February 2nd, 2016 | Uncategorized
There are sooooo many things I will remember about winning a National Cup Championship with my beloved Mystics. For example, the blown tire on the M6 before we even left the county, the family atmosphere (and resulting steak steam) in De Brun’s as we had our pre-game dinner and the nervous jitters we tried to shake off over breakfast will forever come to mind.
I’ll think of the support I felt that day– my teammates’ parents, the Maree lads, my Titans brothers and ladies team, my SCL sisters from all over the country, and even my own folks sleepy-eyed and proud 3,000 miles away. But one spectator in particular deserves a shoutout and that’s Ellie (thanks to her dad of course) for making her way to Tallaght Arena.
You see, I coach Ellie’s Titans team so, for me, it was really a unique moment within The Cup experience to have her there, some 200km away from home. I don’t know how big her ‘hoop dreams’ are but as somene who once dared to dream, I’m glad she was able to see us shatter the glass ceiling for ladies basketball in Galway. And on another note, it was a shining example of the kinds of connections I am fortunate to have made in my local community. All in all, it was just a great weekend that I couldn’t have ever predicted back in August and I have Sport Changes Life to thank for the opportunity to experience it all!
Victory Scholar: Marritta Gillcrease
Present University: NUI Galway
US League: MAAC
Club/Community Partner: Galway Titans
Alma Mater: Rider University
Sponsored by: Teamwear Ireland
