University Celebrates Global Impact of Sports
This summer, Belmont University hosted the Taiwanese girls’ softball team as part of a strategic partnership highlighting the unifying impact of sports. The visit was arranged by Dr. Ted Peetz, chair of Belmont's Department of Sport Administration, Dr. Mary Ellen Pethel, associate director and professor of Global Honors and Dr. Carolyn Spellings of the University of Tennessee Center for Sport, Peace, and Society.
This multi-institutional effort created a unique opportunity for cultural and athletic exchange, bringing together a delegation of 20 student-athletes and six coaches from Taiwan with their counterparts at Belmont. The team, sponsored by the Taiwan Sport Forward Association and led by Taiwan's Ambassador-at-Large for Sports Diplomacy, Po Chun Liu, is preparing for the 2025 Babe Ruth Softball World Series in Florence, Alabama.
The synergy between the two universities and the international delegation was evident throughout the day. The interaction extended beyond the diamond, as Peetz led the team in a spirited rendition of "We Will Rock You" — a moment that transcended language barriers and showcased the shared joy of human connection. Their visit culminated in a trip to Rose Park, where each player practiced their English with Belmont Head Softball Coach Laura Matthews.
"What an awesome day and an important reminder of the globality and power of sports, human connection and cultural exchange," reflected Dr. Pethel.
The visit, which included a tour of campus and Bruin athletic facilities, exemplifies the University's commitment to global engagement and belief in the transformative power of athletics. This collaborative event both enriched the Belmont community and reinforced the University's dedication to developing leaders who transform the world through cross-cultural partnerships.