CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – Harvard men's lacrosse recently returned from a week-long Summer tour of Spain and the greater Barcelona area, where our group had the incredible opportunity to immerse themselves in the culture of the Catalonian region. This trip had no shortage of amazing experiences, views and moments as the 2024 team came together one final time to create lifetime lasting memories.
The Harvard men's lacrosse team embarked on an exhilarating summer tour to Barcelona, Spain, blending athletic competition with cultural exploration. Amidst the stunning backdrop of Barcelona's architectural marvels and vibrant streets, the team had the unique and special opportunity to build camaraderie while taking in all the area had to offer.
On the field, they showcased their prowess, adapting to different styles of play and gaining valuable experience from international opponents. Off the field, the team immersed themselves in Barcelona's rich culture, savoring classic Spanish food, exploring historical landmarks like La Sagrada Familia and La Pedrera, and soaking in the Mediterranean sun during a coastal catamaran cruise.
Day one of the tour saw the group fly across the Atlantic into Barcelona, where it was immediately greeted with incredible weather and views of the Spanish coastline. The team got right to work exploring the area, heading to La Pedrera – or Casa Milà – to see the masterpiece of world-renowned architect Antoni Gaudí. After the tour, the team gathered on a scenic rooftop to enjoy a kickoff dinner while taking in the sunset and views of the city.
A visit of the coast to Vall de Núria was next on the docket for HLX, as the team headed into the mountains to take in the incredible valley views. In Núria, the group participated in an orienteering course, sightseeing explorations in the Pyrenees mountains before taking on a challenging hike up to the Peak of Puigmal mountain. The peak, settled on the border of Spain and France, offered a picturesque view of the entire mountain range. Later that night, the team headed back to Barcelona to enjoy another great dining experience in the city.
Day four of the journey included a trip to the ancient city of Empúries on the Catalonian Coast. The team received a look into the architecture and culture of the ancient Greek and Roman ruins before boarding a Catamaran for a tour of the Spanish Coast. Student-athletes were able to swim in the Mediterranean waters, enjoy more great food and take in the picturesque views of the Spanish coastline during a peaceful afternoon on the water.
The mountain village of Montserrat was next on the agenda for HLX. The team took the short trip North to see the famous monastery and a hike to the top of the mountain that offered an incredible view of the valley. Later that afternoon, the group went to another world-famous site when it toured La Sagrada Familia in the City of Barcelona. The breathtaking beauty and the designs in the Church was another memorable moment on the HLX foreign tour.
The team made its way downtown on day six to compete in a pair of international friendlies against the Dutch and Spanish National Teams. Harvard showed off its world-class talent on the field, taking home two wins against the International foes. After the games concluded, the team held a teaching clinic for the teams and took part in the tradition of trading gear with players from both sides.
On the final day of the trip, Harvard toured Spotify Camp Nou, the home grounds of FC Barcelona, and took a tour of Sumarroca winery in Spain before boarding a plane back to Boston.
This transformative journey helped our group strengthen its bonds within the team. These moments – that were created thanks to the generosity of alums and friends of the program – are sure to last a lifetime and will not soon be forgotten.
