PORTO, Portugal — The Chapman University Women's Basketball program fully embraced their time abroad playing four games in Portugal over 10 days. The veteran team, which returns five seniors and 12 upperclassmen in total, played against professional and semi-pro teams. 

Senior forward Layla Woods, who has made the All-SCIAC team three times, led the way for the Panthers averaging 17.5 points, 12.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.5 steals per game. Woods also tallied a career-high 17 rebounds in one game. The three year starter said she didn't realize it until the game ended, and did limited training before the games. Pure coincidence, Woods' older brother also got married in Portugal just before the basketball team arrived.

"I was there the week prior and shot around at rundown public parks," Woods says. "I enjoyed my summer, but when I was back, I knew I was finally ready to play." 

While Woods set the tone on the court, Head Coach Carol Jue was the engine behind the entire adventure. She takes her program on one major international trip roughly every four years. She worked with Eurobasket Tours to organize accommodations in Lisbon and Porto along with activities off the court— including a massive boat excursion in Porto. 

"There could only be 12 people to boat, so we had a boat dedicated to players, coaches and family members," Jue recalled. "It was pretty special because the boats would line up altogether, the players would be out sun bathing and I was pretty relaxed. We took videos when the boats lined up together." 

Chapman also stayed across the street from the gym and a few blocks off the beach. Players agreed it was the right amount of bonding, adventuring, fun and focus. They played against professional teams at night, but studied opponents on film and explored the nearby beach during the day. Senior forward Hana Speaks compared it to study abroad, only attending basketball class instead. 

"Our team is so driven and focused to the point where basketball is a bit like school," Speaks says. "It is something that we study. The level of commitment our team has made it feel like basketball class in Portugal. It is so fun to be surrounded by people who want to evolve and learn the game, no matter where we are." 

Speaks has also been sidelined for two years due to injury, and made her long awaited return to play during the trip. In the second of the four games, Speaks received the ball on a hand-off and immediately dribbled to the elbow. She shot and made a 15 foot jumper falling away. Her teammates immediately erupted in celebration. 

"I felt the love from my teammates, our coaches, managers, families." Speaks said. "Without them, there would have been no coming back. I would always hold on to hope that I could come back, but to live it and do it meant everything."  

Chapman won their final game of the trip against the Portugeuse Club Barcelos. Senior guard Maile Nakaji netted seven three-pointers for 21 points while Woods contributed another 18 points and 14 rebounds. Chapman ended their trip with an exclamation point and served as a preview for the 2026-27 season. 

"You can't ask for anything better," Jue said. "When you are a player on our team, you will get an experience. It is bigger than basketball. This felt like having a mini extra season. I hope this goes right into our actual season."