January 24th, 2016 | Uncategorized
Just when I thought I have experienced it all on the basketball court something new happens to prove me wrong. I recently had a particularly unique experience because it came when I was in the role of a coach. A part of the community involvement with Sport Changes Life, I am coaching a Galway under 15 boys team. After several practices with the team it was time for a game against across town rival Moycullen. In a back and forth bout, the game came down to the last 6 seconds, with a tie game, and the ball in our hands with a chance to win the game. One of our players had the ball and after being contained by Moycullen’s defense, passed the ball to a teammate with only seconds remaining. The player launched a deep shot only to have it drop in the net as time expired.
As players stormed the court to meet their teammates, the excitement and joy on their faces (and maybe most of all my own) reminded me of why people play and love sports, and especially the game of basketball. Sports really do provide something great that I have not experienced in any other aspect of my life. Most of the time that I have been involved in sports I had the role of a player. However, having the role of coach was little different than what I have experienced as a player. The trill of competition drives both players and coaches to be their best, and to get the most out of each other, and this is why sports are so special. With my basketball career coming to an end sooner or later, it is good to know that the thrill of sport does not have to end when I hang up my basketball shoes.
Victory Scholar: Cory Starkey
Present University: NUI Galway
US League: Patriot League
Club/community partner: Galway Titans
Alma Mater: Bucknell University
Sponsored by: Teamwear Ireland
