It was a summer to remember for Albertus Magnus College softball players Gillian Fortier (Naugatuck, Conn.), Samantha Maselli (Rockville Centre, N.Y.) and Megan Kelly (Bronx, N.Y.). Fortier and Maselli, who are both entering their junior years on campus, traveled to Cape Town, South Africa for two weeks to take part in Beyond Sports' first annual South Africa Softball Tour. Kelly, who is set to begin her senior campaign with the Falcons, had the opportunity to travel to Aruba and play five games.

Fortier and Maselli joined a team of all-conference honorees and statistical leaders from colleges and universities across the country to square off with Cape Town's best softball teams in three friendly games.

When faced with the opportunity, it was an easy answer for both Maselli and Fortier.

"Traveling outside the country to play softball has been a lifelong dream," Fortier said.

"This was an experience I'll never forget," Maselli noted. "This was a once in a lifetime opportunity and I'm glad I was able to go."

In addition to competing in the friendly games, Maselli and Fortier, along with the other student-athletes on the trip, provided softball clinics for the youth in the area to help develop the sport.

"Taking part in the clinics definitely had an impact on me," Fortier stated. "We worked with some kids that had never heard of softball and they wanted to attend the clinic simply because Americans were the ones teaching them."

"The clinics were by far my favorite of the trip," Maselli added. "We were able to give back to a sport that has provided us with so much in our lives."

Off the field, the group also spent time learning about South African history and culture as they visited Robben Island where Nelson Mandela spent 18 years incarcerated, the Castle of Good Hope, District 6 Museum, hiked Table Mountain and enjoyed a Big Game Safari.

"The District 6 Museum was interesting because we were able to listen to the creator talk about his life in district six growing up," Fortier stated.

"I'm so glad I got to experience another culture and see their ways of life that I would have never had the chance if it was not for softball," Maselli said. "Beyond Sports filled our days with total learning experiences. From taking in the culture, seeing wildlife and visiting one of the natural wonders of the world, I was able to experience so much about the way of life in South Africa."

Fortier and Maselli learned on the field as well during the trip. Fortier was placed out of her comfort zone and played a new position (second base), but had fun regardless. The duo got to talk about the game with players from the NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III and NAIA level. The pair saw first-hand how players from different backgrounds can gel to form a cohesive unit and can use the experience with their team building exercises this fall at Albertus Magnus.

Having a friendly face traveling alongside made enhanced the experience for the two as well.

"Being invited to play softball in Aruba was not only an honor, but also an experience I will never forget," Kelly said.

An introvert by nature, Kelly had to step out of her comfort zone and for the first time traveled alone. It was a mixture of new experiences both on the field and off that made her feel a nervous excitement heading into the trip to the Caribbean.

Upon landing safely and getting settled, Kelly quickly noticed the friendly, supportive and kind nature of the fellow student-athletes and coaches making the trip. This helped her feelings turn from nervous to comfortable and welcomed. After a few days, she realized she had nothing to be worry about and ended up making new friends and creating long lasting memories.

Kelly also had the pleasure of playing for new coaches and after having played for Albertus Magnus Head Coach Ed Emielita for the last three seasons she got to see a different perspective on the game of softball.

"The coaches were very nice and informative," Kelly noted. "They taught me how to adjust my hitting, outfield techniques and workouts to improve my performance. Their assistance on this trip was beneficial for me to become a better player and I will take everything I learned and use it throughout the upcoming season."

Kelly also got see what Aruban culture is like off the field with excursions and different sightseeing trips. Throughout her time in the country she had the opportunity to visit the Vista Chapel, downtown Aruba, the Natural Bridge, the Natural Pool, Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruin, De Palm Island and even sail the Caribbean on a pirate ship.

"The team and I bonded and had a great time snorkeling, riding a banana boat, zip lining, taking an off-road jeep tour, rope swinging off a pirate ship and jumping off cliffs," Kelly added. "During this trip I got to experience many new adventures with an amazing team. This whole trip was an experience of a lifetime that I wish I could do all over again."

It is safe to say that these three Falcons will never forget how they spent the summer of 2016.

For the latest information on the softball team and Albertus Magnus athletics, follow AMCAthletics on Twitter and visit AlbertusFalcons.com.

For more information on Beyond Sports click here

To view pictures from both trips click here