A group of 12 female Middle Tennessee student-athletes will embark on a mission trip to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, this month.

Spearheaded by head women’s tennis coach Shelley Godwin, the student-athlete group participates in a weekly bible study through the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. The mission trip begins on Saturday, May 24 and concludes on Sunday, May 30.

“At the end of last semester we were discussing different ways to serve our community as a group,” Godwin said. “During this discussion, I mentioned to the girls that I would be traveling to the Dominican Republic this summer and the idea for the group to travel there together really took off.”

The group will visit local villages and orphanages, particularly young children and women. Food and supplies will be distributed, along with teaching children about sports and healthy lifestyles.

“We are excited about the opportunity to minister to the people of the Dominican Republic and see how they will impact our lives in return,” said Godwin. “I also look forward to seeing how the girls will bring back what they learn and impact our campus.”

Godwin’s group is in need of clothing, food and supplies to give to those in need, as well as monetary donations to defray the costs of travel. Anyone interested in donating can contact her directly at (615) 898-5154 or via e-mail at shelley.godwin@mtsu.edu. The mission trip is headed by Score International.

Athletes traveling to Santo Domingo, D.R., include:
Shelby Anderton – Volleyball
Kelsey Brouwer – Soccer
Nina Dever – Softball
Laura Dukes – Softball
Autumn Gipson – Track & Field
Emily Jorgenson – Soccer
Madison Ledet – Soccer
Bridget Keller – Volleyball
Taylor Kirk – Soccer
Carla Nava – Women’s Tennis
Eseta Maka – Volleyball
Kailey Ann McDougal – Softball