February 26th, 2016 | Uncategorized
I love this picture that Harrison captured from my game on Wednesday. We were playing against IT Tallaught for the Division 2 college semifinals. Our team had a lot of fun that game, and won by about 60 points. In this picture, I was telling my teammate Ciara that I wanted to see her take a 3-point shot during our next possession. She is such an effective penetrator that she rarely takes far shots, and the lead we had was the perfect opportunity to try something she would rarely do. I laughed, as the picture shows, when I told her, “And don’t forget to make it, I want an assist.”
The image reminds me of what my dad used to tell me before every game, “Don’t forget to smile.” The phrase would often come after a brief discussion of tactics, of reviewing that it was important for me to rebound, or bend my knees more on my shot. But before going on the court, these words were the last thing I would hear, a reminder of why I was stepping on to the court at all. These college games at Carlow, when our team is working hard and having fun, I’m reminded of what basketball used to be for me – a reason to smile. And it’s incredible to feel it become that once again.
Victory Scholar: Lillian McCabe
Present University: IT Carlow
US League: Atlantic 10
Club/Community Partner: ITC Basketball
Alma Mater: Davidson College
Sponsored by: Teamwear Ireland
