GUATAMALA CITY – The Columbia International University (CIU) softball team recently completed a powerful nine-day mission trip to Guatemala in partnership with Athletes in Action, a global Christian sports ministry dedicated to using athletics to share the gospel and disciple athletes.

Led by CIU alum and Athletes in Action staff member Kaylyn Brown (formerly Devaney), the Rams played nine games—seven against the Guatemalan national team and two against the junior national team—as the Central American squads prepared for the upcoming Pan American Games.

But the trip was about far more than just wins and losses.

"It was really cool to use our sport as a ministry," said CIU second baseman Kami Meekins. "Even though we didn't speak the same language or come from the same culture, we all shared the love of softball. That gave us a foundation to connect and share the gospel."

After each game, the CIU team gathered at the pitcher's circle with their opponents to share personal testimonies and pray together. The Rams also led three coaching clinics for Guatemalan coaches at all levels, focusing on hitting, pitching, and game strategy—while also speaking about their motivation to play and coach with faith and purpose.

Off the field, players had the opportunity to tour the historic city of Antigua and connect with children at a Unum International school site located in a Mayan village near Guatemala City.

Although the traveling roster included only eight players, head coach Sara Allen saw the smaller team as a hidden advantage. "We had to borrow players from the Guatemalan team to fill out our lineup," she explained. "That gave us unique opportunities to build relationships and have deeper conversations. It was such a special experience—and we've already been invited to come back!"

This marks CIU softball's second international mission trip in just 18 months, following a January 2024 trip to Costa Rica.