Over the summer, 12 Blue Springs High School female student-athletes and four coaches traded practices and games for a weeklong service trip to Harmons, Jamaica, with the organization Won by One to Jamaica. The students represented multiple sports, including soccer, basketball, softball, and volleyball, ranging from freshmen to seniors.
The group served a small, remote jungle valley community without running water. The residents rely on water brought in and stored in bins. Their days were filled with mixing cement, hammering boards, and playing with children in the community. Beyond the physical work, the experience offered a new perspective on community, service, and living intentionally.
Adriana Marble, a Blue Springs School District Elementary Literacy Coach and coach for the BSHS girls basketball and soccer teams, reflected on the trip: “I’ve been to Jamaica with Won by One in the past, and my husband has taken football teams there as well. Ever since we experienced serving in Jamaica, we dreamed about the possibility of female athletes going. There’s something special about taking a team of athletes away to serve—beyond their usual routines, comfort zones, and experiences they may not have had before.”
During the trip, the group tutored students and helped teachers at a summer school program, built and dedicated a home for a father and his two sons, laid the foundation for a future house, visited the elderly to provide companionship, supported residents at the local infirmary, and shared home-cooked meals with families in their own homes.
Adriana noted the group’s growth and dedication: “These girls embraced every challenge with energy, kindness, and authenticity. They worked hard at the sites, connected meaningfully with the Jamaicans, and supported one another every step of the way. I was so proud to witness how they grew through this experience.” She added, “Being part of something bigger than myself changed me. It shifted my focus from ‘me’ to ‘others,’ and reminded me how powerful connection and service can be. I’m so thankful for the blessings in my life and the chance to see these girls grow through this experience.”
While Adriana observed growth from a coach’s perspective, the student-athletes experienced the trip in their own unique and unforgettable ways. Here’s a glimpse into their personal reflections:
Siena Marble
For Siena Marble, the trip offered her a fresh perspective on life. One of her most memorable moments came when she met a spirited six-year-old on a job site. “She had so much energy and just wanted to be around us and play,” Siena recalled. “At one point, I was holding her in one hand and carrying a bucket of cement in the other. It was just so sweet to hear her laugh and see the smile on her face.”
Free from the distractions of her phone, Siena felt more present and intentional in everything she did. “This trip was amazing but came with its challenges. To have all of those girls and know that I could go to any of them and they would be there for me—it was amazing, and those bonds will stay with me forever,” she said.
Kennedy Smith
The trip offered Kennedy Smith a lesson in perspective and gratitude. “Some people in Jamaica didn’t even have a home, and to think I took having my own room for granted was a very big pill to swallow,” she shared. That realization stayed with her throughout the week, deepening her appreciation for the simple comforts she once overlooked.
One of the most meaningful moments came during the final group debrief, where many shared emotional reflections. “Learning to be comfortable with being uncomfortable was a challenge, but it helped me grow,” Kennedy said. Surrounded by her teammates, she reflected on the week’s impact—gratitude, growth, and unity. “I’ve become such good friends with almost every person on this trip, and for that I am so grateful. It’s like we brought home a piece of Jamaica with us in our unity,” she added.
Olivia Crews
The house dedication ceremony left a lasting impression on Olivia Crews. After a week of building a home for Price and his two children, she stood alongside teammates and locals to hand over the keys. “It was a very emotional moment,” Olivia said. “There was sadness because it was one of our last days together, pride in seeing how far the house had come, and joy in watching Price’s reaction as he received the keys. Seeing his reaction reminded me how fortunate we are for what we have.”
Olivia also took to heart lessons from the local community. “One of the biggest lessons I learned from Marley, a Jamaican friend, was to slow down and take your time,” she said. “It reminded me to be present, enjoy each moment, and not rush through experiences.” Though saying goodbye was difficult, Olivia returned home grateful for the people she met and the opportunity to fully embrace every moment.
Keileen Burt
One of Keileen Burt’s favorite memories happened at a local Jamaican church, where children eagerly danced and celebrated with the group. “It was amazing to be a part of their community,” she recalled. “From the very first moment we arrived, children ran to us with their arms open, ready to dance. The excitement and joy were contagious.”
The trip left a deep impression on Keileen, who cherished meeting so many kind-hearted individuals and learning from their joyful outlook on life. She especially valued a home-cooked meal shared with two teammates inside a local family’s home. “We spent the evening dancing in the kitchen, playing futball outside, and sharing stories—it was filled with so much laughter and joy,” Keileen said. The experience reminded her to be grateful and find happiness in every moment.
The trip to Jamaica left a lasting impact on everyone involved. Through service, connection, and shared experiences, the group returned home with a renewed sense of gratitude and a deeper appreciation for life. It was a journey that reminded all of them—and all of us—of the power of giving, the joy of community, and the value of stepping beyond comfort zones.
To learn more about Won by One to Jamaica or how to support their mission, contact Adriana Marble at AMarble@bssd.net.
“As a leader, any challenges were overshadowed by the joy, the fun, the connections, and the gratitude I felt each night. Every bit of it was worth it, and I’d do it again in a heartbeat.”
"Every moment of the trip left its mark—bliss, connection, transformation, and life-changing memories that will stay with us forever."