January 6, 2026
East Texas Baptist University’s Beach Volleyball team returned on December 14 from Roatan, an island in Honduras, as part of ETBU's Tiger Athletic Mission Experience (TAME), where they partnered with International Sports Federation (ISF) and Roatan Mission Fellowship for ministry and service for a week. This is the 24th trip for the ETBU Athletic Department TAME initiative and the first for ETBU Beach Volleyball.
The team departed from Marshall early on December 7, and experiencing multiple delays, arrived in Roatan 42 hours, a hotel, and three flights later. When they arrived at the home of their host family, they were greeted with friendly faces, dinner, smores, and fresh coconuts.
“Through all the chaos of traveling, it was exciting to watch the Lord force us to slow down and be patient and wait on His timing,” sophomore Sierra Wendt said. “When things could have caused us to lose joy or excitement, we spent the time having team Bible studies and fellowship. Never once did the team lose fire for the Lord or eagerness to share His word.”
The first full day in Roatan began with a traditional Honduran breakfast before starting their beach volleyball camp for the local children. The 50 children ranging from ages six-17 that attended the camp enjoyed playing games, learning about beach volleyball, and listening to devotionals about trusting in Jesus. After a break for lunch, the team started their afternoon volleyball camp session with another group of children.
“Despite the language barrier, it was evident that God’s love knows no barrier,” freshman Emmaley Matz said. “For our group devotional we discussed the story of Jesus calming the storm. After sharing trials where we felt God in our own lives, the kids shared their own stories. It was amazing to hear how God has worked in their lives and how important it is to have trust and faith in God’s plan."
On the second full day, the children began to open up to the team. The morning group asked four of the leaders to share their testimonies because they wanted to understand their belief in God. The afternoon group knew a lot about volleyball and wanted to compete with the team. During this afternoon session, sophomore Brenna Pope had the opportunity to talk with two girls instead of a small group setting, which led to influential connection and conversation.
"Today was absolutely amazing,” Pope said. “[The girls] had some trouble opening up about things, but I tried my best to make them comfortable and reassure them that I am there to listen. They opened up, and it was the most fruitful conversation I think I’ve ever had. Because of that, genuine connections were made. I hope these kids learned something from me because I definitely learned something from them."
The beach volleyball team’s third day in Roatan included a Christmas celebration with the local children who live and work near the landfill. The children and their families earn money by picking through acres of garbage to find plastic, cans, and metal to sell for a few dollars. In 2025, Roatan Mission Fellowship was able to send 180 children living near the landfill to school with everything they need, including school uniforms and supplies. The team handed out Christmas presents to these children and spread Christ’s love through many hugs and gifts. In the afternoon, the team visited a woman named Crystal, who fosters 22 children and is connected to Roatan Mission Fellowship.
On their final day in Roatan, the beach volleyball team had another session of playing volleyball with local children and young adults. After lunch, the team served at one of Roatan Mission Fellowship’s recommended partner ministries called Little Sprouts, which offers spiritual, medical, and food support to the neediest families in and around Roatan’s largest city. The team donated soccer balls and volleyballs to the ministry and immediately started playing with the children. After a time of play, they participated in small groups of intentional conversation with the local children and their mothers. The team gave cookies, apples, and big hugs to everyone at Little Sprouts before they began their journey home.
“As soon as our bus pulled onto the gravel road in front of their building, the kids swarmed our bus with smiles and waves,” sophomore Paige Dickson said. “As each one of us stepped off the bus, we couldn’t even get down the stairs before we were greeted with massive hugs. The kids had massive smiles and there were so many giggles and voices flooding the yard. Everyone was happy and relaxed, and all the kids felt seen and safe. They jumped into our arms and we held them and talked with them as long as we could.”
Before the long travel days ahead, the team took a mangrove tree boat tour and got the opportunity to swim in crystal clear water. They also went snorkeling at sunset to close the trip before they traveled home. Head ETBU Beach Volleyball Coach Allison Kuster reflected on the experience and expressed her deep pride in her team during their week in Roatan.
“Before we left, they all came up with individual goals that they wanted to meet while we were there,” Kuster said. “Some of the goals included getting outside their comfort zone, praying for a stranger, and asking someone if they know who Jesus is. Every single one of my girls met their goals and more. I have never seen a team more on fire for the Lord and wanting to share their faith with everyone they meet, and as a coach, that is one of the most incredible things you could ever ask for.”
About ETBU TAME
ETBU's Tiger Athletic Mission Experience (TAME) initiative seeks to integrate faith and sport by providing student-athletes with opportunities to serve, grow spiritually, and share the Gospel around the world. Since its inception, ETBU Athletics has led 24 TAME trips across multiple continents, reinforcing its commitment to developing Christian servant leaders through intercollegiate athletics.
About the International Sports Federation
ISF is a ministry that creates opportunities for people to share the Gospel through their gifts in sports and recreation. Its focus is on mobilizing college and university teams to meet global needs for sports mission volunteers.
About Roatan Mission Fellowship
Roatan Mission Fellowship exists to be used of God to make disciples of Jesus Christ through His power, by His grace and for His glory. They do this through leading church services, ministering to the lost, serving in the community, and living the gospel through their lives.