In the blink that was my first week in Ireland, I have barely had time to stop and take a breath. The week has been jam-packed with training sessions, coaching sessions, events, and even pick-up games between us Victory Scholars, who have been attempting to maintain some sort of basketball shape throughout our hectic days. Somehow we also managed to find time to explore the city of Belfast, walk along the (in)famous Peace Wall, and climb Cavehill—a mountain that overlooks Belfast and provides a breathtaking view. Even though the week flew by, I spent basically every second of it with the other Victory Scholars, so it feels like I’ve known them for years rather than days.

That’s why it was pretty sad when we said goodbye to a few of the Victory Scholars who had commitments in their individual universities, and set off for Dublin early on Sunday morning. However, we did not have much time to dwell on goodbyes, because our time in Dublin proved to be just as exhilaratingly hectic as our time in Belfast. In just two days, we had multiple coaching sessions, toured the Irish Houses of Parliament, explored the campus of Trinity College, went boating on the Irish Sea, and learned how to play two very popular Irish sports: Gaelic football and hurling (or camogie for girls). Unsurprisingly, my favorite part of our time in the amazing city of Dublin was in fact, playing sports.

Gaelic football is played with a ball similar to a soccer ball, but harder. I learned that you can run with the ball but must alternate between dribbling it and kicking it every four steps (which annoyed me just slightly because it slowed me down!), the objective being to eventually kick it into the goal for three points or between two tall posts for one point.

Hurling, or camogie, is very different. It is played with these wooden paddles, and a ball similar to a baseball that you are supposed to whack into the goal or between the two tall posts.

I don’t know if it was the thrill of competition or the excitement of learning something new or just the exhilaration that comes with exercise, but I had a blast learning to play both sports. Unfortunately it started to rain—as it often does in Ireland—and we had to leave the pitch. Even as I walked off the field, I was already looking forward to my next Gaelic football and camogie experiences, whenever those may be. Until then, I am left to wonder what my life would have been like, had I been born in Ireland. Perhaps I could have grown up playing camogie, and gone on to play on scholarship in the U.S. somewhere, where someone would have taught me the rules of basketball, and I would have fallen in love with that foreign sport too. 

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

Week two has brought just as much excitement as week one did. Within a week, I had the opportunity to travel throughout the entire country of Ireland. To name a few, the Victory Scholars tackled Belfast, Dublin, Clonmel, and Kilkenny; to say the least we covered quite a bit of ground.  Although it was a whirlwind of a week full of basketball, I was able to see more than just basketball courts, much more.

From climbing to the top of the beautiful Cave Hill in Belfast, to watching horse races in Kilkenny, to playing Gaelic football and hurling, I really got to experience the many different aspects of Ireland. Of course, the people I met along the way only amplified my experiences as well.

However, being able to explore the Irish Sea on a boat with the scholars was one of my favorites. Looking back at the Irish land and looking forward at the beautiful Irish waters was phenomenal. It was amazing to see Ireland from a different perspective, one that allowed me to see where the two elements met.

Quickly after leaving the dock, I realized my seat was in the “splash zone.” Within minutes, Emily, Katie, and I were drenched head to toe from the water being kicked up by the boat cutting through some harsh waves. As pretty as the Irish Sea is, I would have preferred it to stay in the water, rather than in the boat, and more importantly not all over me.  To say the least, I got a taste of the Irish Sea, literally.

All jokes aside, being soaking wet and freezing cold, whipping around the water was what made it so memorable. If it weren’t for the massive splashes of water, crazy speeds, and wild turns, my memory of the boat ride would be far less eventful. I shared laughs and smiles, making memories with some great people, and that is what it is all about. 

Victory Scholar: Sarah Benedetti

Present University: University of Limerick

US League: NEC

Club/Community Partner: UL Huskies

Alma Mater: St. Francis College 

Sponsored by: Teamwear Ireland

When the children filed in for our first eHoops session on Wednesday night, I’ll admit that I was a little apprehensive. I suppose I should tell you why. The eHoops program, a brainchild of the Sport Changes Life organization, aims to improve the lives of the disadvantaged youth in Northern Ireland. These youths are often brought up in communities that are plagued by social issues befitting to a country that has went through a civil war. As a result, these children are often the most at risk to become involved in the situations that may lead to crime that is associated with these social issues. The members of SCL created eHoops in order to provide these youths with a creative outlet in which they can both have fun and gain hope for a brighter future.

