BUFFALO, N.Y. — For D'Youville University student-athletes Chandra Philips, of women's soccer, and Isabelle Prentice, of women's volleyball, this past winter break wasn't about time off. It was about stepping into service.

Philips and Prentice both traveled to Belize with Global Medical Brigades, spending a week providing medical support to the small community of Santa Familia in the Cayo District.

For Philips, it marked her second trip with the organization — a return to work that had already reshaped her understanding of global healthcare during the summer of 2025.

"My first trip really opened my eyes to the different medical systems and medical difficulties that people face around the world," Philips said. "I wanted to do this again because of how impactful that experience was."

Prentice had long hoped for an opportunity like it.

"I had an amazing experience traveling to Belize over winter break with the Global Brigades organization and helping provide medical care to a small community called Santa Familia," Prentice said. "I have always wanted to do a trip like this and work in a medical setting and provide support to poorer communities, so when this opportunity arose, I took it."

The brigade's first day in Santa Familia was dedicated to listening. Volunteers walked through the community, asking residents to complete public health surveys and answering questions about access to care and interest in future community resources, including a public bank. The goal was to better understand the needs of the area before opening the clinic.

The following day, the team launched its medical clinic, rotating through stations that included intake, triage, consultations, and "charla," an educational station focused on preventive care and health literacy.

Because Santa Familia is a relatively new location for the organization, clinic attendance was initially limited. Rather than wait, the group adapted. Alongside physicians, volunteers began conducting house visits to ensure that residents with transportation challenges could still receive care.

If community members need medical attention, they must travel approximately 30 minutes to the nearest clinic — and even farther to reach a hospital. For many families, that distance creates a significant barrier.

"Being able to travel to Belize allowed me to see how access to care, resources, and education can drastically impact a community's health," Prentice said. "It made me realize how many barriers people face simply because of where they live."

Over three days of clinic work and home visits, the brigade treated approximately 60 patients. For both student-athletes, some of the most meaningful moments came through direct interaction.

"One of the most meaningful parts of the trip was interacting directly with the patients, whether it was through intake, triage, or during home visits," Prentice said. "Even when there was a language barrier, you could still connect with the community members who were all so welcoming."

Philips echoed that sentiment, noting how appreciative residents were for the care provided.

"Because of the distance, many of these people do not receive the medical attention that they may need," Philips said. "They really appreciated being able to see the doctors that we had with us."

Both athletes also viewed the experience as an opportunity for personal growth. The brigade allowed them to gain clinical hours, expand their understanding of different healthcare systems, and step outside their comfort zones.

"I also wanted to participate in this brigade because I knew it would push me outside of my comfort zone," Prentice said. "It gave me the opportunity to gain clinical experience and learn about a different system of health care. Seeing how grateful the community members were for this care made it all feel worth it to me."

The week concluded with a visit to nearby Mayan ruins — a moment to reflect on the cultural richness of the region and the impact of their service.

Since being back in Buffalo, Philips and Prentice have returned to their studies and teams, carrying more than memories. They bring with them a broadened worldview, a deeper sense of purpose, and a renewed commitment to service — qualities that will continue to shape them both on the court and on the field, and far beyond graduation.