RIPON, Wis. -- Earlier this month, Red Hawks women's basketball, fresh off national recognition from an NCAA tournament win and top-20 rankings, went international. Seniors Laney Havlovitz and Sophie Schlieve earned invites to the USA D-3 Basketball Teams - Brazil Tour 2026, joining other elite DIII women's basketball players for a series of exhibition games in Sao Paolo and Rio de Janeiro, organized by USA Sports Tours & Events. 

Schlieve and Havlovitz played for the Red Team, led by Drury University Head Coach Leo Gomes. They joined players from Asbury, Albion, U-Chicago, DePauw, and Bethany Lutheran, traveling with a Blue Team led by Hendrix College Head Coach Wes Sullivan, featuring players from Shenandoah, Hardin-Simmons, Hendrix, Redlands, Randolph-Macon, Trinity, and Colorado College.

"It is really hard for me to pick a favorite part from the trip. Everything about this experience was incredible," Havlovitz said of the trip. "Obviously the sight seeing was unbelievable, but my favorite moment from the trip was being able to meet girls from a different country that share the same passion as you for the sport. It altered my perspective of the sport and how fortunate we are to play the game we love every day. For the girls we met they would do anything to have that opportunity… After every game we would trade t-shirts and jerseys with the opposing team. It was really awesome to see how excited the girls were to wear Ripon across their chest."

"I think my favorite part of the trip overall was meeting all the people," Schlieve adds. "The girls that we got to play with made the experience extra special; the ability to meet girls from all over the country and learn about their schools and their basketball experiences. I also really enjoyed meeting the girls on the Brazilian teams that we played." 

The trip began in Orlando, where the teams met for the first time, flying together into Sao Paolo. After arriving early in the morning, the women had a few hours of downtime before the first game. 

"The basketball was relatively similar to the type we play at Ripon," Havlovitz said. "However, we learned that in Brazil their shot clock is 24 seconds compared to our 30... It was fun to play with girls from across the country and learn about their experiences. It was interesting because none of us had really met before this trip and we didn't have a single practice. So the first game we kind of just figured out how one another played and focused on having fun."

The following day, the teams relaxed, played trivia together, and were able to meet some of the Brazilian team players, playing against the local athletes before departing for Rio de Janeiro. After a free day of exploring and a steakhouse dinner, the teams played their third contest of the trip on Saturday, then headed to the local night market after the game. After two more days of sightseeing and shopping, the women played their final game of the tour, on one of the courts used for the 2016 Rio Olympics. After a final day touring Christ the Redeemer, the trip came to an end, but left a marked impact on the athletes. 

"I really think this trip has helped me prepare mentally for next season," Havlovitz said. "As I mentioned previously this trip opened my eyes to how fortunate we are to play the game we love every day. When you are playing in Brazil with girls that you have never met before you are kind of forced to just enjoy the moment and be thankful for the moment you're in; that is one of the biggest takeaways I will have from this trip and hope to carry it into this season."

"The basketball that we played in South America was really enjoyable because there was no pressure, so it helped me realize how much better I play when I realize it's not that deep," Schlieve adds. "I also think it helped prepare me for senior year because it showed how fortunate we are to be where we are, so it emphasizes the idea of living in the moment. This last year of basketball together is going to go really fast and it's so important for us to be present with each other."

Ripon was one of just three teams who had teammates at the event, and both players had their families along for the trip. This meant a third Ripon women's basketball player got to experience the trip, with sophomore guard Cali Havolitz watching her sister in the tour. However, while the families going along made the trip even more special, Havlovitz is quick not to limit the support she feels to only relatives. 

"There are so many people who have put so much time and effort into the women's basketball program," Havlovitz said. "Everybody who paved the way, players who set the standards and came before us, to our teammates and coaches, and faculty that support the team. It's just a big Ripon family, and it was really great Sophie and I got to represent Ripon women's basketball for a couple more games. I am so appreciative to all that have helped this team get to this level, and we hope we're making everybody proud."

"Laney couldn't have said it better…" said Schlieve. "The campus community, and the Ripon community as a whole, have shown nothing but support for our team and program for all long as I have been here. It was a huge honor to be able to represent Ripon on a larger scale and be able to share the love we have for Ripon College with girls from across the country and internationally."

Havlovitz, Schlieve and the Ripon women's basketball program will begin the 2026-27 campaign, and the pursuit of a ninth consecutive conference title, on November 14, opening against St. Norberts at home. Click here for schedules, updates, rosters, and more on the upcoming season.