The eHoops sessions are held once a week for two hours. They consist of an hour of sport followed by an hour of discussion in a classroom. It seems straightforward enough, so why was I a bit apprehensive? Well, SCL never does anything halfway. The people in charge of it are the real deal. Marc made the comment that, “If you’re not a little crazy, you’re not sane.” I think this quote perfectly embodies the attitudes of my mentors at SCL. They do not wait for at risk children to fall into their laps or to come knocking on the gym door asking to play basketball, because, well, those things would never happen. Instead, they target the most at risk children by going into the most troubled areas and speaking to community leaders within them in order to find the young people that most need their help. They are just crazy enough to delve headfirst and fearlessly into these troubled areas and search for the children that will be hardest to reach. Ironically though, it is just that which makes them saner than most people, because they are able to see through the hardship and heartache that has caused these young people to act out; they are able to see through the walls they have built up, that we all share a common humanity.

I guess my apprehension stemmed from the fact that I wanted to make a difference. I wanted to measure up to the standards epitomized by the SCL organization. I wanted to inspire a light within someone who had perhaps lived in darkness for his or her entire life.

So when I asked one of the young boys to be my partner in a basketball drill and he said no, I was a little disheartened at first. I eventually managed to convince him, and we spent the remainder of the session zigzagging around the court together. Despite this, he was extremely reserved for the entire session and barely spoke a word to me. Although at the time I was disappointed that I wasn’t able to make him laugh or talk more, I later found out that the boy I had paired up with rarely joined in the sport activities. Instead, he usually sat on the bleachers and refused to participate altogether. The fact that he had joined in at all was a feat in itself. My heart grew lighter at hearing this. And I hoped that, maybe, it meant his heart had felt lighter that day too. I realised then that sometimes just turning up and being there with someone is enough to bring a little change into their life.

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

On one of our first nights together in Belfast, a few of us scholars stayed up late playing cards together. A particular game got out of hand and ended in my peers shouting repeatedly, and loudly I may add, “Lillian! Lillian! Lillian!” The episode had me laughing uncontrollably amidst the chaos. When the scene settled down, I calmly addressed the room: “You know, I actually prefer to be called Lil.”

This got everyone laughing again, feeling almost embarrassed – as if I had allowed them to call me by the wrong name all day. I explained that people do call me Lillian, but those I am close to use “Lil.” It is a nickname that my family has always used, but that really caught on with my best friends from AAU. It’s a name I associate with basketball, my family, and my closest friends.

That simple phrase, “please call me Lil,” holds a lot of significance in its four syllables. It represents how quickly I felt familiar with my fellow scholars, and how ready I was to accept them all into my inner circle of friends. This connection I feel with the other Scholars is reminiscent of the bond between teammates, with the shared commonality of our passion for working with young people.

Each scholar brings something unique to the group and adds to the SCL family in his or her own way. Jazmen’s laugh, Staat’s smile, and Emily’s humor bring joy to any setting. Harrison just goes around breaking rims everywhere, it’s impressive. Cory is one of the most likable people you will ever meet, and Katie the most energetic. Clare is always looking out for everyone, James has us in stiches with his accent imitations, and Johnathan’s coaching voice inspires his fellow coaches as well as his players! Marritta’s creativity is astounding; Meg’s consistent friendliness is comforting; and Sarah’s easygoing positivity makes her so fun to be around.

This group of Scholars is incredible, and I feel so lucky to be a part of it. I am so appreciative that in the midst of unfamiliar surroundings, I have quickly found something very familiar here in Ireland: a team and a family. I love being part of such a positive environment, and am excited to know that we will be tackling this year’s journey together! 

