This past Sunday, my roommates and I helped run a developmental basketball camp in County Clare for girls and boys ages 12-14 with the help from our National League coach, Mike, who also serves as a basketball developmental coordinator. We ran 2 sessions where there were about 40 kids in attendance, 20 girls and 20 boys. We worked on basic fundamentals, did some drills, and even had time for a couple of scrimmages!
I thought it was great to see so many enthusiastic kids, who were anxious to learn and develop their own individual skill. I was also kind of shocked at the turnout we had. Certainly, I was not expecting 40 kids to be there. When I came to Ireland, I wasn’t sure what to expect when it came in terms of basketball. I did not think it was as widespread in Ireland as it is in some other countries in Europe. However, I did know that it was gaining more popularity in Ireland as well as globally. It’s great to see the rising basketball following here in Ireland because I truly believe basketball is more than just a game.
Basketball has given me so much in life. It has taught me so many life-lessons and skills that I still use daily. Basketball has taught me the importance of teamwork, dedication, perseverance, and accountability among many other things. It has introduced me to a countless number of incredible people who have all helped shaped me in one way or another. Basketball has taken me to four different countries across two continents. I have been able to experience things I wouldn’t have even dreamed of if it wasn’t for basketball.
One of the reasons I applied to be a Victory Scholar was to be given the opportunity to start giving back to the game that has provided me with so much. I have loved every opportunity I have had so far with coaching and teaching the youth across Ireland. Teaching the fundamentals of the game and helping grow basketball in Ireland has been so rewarding. I cannot wait to continue to do so through many more coaching and developmental sessions!
