another unforgettable moment came when I scored my first international goal against Ireland. Scoring a goal while representing the United States at a World Cup was something I will always remember. Our team finished the tournament with an excited match against Zambia in the classification match. It was an amazing way to end our World Cup experience and celebrate how far we had come as a team.
Watching International Field Hockey
Another exciting part of our trip was visiting Belfius Hockey Arena to watch international field hockey matches. We watched the France men’s team take on Ireland in a close match. France eventually won 2–1 with a late goal, making it an incredible game to watch. After our final classification match, we also watched the USA women’s team compete against Ireland. Team USA won 3–1, which made it another great moment for American field hockey. Watching these matches gave me the opportunity to see talented international players and experience the excitement of field hockey from the stands.
Traveling Around Belgium With My Teammates
Throughout the trip, our group traveled by taxis and buses between our hotel, Louvain-la-Neuve Hockey Club, and other destinations. I enjoyed seeing the streets, neighborhoods, and beautiful surroundings of Belgium. During our time away from the field, we had opportunities to relax, explore, eat together, and enjoy each other’s company. These moments helped make the trip more enjoyable because we weren’t just teammates competing in a tournament. We were also sharing an international adventure together.
An Experience I Will Never Forget
Looking back at my trip to Belgium, I am incredibly proud of everything I accomplished with Team USA. From scoring my first international goal against Ireland to celebrating the shootout goal at Belfius Hockey Arena against Zambia, this World Cup gave me memories that will last a lifetime. Representing Team USA at the 2026 Para Field Hockey World Cup was a dream come true. It showed me that with determination, teamwork, and a passion for sports, incredible opportunities are possible. I hope my experience inspires other athletes with disabilities to follow their dreams and never give up on what they love.
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