Victory Scholar: Lillian McCabe

Present University: IT Carlow

US League Partner: Atlantic 10

Club/Community Partner: IT Carlow Basketball

Alma Mater: Davidson College

Sponsored by: Teamwear Ireland

Imagine walking to in a home for the first time and the family instantly takes care you as if you were a member of the family and lived in the house since birth. Well, the Wildcat Organization has treated Katie and I with such great care along that same story line. We are so appreciative for the Hayes’ Family and club members because they have welcomed us with arms as wide as the Atlantic Ocean. Before Katie and I got accommodated, the Hayes’ family allowed us to sleep over and cooked us a hearty breakfast the next morning. Jillian Hayes, community partner with Sport Changes Life and club member, bought us groceries, linen, and an extra duvet for our housing. Jillian and her father, John Hayes, have driven us to all of the places Katie and I needed to go willingly, such as Tesco, club practices, and Wildcat basketball camps. On top of that, Katie and I are able to have a free meal once a day, which consists of a sandwich, piece of fruit and a drink, from the club’s sponsor, Maxol gas station. Also, our team mom took Katie and I to get our SIM cards and offered to take us to practices and camps in the future. Needless to say, the club gave Katie and I our own personal basketball to have for workouts outside of practice times. Giving a pair of basketball players that epitomizes “ball is life” their own basketball is similar to giving a child candy. Katie and I are so fortunate to be a part of a club that is so welcoming and kind and will definitely pay our gratitude through community camps and basketball matches.

 Not knowing what to expect from my first practice as a Waterford Wildcat, I was pretty anxious before the practice began as well as slightly out of shape. Overall, practice was fun and slightly different than my college practices in America. Out of all the players on the team, I am one of the tallest or second tallest girls on the team and I am 5’7”. Despite playing post in college, I was always one of the shortest people on the team; however, I’m excited to be classified as Waterford’s newest post player. Practiced involved a lot of running and quite of bit of drills that I never did in the States. The girls on the team were very encouraging and generous towards Katie and I, and all of them can shoot the ball very well. If I had to foretell how our club season would go, our height disadvantage indictates that we are going to be fast, push the ball a lot, and be scrappy defenders. On Wednesday night, September 9^th we will be playing a game against the Kilkenny Ladies, so we will see how accurate my assumptions are…

Victory Scholar: Jazmen Boone

Present University: Waterford IT

US League: CAA

Club/Community Partner: Waterford Wildcats

Alma Mater: The College of William and Mary

Sponsored by: Teamwear Ireland

I have experienced many firsts, in the seemingly short first two weeks, of my first time outside the United States. After our Belfast tour, we explored Dublin through sport, boat, and school.

We sailed the Irish Sea on a beautiful sunny summer day. This was my first time on a sail boat and the Irish Sea. We snapped some amazing pictures of Ireland’s Eye Island just off the coast of Dublin.

Next, we got a brief introduction to hurling and Gaelic
football. We learned from some of the best at their craft then they gave us a chance to play ourselves. After playing for a few minutes, I hope my next life leads me to be a hurler. The opportunity to learn two new traditional sports was unimaginable.

Lastly, I was involved in 19 coaching sessions, teaching approximately 350 children about the sport I’ve grown to love. They teach me so much about myself and life. These were my first few times back in elementary and middle school, called primary and secondary schools here in the Republic of Ireland.

Judging by my first two weeks in this beautiful country, this will be the most influential, challenging, and rewarding year of my life. 

Welcome to West Belfast

A little while back I saw a photograph of Muhammad Ali trying his hand at the Gaelic sport Hurling (see the accompanying picture). He looks completely focused on trying to make contact with the ball… he also looks like he’s failing miserably. Strange to think that the greatest boxer, and one of the greatest athletes, of all time could whiff so bad on the ball. It made me think about how even the most successful people on Earth can be absolutely terrible at tasks outside their field of expertise.

I’ve played basketball for almost my entire life, and for the vast majority of that time I’ve been pretty good at it. When you spend so much of your life doing one activity like I have, and doing it well, it’s easy to forget how bad you are at so many other things in life. But that’s the reality. Everyone has their talents be it in sports, art, communication, networking, or anything else.  But we’re also all pretty bad at a LOT of things. Things we don’t like, things we don’t practice, things we don’t think are important, and things we’ve never even thought of or knew existed.

From the day I ended my basketball career almost two years ago, I’ve had a crash course in all the things I’m bad at and all the skills I lack. Trust me, it’s a long list. I no longer had that anchor of basketball holding everything together, boosting my confidence and distracting me from other aspects of my life. And I do think anchor is the right word. Because as much as I love basketball and everything it’s brought me, in a way it held me down from doing a lot of other things. It skewed my perception and changed my priorities. It made me look one direction when I should have been looking in the other. This year is about re-focusing on the things that matter and looking to the future.

