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ACE Program Visits Panama in 11th Year
8/12/2026 8:05:00 AM | Athletics
DURHAM, N.C. -- For the 11th consecutive year, Duke student-athletes participated in an immersive summer service experience offered through the Rubenstein Student-Athlete Civic Engagement Program (ACE). This summer, ACE offered one international-based program focused on supporting community-based organizations in Panama.
ACE provides full-funding for selected Duke student-athletes to engage in immersive summer service experiences with international communities. The ACE Program reflects Duke University's mission of public service and international engagement and is made possible by David Rubenstein's generous support and Duke Athletics Ticket Sales. To date, ACE remains the only international community engagement program designed specifically for D-I student-athletes on this scale.
Eleven Duke student-athletes representing five different sports teams participated this summer, providing student-athletes eight days of more than 220 combined service hours focused on youth development and sports enrichment.
WHAT DID THEY DO THIS SUMMER?
ACE in Panama (May 3-11, 2026)
Eleven Duke student-athletes participated in this program focused on facilitating an after-school volleyball camp for youth in two rural Panamanian communities located in Coclé, Panama. The group split into teams of six and worked at two elementary schools, Escuela de Coca and Escuela Toabre. Over the course of the week, the student-athletes lesson planned, taught volleyball, and engaged with the local community members of Coclé.
After a week of hard work, the program culminated in a fun competition day between the two schools. The game was attended by parents, family, and community members from both schools, and the ACE team coached and played with their respective schools. After the competition, community members from the Tambo and Monte Grande schools hosted a "despedida," or "goodbye" celebration, for the ACE in Panama team and the students. The despedida featured delicious Panamanian food and traditional Panamanian dances performed by the children. At the end of their time together, the school leaders, students, and the ACE participants exchanged thanks through photos and heartfelt speeches in Spanish, expressing how impactful the experience was for both the children and the ACE participants.
The students spent their last day in Panama exploring Casco Viejo, the historic district of Panama City. The group then ventured to the Panama Canal, where they learned about the history and construction of the canal and witnessed the engineering marvel in action at the Miraflores Locks. At the conclusion of the program, the group held a final discussion reflecting on their experience in Panama and what it means to be global citizens as well as Duke student-athletes.
WHO WERE THE ACE 2026 STUDENT-ATHLETES?
CJ Campbell ('27) - Football
Evan Coles ('28) - Wrestling
Samantha Courtwright ('28) – Women's Soccer
Madison Foxhoven ('27) – Women's Soccer
Mailinh Godschall ('28) - Volleyball
Avery Hillier ('29) – Women's Swimming & Diving
Tierney Lenahan ('29) – Women's Swimming & Diving
Riley Rowan ('28) - Wrestling
Molly Vapensky ('28) – Women's Soccer
Owen Waibel ('29) – Men's Swimming & Diving
Taylor Williams ('28) – Volleyball
"Looking back on my ACE experience in Panama, what stands out most are the connections I made with both the kids and the other Duke student-athletes on the trip. Whether we were playing games, helping with activities, or simply spending time together, I was amazed by how quickly the kids welcomed us and how eager they were to learn from people they had never met before. Their curiosity, enthusiasm, and positive attitudes made every day rewarding and reminded me how meaningful even small interactions can be. As a member of the Duke Wrestling team, I also appreciated the opportunity to build friendships with student-athletes from other sports, something that doesn't happen often during the school year. This experience gave me a greater appreciation for the power of service, the importance of stepping outside my comfort zone, and the lasting impact that genuine connections can have, and I know I'll carry those lessons with me both as a student-athlete and in my future career."
- Riley Rowan, Wrestling, ACE in Panama
Gallery: (8-11-2026) ACE in Panama 2026 - Duke Athletics
ACE provides full-funding for selected Duke student-athletes to engage in immersive summer service experiences with international communities. The ACE Program reflects Duke University's mission of public service and international engagement and is made possible by David Rubenstein's generous support and Duke Athletics Ticket Sales. To date, ACE remains the only international community engagement program designed specifically for D-I student-athletes on this scale.
Eleven Duke student-athletes representing five different sports teams participated this summer, providing student-athletes eight days of more than 220 combined service hours focused on youth development and sports enrichment.
WHAT DID THEY DO THIS SUMMER?
ACE in Panama (May 3-11, 2026)
Eleven Duke student-athletes participated in this program focused on facilitating an after-school volleyball camp for youth in two rural Panamanian communities located in Coclé, Panama. The group split into teams of six and worked at two elementary schools, Escuela de Coca and Escuela Toabre. Over the course of the week, the student-athletes lesson planned, taught volleyball, and engaged with the local community members of Coclé.
After a week of hard work, the program culminated in a fun competition day between the two schools. The game was attended by parents, family, and community members from both schools, and the ACE team coached and played with their respective schools. After the competition, community members from the Tambo and Monte Grande schools hosted a "despedida," or "goodbye" celebration, for the ACE in Panama team and the students. The despedida featured delicious Panamanian food and traditional Panamanian dances performed by the children. At the end of their time together, the school leaders, students, and the ACE participants exchanged thanks through photos and heartfelt speeches in Spanish, expressing how impactful the experience was for both the children and the ACE participants.
The students spent their last day in Panama exploring Casco Viejo, the historic district of Panama City. The group then ventured to the Panama Canal, where they learned about the history and construction of the canal and witnessed the engineering marvel in action at the Miraflores Locks. At the conclusion of the program, the group held a final discussion reflecting on their experience in Panama and what it means to be global citizens as well as Duke student-athletes.
WHO WERE THE ACE 2026 STUDENT-ATHLETES?
CJ Campbell ('27) - Football
Evan Coles ('28) - Wrestling
Samantha Courtwright ('28) – Women's Soccer
Madison Foxhoven ('27) – Women's Soccer
Mailinh Godschall ('28) - Volleyball
Avery Hillier ('29) – Women's Swimming & Diving
Tierney Lenahan ('29) – Women's Swimming & Diving
Riley Rowan ('28) - Wrestling
Molly Vapensky ('28) – Women's Soccer
Owen Waibel ('29) – Men's Swimming & Diving
Taylor Williams ('28) – Volleyball
"Looking back on my ACE experience in Panama, what stands out most are the connections I made with both the kids and the other Duke student-athletes on the trip. Whether we were playing games, helping with activities, or simply spending time together, I was amazed by how quickly the kids welcomed us and how eager they were to learn from people they had never met before. Their curiosity, enthusiasm, and positive attitudes made every day rewarding and reminded me how meaningful even small interactions can be. As a member of the Duke Wrestling team, I also appreciated the opportunity to build friendships with student-athletes from other sports, something that doesn't happen often during the school year. This experience gave me a greater appreciation for the power of service, the importance of stepping outside my comfort zone, and the lasting impact that genuine connections can have, and I know I'll carry those lessons with me both as a student-athlete and in my future career."
- Riley Rowan, Wrestling, ACE in Panama
Wednesday, August 05
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