Photo Gallery Of Maher's Journey 

WASHINGTON, DC/CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA – 2016 graduate, Nicole Maher (Newark, DE/Caravel Academy), of the Alfred University softball recently participated in an international softball program hosted by Beyond Sports in which she spent nearly two weeks playing in South Africa.
 
During her trip, her and her team, as well as other teams from the United States and South Africa, hosted clinics besides playing softball. They took time to learn how the people of South Africa live as well as took in some of the sights and local cuisine.
 
Maher graduated from Alfred University this past academic year with a degree in biology. Her and fellow teammate, Dana Torchia (Pompton Plains, NJ/Pequannock Township), were selected as co-winners of the Alfred University Ideal Saxon award for outstanding performances both on and off the field.
 
Maher graduated with multiple school records and was a member of the 2015 team that made the Elite 8 in the NCAA Division III softball tournament in Salem, VA.
 
The following are entries from Maher's journal, archiving her stay in South Africa:
 

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Day 1
 
Travel Day – left Washington Dulles Airport at 5:40PM and landed in Johannesburg, South Africa at 5:00PM. There is a six-hour time difference. We ended up missing our connecting flight to Cape Town, but caught the next flight at 7:30PM and arrived in Cape Town, South Africa at 9:40PM (3:00PM US time). All together is took us 24 hours to get to our destination!
 
Day 2
 
We had our first softball practice at the Woman's National Field, Turfhall Sports Complex and dinner at a high school with members of the Softball Federation.
 
Day 3
 
We attended the District 6 Museum and the Castle of Good Hope, which is the oldest building in Cape Town. We also drove through one of the townships. We then had our final softball practice before our first game, which was scheduled for the following day.
 
Day 4
 
We took a boat to Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned before becoming the first democratically elected president. We played our first softball game in Cape Town. I was on the Beyond Sports red/giraffe team. I played shortstop the entire game. I was 1-for-2 with a walk and hit by pitch. We played against the U19 South African team and won.
 
Day 5
 
We hiked up Table Mountain, which has been nominated as one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. I chose to hike up the mountain instead of taking the cable car. It took 1 hour and 10 minutes and was not easy, but the views of Cape Town were magnificent! Cape Town is known as the Mother City. Later that day, we ate at an authentic African restaurant called Moyo on the water.
 
Day 6
 
We participated in a softball service-learning clinic, coaching with the South African Softball Federation. I was part of the infield clinic working with the kids to field balls and infield mechanics. The kids were very willing to learn from us and glad we were there to help them. We then played our second softball game against a South African Varsity Team. I went 1-for-2 with two walks and scored twice with one RBI. We won the game. After the game, both teams celebrated with a Lamb Roast Spit Braai (BBQ).
 
Day 7
 
Today we went on a township tour to see how the people of South Africa live. We participated in our second clinic with local youth and played our final softball game against the South African National Team. I played shortstop again and went 3-for-3 and scored twice. We won the game. Later we toured the communities of Vanguard and Bonteheuwel and had lunch in Langa town.
 
Day 8
 
Today was a travel day. We traveled five hours along the world famous Garden Route to Wilderness Beach House.
 
Day 9
 
We spend the day at Wilderness Beach House and went on a safari. During the safari, we traveled in jeeps and saw lions, zebras, baboons, giraffes, cheetahs and elephants. It was amazing!
 
Day 10
 
Today was a free day for everyone. I decided to ride and feed the elephants, and then had dinner at the Blue Olive.
 
Day 11
 
Today was a travel day, traveling back to Cape Town. We stopped at Boulder Beach where we saw penguins. We had our farewell dinner at the softball field with all of the teams from the United States and South Africa.
 
Day 12
 
My time in South Africa has come to an end.  I depart Cape Town to Johannesburg, then on to Washington Dulles Airport and arrive 9:45AM Saturday morning.
 
I had an amazing trip to South Africa. I would like to thank the Alfred University Softball Organization for allowing me this opportunity to travel abroad and play international softball while learning about the history, culture, and people of South Africa. It was truly amazing coaching the local children. They were all so willing to learn for us and we had lots of fun. Cape Town, South Africa will always have a special place in my heart that I will never forget.