GREENVILLE, Pa. (June 25) – Thiel College Softball alumnus
Becca Landis (Kinsman, Ohio/Mathews) '25 recently returned from an international softball tour in Italy, where she competed as part of a U.S. team organized by
Beyond Sports, a program dedicated to connecting the world through athletics.
Since 2010, Beyond Sports has hosted more than 10,000 athletes globally, providing opportunities for student-athletes to engage in cultural exchange through sport.
Landis, selected based on a combination of athletic performance, conference accolades, and coach recommendations, joined an elite roster of players from across the United States — spanning from California to Maine — for this unique overseas experience.
"I'm not entirely sure how I was chosen, but part of the email I received said, 'Our selection criteria includes statistical leaders, all-conference accolades, and coach recommendations,'" Landis said. "It's an incredible honor."
While she may not be sure how she was chosen, being one of, if not the, greatest pitchers in program history may have had something to do with it.
Landis ended her Thiel career as the program record holder for lowest career ERA (2.34) and had the fourth most strikeouts (216) in team history. Landis struck out a program-record 155 this season and K'd a career-high 14, which is the second most in a game in team history, in Thiel's win over Chatham on April 28. She also led the conference in the regular season with 138 K's.
Landis and co. played four games against top-tier European club teams Legnano, Bollate and Thunders & Dragons in the Milan and Venice areas. The competition consisted of some of the best teams in Spain.
Landis' squad collected wins of 2-1 and 7-1 over Bollate and a strong 8-3 triumph over Thunder & Dragons. The lone blemish on the trip was a narrow 4-3 defeat in nine innings to Legnano, whose pitcher was the top ranked hurler in all of Spain.
Beyond the competition, Landis and her teammates immersed themselves in Italian culture, visiting iconic destinations such as Milan, Florence, Venice, Lake Como, Bellagio, Lucca and Cinque Terre.
"The experience was incredible," Landis reflected. "I feel very fortunate to have played softball internationally. My teammates and coaches were amazing athletes and even better people. Competing against talented athletes from another country while learning about their culture was something I'll never forget!"
In a heartfelt cultural exchange, players shared post-game meals with their opponents — a local tradition that made a lasting impression.
"It was amazing to experience their hospitality and create friendships that go beyond the field," Landis said. "This trip taught me a lot about the world, and I've made lifelong friends through it."