The one positive about being bad at so many different things is that there are a lot of opportunities to grow and develop. As it stands, my future is up in the air. It’s a little bit scary, but a little bit exciting too. I’m not sure where I’ll be in the coming months and years but with the focus of my life moving away from basketball and into ‘real life’ situations I’m confident I can turn my failures into successes… Or at least one or two.

Our Scottish adventure this weekend with the U17 Kubs girls was so much fun, I am sure I will visit again.

First things first, it was nice to get outside of city centre living and just breathe the fresh, unpolluted (namely cigarette smoke free) air. It was heavenly, crisp, and so refreshing.

Second, it was great to have the opportunity to get to know all of our girls on a personal level. They all have such unique stories and are at a transformative time of their lives (believe me ladies, don’t rush it!) and its great to just listen to the gossip, who is doing what, etc. We won two games against the Inverness Bears; it was a great opportunity for everyone to play and develop as basketball players and get a little bit of a confidence boost as well. Huge birthday shout-out to Emma Costello who is 16!!

I finally want to give a huge thank you to David McKay, Frank Flood and John Kerray for making the trip possible. It was a great way to see a part of the world I never thought I would visit, from the likes of Urquhart Castle, Loch Ness (although no Nessie) and the beautiful Inverness city centre. Unfortunately we didn’t see anyone wearing a kilt and playing the bagpipe on this trip, but that just means we have something to look forward to on our next visit!

Currently up to my ears in coursework right now, but once I get this last assignment I’ll write some more interesting blogs. Next exciting event on the timetable: Ben (my boyfriend) is coming to visit and THANKSGIVING, Irish style.

Happy Veterans Day! 

Katie and I were lucky enough to get to go on a Scottish adventure this weekend with our Under 17 KUBS girls. We boarded a bus to Belfast early Friday morning and caught the short flight from Belfast to Inverness.

We arrived Friday afternoon to balmy Scottish weather, but that didn’t deter us from exploring. While our girls checked out the local shopping center, Katie and I took to the streets of Inverness, snapping photos left and right. After a fun team dinner at a local Chinese restaurant, it was off to bed for an early start this morning.

We were up bright and early this morning to continue our exploration. Our wonderful host, John Kelly, generously acted as our tour guide showing us the ins and outs of Inverness and the infamous Loch Ness. Katie and I decided to wade into the frigid waters (but only up to our thighs, a bit of a “bottle” as our girls would say. Let me tell you, it was CHILLY!

After our quick dip with Nessie, we were off to coach our girls against John’s club, the Bears. After a hard fought victory, we headed to a local school to watch the Bears’ Under 18 boys team play. It has been a busy day to say the least, but we are looking forward to a dinner with the Bears’ girls and a friendly game of bowling or two. Can’t wait to show off my lack of bowling skills!

I am not going to lie; I have been lost on what to do after my Ulster Rockets Practice on Wednesday evening. Not because I don’t have any studying or work to do for my master program at the University, because I do… Trust and believe me, I have papers and group projects due soon, but I will save that for another time in my weekly blogs. Anyways my real reason is because of SHEHOOPS. SHEHOOPS is just like EHoops besides it’s for young girls, and just in case you don’t know what either one is, it is two outreach programs that Sport Changes Life offers once a week, every week for the young children to come in and the scholars in Belfast mix sport with practical education in order for them to understand that sport can change your life in everyday skills even when learning. But SHEHOOPS has been off for a few weeks now because the young girls have graduated out of the program. I was very excited this week because this Wednesday me and Kerri got to go to the 50/50 club where most of the young girls hang out in their free time. For me it was like a reunion… Yes it has only been a few weeks, but getting to see some of the girls, and hearing there updates on school work, school dances,  and even going places in states (counties) that I have yet to visit… Me and Kerri even got an invite to meet some of the girls and go to the Christmas Market that’s coming next weekend… They tried to explain it to us, but it was just a lot to take in, so that all I could remember was waffles about all the happenings at the Christmas Market… Mmmm… Waffles lol I am looking forward to going back to the 50/50 club and the Christmas Market. #victory #shehoops #happydays

It’s about time I give my readers an update on my UL Women’ Soccer team! We are off to a great start and are undefeated with some huge results so far. After coming off a win with our first game, our next match was against the reigning champs of inter-varsities. It was an early test for our team, who was still working on chemistry having only 5 veterans on the squad. But after a hard fought game, we came out with a draw. 

