April 6th, 2016 | Uncategorized
Another EHOOPS program came to a end last week only this time it was for the lovely ladies of the Short Strand.
It was not my first time at Villa Italia Restaurant. Back in August, the Victory Scholars arrived just in time for the conclusion of a summer program that was celebrated at the very same restaurant. We drank the same Mi Wadi, the kids polished off the same personal pizzas, but it was a different experience for me this time.
Being a Villa Italia this time around with the Short Strand girls, I was able to understand and appreciate just what exactly the dinner was all about. Having had SEHoops with the incredible group of young ladies over 24 weeks was an absolute pleasure. In the end, I wasn’t sitting a table with SHEhoopers, but with a bunch a little sisters.
The energy of the celebration reminded me of team banquets I’ve had at the end of basketball seasons past. There was a mix of the bitersweetness of saying goodbye, pride of accomplishment, and happiness that we got the chance of knowing each other. Somewhere along the line over the past 24 weeks, we all became a team.
Screaming out sing-along tunes at the end of the night on the curb outside as James Jon and I walked them out of the restaurant was such a fitting way to say goodbye to this group. All the best to the Short Stand SHEHoopers- thanks for being awesome!!
Victory Scholar: Clare Sullivan
Present University: Ulster University
US League Partner: Patriot League
Club/Community Partner: Ulster Elks
Alma Mater: The College of the Holy Cross
Sponsored by: Teamwear Ireland
