After joining a number of University of Evansville women's soccer teammates on a trip to Uganda last spring, Emily Griebel will be returning once again to the east African country in early 2017.
 
Griebel, who graduated from UE earlier this month, will be partaking in the 10-week trip as a missionary for Serge, a Pennsylvania group that sponsors missions in nearly 20 countries around the world.
 
"When we went over last year, I became interested in a more long-term experience," said the Peoria, Ill., native. "I enjoyed the type of work that we did and the area where we were. I had a connection with this organization through a family friend that is already doing long-term mission work, and I wanted to go back."
 
Griebel's ties to Uganda strengthened in her time with the UE program. The Aces have spent the past few years partnered with Field of Dreams Uganda, a Missouri-based non-profit organization that uses soccer as an outlet to provide hope and education to the orphaned or otherwise vulnerable children of Uganda. On the UE team trip to the country last spring, Griebel and a number of current and former Aces worked closely with children, helping with a local school while also leading empowerment workshops and soccer activities.

This past season, UE and Field of Dreams Uganda combined to bring in over $1,000 during a match against Southeast Missouri at Arad McCutchan Stadium.
 
The Serge Uganda mission is based out of Bundibugyo, a community of 18,000 located along the western border of the country. Over the course of her time, Griebel will work with the elementary school system throughout the week while helping coach soccer as well. She will also spend a day a week aiding a physical therapist.
 
"I'm going over to help serve and do what's needed," Griebel said. "I'd also like to get a greater understanding of their healthcare system because I may try to return in the future. I'm looking forward to sharing my experiences in soccer with them as well because the sport can be such a unique tool to bring people together and strengthen communities."
 
Following her trip to Uganda, the former Missouri Valley Conference Elite 18 honoree will begin her pursuit of a doctorate in physical therapy at the University of Wisconsin.
 
Donations for Griebel's trip to Uganda may be made here.
 
 
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