TOWSON, Md. - With the 2024-25 season officially behind us, the Landmark Conference proudly looks back on a year full of solid performances and meaningful achievements across all 10 member schools. Over the next two weeks, we’ll be featuring a different institution each week with their top moments and stories. Check back often and click the link below to explore the full recap.
Landmark Conference Yearbook
From June 11th to June 20th, Women’s Lacrosse Head Coach Katie Russo traveled to Japan to participate in the Beyond Sports Lacrosse Tour.
Beyond Sports was established in 2010 and has quickly become the leader in international sports tours. This organization works to connect the world through sports and does so by providing athletes the opportunity to bring their sports abroad while also immersing themselves in new cultures. Beyond Sports was founded by former college athletes who understood the value of traveling for sports, and the role it plays on development. The goal of this program is to remain committed to meaningful travel and personal growth.
Russo began working with Beyond Sports last summer when Molly Devilbiss, a close friend and colleague, asked her about an opportunity to coach in the high school sports tour in Spain. Devilbiss and Russo had previously coached together at Frostburg State University, while Russo was a graduate assistant, and were a part of the invite only staff for Beyond Sports. This year, Russo was asked to join the staff in a new role, as a Tour Coordinator for the college lacrosse tour in Japan.
As a Tour Coordinator, Russo had the responsibility of leading the college team tour, where they took both a women’s and men’s team. In this new role, Russo felt she gained “… a new perspective both personally and professionally in my coaching career, especially in regard to gratitude”. She stated that opportunities like this remain important to gain cross-cultural experience, and that programs such as these make a valuable connection between sport and real-world experiences. “I was able to give back to the sport in a new role, create a great experience for everyone on the tour, meet new people, build lasting connections, and make unforgettable memories.” Said Russo when asked about the impact of this experience.
When asked to sum up her experience, Russo stated: “I am truly grateful for the opportunity to travel abroad with Beyond Sports; I was able to share the sport I love and coach with others, meeting new people and making unforgettable memories along the way.”