Three summers ago I embarked on my first European trip ever. My Yale university basketball team and I excitedly boarded a flight to Dublin from New York. It would be my first time in Ireland, but the visit would soon ensure that I would be back some day, one way or another. During our tour we spent some time playing and working at a basketball camp for girls in Belfast. The camp was aimed at bringing together Catholic and Protestant kids by means of sport. It was during our time in Belfast that I met one of the founders of Sport changes life because he took our team out for dinner. This one particular night I will likely remember forever because it was where I first heard about the mission and great opportunity of SCL and the victory scholars program. Even though I had only completed my freshman year of college, I knew from that moment on I knew that this was something I that excited me. I was drawn to SCL because of their vision for helping youth that are often overlooked and underprivileged and their desire to help create opportunities and hope for these children.
So, when I was given the opportunity to continue playing the sport of basketball that I love while simultaneously advancing my education with a masters degree and helping impact the lives of young people, I knew this was the place I had to be. Not to mention, I had already fallen in love with Ireland and Northern Ireland once, and had sworn myself to return one day. This opportunity is exciting and a blessing for so many reasons and in so many ways. As the year goes on I am excited to document my journey and hope to inspire many along the way because Sport has truly changed my life and my mission is to help others use sport to do the same while also growing as a person, student and player.
