#LifeAtWitt: Karley Moore ’27

Getting a little taste of Italy, Karley Moore, Wittenberg class of 2027, and a standout on both the women's basketball and flag football teams, recently experienced the opportunity of a lifetime.

Moore, from Tipp City, Ohio and Bethel High School, just returned from a 10-day trip to Italy, June 8-18, thanks to Beyond Sports, a program that allows student athletes to take their sport abroad and study in another country. With more than 12,000 travelers and counting, Beyond Sports offers programs that combine athletics, cultural exploration, leadership development, and personal growth.

"I got to play the game I love in another country," said Moore, whose coach shared the good news regarding the invitation to participate. "I played for a team of other mismatched NCAA Division III players, and we formed a team of strangers. I am happy that I got to grow my basketball family internationally. We traveled to Milan, then Lucca, Tuscany, Florence, Rome, and other random places in between."

Moore, a double major in both marketing and communication and digital media with a minor in studio art, is a 5-foot-10 wing on the women's basketball team. She played in all 26 games last season, averaging 8.5 points and 4.4 rebounds per game. Moore also excelled on the flag football field as a wide receiver and cornerback, leading the team in pass breakups, receptions, receiving yards, touchdowns, and interceptions, while scoring the Tigers' longest touchdown during their inaugural season in which they finished at 6-12 overall.

"The trip to Italy was short, but it was the best experience of my life," said Moore, who is also a member of Wittenberg's CABLE (Communication and Business Leadership Experience) program, participates in the BELs program, has made the Dean's List, and works in the University's Department of Athletics and Recreation's communications/social media team. "My favorite parts of the whole experience were getting to learn the culture of Italy in a short amount of time and getting to play basketball overseas.

"The people I met on the trip will be lifelong friends for me," she added. "We played in one practice together and had three games the whole trip. The places we went and the things we did will always be my favorite, and I will look back again on it and remember how fun it was. Going to Italy was on my bucket list and then I found out I got invited and knew it was fate to be going."

Moore said the experience gave her a chance to hone her basketball skills over the summer and prepare for the upcoming season.

"It helped me understand even more of my strengths and weaknesses on a team that just met me," she said. "Overall, this trip was 100% worth it, and I'm really appreciative of everyone who has put the time in to help me get to this point in my career."

About Beyond Sports: According to its website, Beyond Sports has been providing athletes with connections to the world through sports since 2010. Their international sports programs help participants grow, not just as players, but as leaders and global citizens. From the courts and fields to cultural landmarks and local communities, Beyond Sports programs offer a holistic experience that goes far beyond the game. Founded by former college athletes who understand the unique impact that sports and travel can have on personal development, Beyond Sports has grown into a global leader in international sports tours, offering experiences for athletes of all levels.