Together Everyone Achieves More. This acronym built the foundation of my athletic and coaching career. I strongly believe that team sports help ordinary people realise their extraordinary ability to do new things. I’ve had the incredible opportunity to develop relationships with two very special groups of young ladies whom I see as extraordinary people both on and off the court.
I remember walking into the gym the first day of practice with my Under 16 team with all the girls staring at me (down to me really because half of them are taller than me…) clueless as to what I was saying due to my accent. But, we worked together, I learned a wee bit of Irish slang and they began to understand what a “penny” (bib) is. I also had the chance to work with the Under 18 girls team. These girls are equally as special to me because of their determination and commitment to improving their game. I know that several of them will accomplish their dreams and play in the USA one day.
Looking back, it’s been 8 months of weekend road trips across the country, heart-breaking losses, astonishing wins, and bonds that will last a lifetime. It is impossible to forget my U16 & U18 girls. We’ve done more than go over ball handling and shooting drills; we took a group of individuals and formed a team. From practices to games to holiday/club get togethers I’ve been blessed with a special group of young Irish superstars. I hope to keep in touch with these girls and their families because I hold them very dear to my heart. Each of player and I have a memory that I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life. Whether it’s forgetting simple math equations or completely missing the rim on a layup, I’ll continue to look back on every moment and smile.
At the end of the day, it isn’t just about wins and losses. It’s about the young girls that became young ladies in a short span of 8 months. My goal was to leave a small mark in the basketball world of Limerick and I truly felt that my girls helped me do exactly that. Cheers to a great year and an even better future! I’ll miss you all so much, but I promise we will keep in touch! Always remember that you are incredible both inside and out! Shoot for the moon and never give up.
“You’re unstoppable, you don’t stop when it gets tough, you’re a fighter, you’re smart, you’re kind, you’re loving, you are loved, you’re original, you are you.”
