Once everyone was back on the ship, we cruised for about 15 minutes up the bay, heading towards a beautiful, secluded island. The water sparkled in shades of blue, inviting us in. We anchored about 100 feet from shore, giving everyone a chance to swim for nearly an hour. The boat had a fun slide, and for the more adventurous, there were two platforms to jump off—about 10 feet high, similar to a basketball hoop. Swimming turned out to be quite the workout, especially after all the excitement of boarding the boat.
The Broncos made the most of this swimming session. Some players took the leap into the water upwards of 15 times! A special mention goes to Libby Hutton, who nailed a backflip off the boat—even though it was her first time. Eric Kile, our academic advisor, joined in on the fun with his own impressive flip. Mya Hansen, on the other hand, took a different approach and gave us a memorable moment with her unique “reverse belly flop.”
After our swimming adventure, we enjoyed lunch as the boat headed for our last stop: Aegina. Most people spent the two-hour layover indulging in ice cream and browsing local shops. Many chose trinkets to take home, although assistant coach Mike Petrino had a funny experience when a pigeon decided to gift him right outside a gelato shop!
As we made our way back to the ship, it was clear that everyone was tired from the day, except for the Broncos. The on-deck DJ played some hits, and spontaneously, a dance party erupted. When “Mamma Mia” played, it was like a spark ignited. Nearly the entire team rushed out to dance, turning the top deck into a lively celebration that included conga lines and songs from Pitbull, lasting nearly two hours.
This mix of swimming, shopping, and dancing created a memorable experience for everyone. Such adventures remind us of the joys of teamwork and fun, solidifying bonds that go beyond just the field.
For context, team-building activities like this can greatly improve group dynamics. According to a study by the Institute for Corporate Productivity, companies that focus on team-building see a 20% increase in employee satisfaction and productivity. So, whether in sports or corporate settings, fostering these relationships can lead to significant gains.
Next time you think of a team outing, remember the power of shared experiences—jumping off a boat, cheering each other on, and dancing like nobody’s watching can make all the difference!
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