MOON TOWNSHIP, Pa. – Earlier this summer, RMU women's hockey forward Laura Eustace and Colonials alum Madison Primeau traveled thousands of miles from Moon Township to Nairobi, Kenya, embarking on a trip that would give them the opportunity to share their love of hockey while experiencing a new culture and making memories that will last a lifetime.
 
The pair traveled with the Sticks Together nonprofit foundation, an organization built on the belief that hockey can transcend social, cultural and geographic boundaries. Through its mission, Sticks Together works to provide resources and opportunities for children and communities that may not otherwise have the chance to learn and play hockey.
 
For Primeau, the trip marked her third experience with Sticks Together. After previously traveling to the Philippines and South Africa, the RMU alum knew she wanted to continue being involved with the organization.
 
This time, she invited one of her best friends to join her.
 
"When Madi first told me about her past trips with Sticks Together, I was instantly inspired by the work they do and the importance of giving back and growing the game of hockey," said Eustace. "Fortunately, this year, I had the opportunity to join the organization and experience that work for myself. Traveling with Sticks Together gave me the chance to see firsthand the impact that hockey can have beyond the game itself. It's an experience I will always be grateful for."

 

From July 16-26, Eustace and Primeau, along with four other college hockey players, immersed themselves in Kenyan culture while helping introduce the sport they love to new communities.
 
The group stayed at St. Lawrence University's study abroad campus in Kenya. Their days were long, beginning around 6 a.m. and often not ending until 1 a.m., but the packed schedule gave them countless opportunities to learn, connect and experience life in Nairobi.
 
And, of course, there was hockey.
 
Located inside a hotel in Nairobi is one of only three ice rinks on the entire African continent. There, the group had the opportunity to take the ice alongside Kenya's women's hockey team, the Lionesses (Ice Lions).
 
The trip also allowed the student-athletes to introduce ball hockey to two different female boarding schools, working with girls ranging in age from 16 to 37.
 
"I feel incredibly grateful, on my third trip with Sticks Together, to have shared my love of hockey, help grow the game in Kenya, and experience firsthand the incredible impact sport can have," said Primeau.



While hockey served as the connection that brought everyone together, the trip became about much more than the sport.
 
Eustace and Primeau had the opportunity to experience Kenya from a perspective far beyond the rink.
 
Over the course of 10 days, they visited different communities, attended barbecues, learned traditional music and dances, explored Nairobi, visited the Maasai Market, hiked through Karura Forest and went on safari at Nairobi National Park.
 
For Primeau, who had already experienced two Sticks Together trips, each journey has offered a different perspective and another opportunity to see how sport can bring people together.
 
For Eustace, it was her first time experiencing the organization's mission firsthand—and an experience she says changed her perspective.
 
"This experience was simply life changing," said Eustace. "What stood out to me most was the people. Everyone we met welcomed us with such kindness and made the experience so meaningful. I came to Kenya excited to share my love of hockey, but I felt like I had gained so much more than I could have ever expected. I will carry these memories, relationships and lessons from this trip with me for a long time."


 
With another successful trip in the books, Eustace, Primeau and Sticks Together look forward to continuing their mission of growing the game of hockey and sharing its impact with communities around the world.
 
To learn more about Sticks Together, visit their website. To follow the organization's journey on Instagram, click here.
 
Follow The Colonials: Facebook | X | Instagram | TikTok | LinkedIn | RMU Athletics Gameday App