Hailey Mertz of Stevenson field hockey was named to the AIST Field Hockey roster to play abroad in Italy in May.

AIST (American International Sports Tours Inc.) allows players and teams to travel abroad and play internationally while getting the chance to explore the world. All AIST Select Teams are led by experienced collegiate players and coaches, providing a high level competitive and developmental experience throughout the tour.

"My favorite part was seeing the famous monuments in Europe, like the Eiffel Tower and the Colosseum in Rome," Mertz mentioned. "Also playing against new teams in another country to play against their playing style which is very different." 
Mertz learned about this opportunity when AIST reached out to her and told her she was selected to be a part of the roster.

When asked about how this opportunity benefited her as a Division III athlete she explained how it would advance her game at Stevenson. "I can now take everything I learned from playing against those clubs back to my school, which helps elevate my playing style."

A rising fifth-year midfielder of the Mustangs field hockey squad, Mertz has enjoyed the moments of being a Division III student-athlete. "My favorite memory is scoring the game-winning goal in the MAC Championship to become MAC champions for the first time in school history and celebrating with all my teammates after." Mertz stated.

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