Women’s Basketball Rings in New Year in Panama

WORCESTER, Mass. - The Worcester State University women’s basketball team traveled to sunny Panama City, Panama for its annual holiday break trip last week, playing exhibition contests against three local club teams.

The Lancers were victorious in each of its three games, defeating Aguilas de Rio Abajo, Las Universitarias, and one of the top women’s professional teams in the country, Las Panteras de Parque Lefevre.

The team also took part in a community service project, teaching a clinic at JumpShoot Academy, and went sightseeing at the Panama Canal, UNESCO World Heritage Site Fort San Lorenzo, and other local attractions.

“These annual trips are a fantastic way to enhance our student-athlete experience,” said Worcester State head coach Karen Tessmer. “Our student-athletes get a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore different parts of the world, while it is also a great time for team building. Year after year, the holiday break trip is among the highlights of our season.”

Recent trips for the women’s basketball program include San Francisco/Bay Area, California in 2018-19, Birmingham, Alabama in 2017-18, and Sevilla, Spain in 2016-17.

“The women’s basketball program represents Worcester State so well, and this year’s trip to Panama was no exception,” said Director of Athletics Michael Mudd. “Participating in collegiate athletics is about so much more than just what happens on the court, and Coach Tessmer does such an amazing job of providing these memorable experiences to our student-athletes.”

The Lancers were joined on the trip by a number of the athletes’ friends and families, as well as members of Worcester State’s faculty and staff.

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