March 1st, 2016 | Uncategorized
“Welcome to the Wildcat Den.”
That was the sign John Hayes put up in the gym the first time I ever played a game there this season. Somehow I blinked, and now I’ve already played there for the last time.
Although we still have playoffs to look forward to, we did not get a home court advantage, so we won’t be having any more games in our Wildcat home court. Even though our gym isn’t the biggest or best gym in the world, but it is our gym, our home court, our den. And I can’t believe I won’t be playing there again.
It feels surreal that the season is so close to the close. It’s hard to believe that it is March, and that basketball seasons all around the world are winding down. My season with the Wildcats has been one that I don’t ever want to end. When I walked out onto the Mercy court for the last time on Saturday night, I looked at my teammates standing next to me. Sinead, Cathy, Helena, Jaz. I glanced at my teammates who were buzzing on the bench. Mel, Marie, Annie, Emily, Sarah, Jordan, Ciara, Ruthy. They are all people that I’ve come to know and love over the past few months, and they are literally the best teammates anyone could ask for. I guess that is why it meant so much for me to play with them at home for the last time.
By the time the jump ball was tossed into the air, the Wildcats den was packed with our loyal fan base. It was especially full of the youngest little Wildkittens in the club, many of whom Jazmen and I coach. The support of the Waterford community has been incredible throughout the season. The gym is full for every home game, and last Saturday night was no different. Although I’m sad to have played in front of my home crowd for the last time, I also feel incredibly lucky to have had such a great support system in Waterford throughout the year.
As the final buzzer sounded and we walked off the court victorious, I found comfort in the fact that I was leaving the court on a positive note with a win. My teammates and our supporters deserved that for the dedication, enthusiasm, and passion that they brought to the Wildcat den week in and week out.
As for me, I may have stepped out of the Wildcats den for the last time, but I’ll always remember what it felt like to play with my incredible Wildcat teammates in front of a screaming, loyal, Wildcat crowd.
Victory Scholar: Katie Fox
Present University: Waterford IT
US League: NEC
Club/Community Partner: Waterford Wildcats
Alma Mater: St. Francis College
Sponsored by: Teamwear Ireland