Our last game this week was another big test for our team, playing against an undefeated Carlow team (at the time). After a long bus ride to the game, we managed to pull up to the field about 20 minutes before the game was supposed to start. After quickly changing in the locker room and getting a couple passes in before the game, we were off. Carlow scored the first goal, and we scored a returning goal just before the half. Still at a tie about halfway through the second, I was told to switch with my teammate Elisabeth (shout-out to my girl Norway) to a midfield position. Now, I haven’t played midfield since, well, EVER so I could only imagine the look I gave her as we switched positions. But hey, new situations call for new circumstances; plus about two minutes later, I  scored! And we finished the game with a 2-1 win, a great result for our team. 

I don’t think I can reiterate enough how much fun I am having with my team and how good it feels to be able to play again. I remember waking up the next morning after our game with that familiar soreness and oddly enough, loving it. Now to only keep this ball rolling and keep the victories coming! Until next time, readers!

Last weekend I didn’t have a game so I volunteered to help work the Galway Masters Tournament at NUIG.  The Masters tournament for those of you who don’t know is the basketball league of men and women from the ages of forty years old and up.  I helped out by working the scoreboard and clock all weekend and was surprised by how much fun I had at this tournament.  

This year at the Masters tournament they had a great team visiting from Spain, who were competing that was headlining the event. I was really excited to see my current Mystics coach play and also the parents who’s kids I coach play too.  Some of these players can still ball! They still had the moves and finesse that I’m sure they’ve been perfecting for years.  But the most impressive part of watching these games, were not the moves, not the ages, physically ability, or the uniforms, but it was the passion that every single person on that court had for this game.  It was so amazing for me to see that there were teams of women that could have been close to sixty years old and they were still yelling at each other and screaming at the refs because they still had such passion for this sport.  This was one of the coolest experiences I’ve had here. To be able to see the older masters play and their kids watching them, and then have myself watching my own coach, was like seeing everything come full circle.  Everyone in that gym was essentially bonded together for the same reason.

On my coach Mike Murray’s team I recognized one of his teammates from somewhere and I couldn’t remember exactly where. I turned to my teammate who was keeping the scoresheet and I said, “I’m pretty sure this guy is famous, I’ve seen him before but I can’t remember his name!” After seeing this player score (not to mention tower over the rest of the players) it finally clicked.  The night Chris and I first moved into our apartment we turned on our TV and both got immediately sucked into watching this great basketball documentary called The Golden Age of Irish Basketball.  This documentary depicts a time in the 1980’s when basketball just started to become popular in Ireland with the help from influential players from America.  The film focuses primarily on the African American stand out players as they describe their experiences entering the Irish basketball world for the first time. After the game I spoke to my coach and realized his teammate was the legendary Deora Marsh. 

Between having a Irish basketball legend who I saw on TV playing on my home court, witnessing the generations of basketball families in attendance, and having teams of all ages from different countries come to Galway all for one reason was truly amazing. Even though this is my last year playing basketball at a national league level, I know that the passion I have for this game is far from over.

Whoever was the event planner for the 2013 Realex Fire Web Awards, I want them to plan my next event. Lights everywhere, picture props, amazing music, and sweets, sweets and more sweets. The combination, what a few awards thrown in there!, made for a great night. Shelby and I went to represent Sport Changes Life, nominated for Best Sports Website in Ireland. At the beginning of the show, they announced that all winners would be expected to make a short speech! Quickly channeling my speech giving days, we hoped for the best.

Unfortunately we didn’t win our category but were up against some great competition. I have a feeling we will win it next year. But luckily we can blog our acceptance speech (for just being amazing).

And the winner is….Sport Changes Life!

We are the Victory Scholars studying at Trinity College! It’s a long story that we love to tell, so ask us after, or check out our amazing website. We are accepting this award on behalf of our incredibly talented media genius, Marc Mulholland. Without Marc and the team at Mammoth Andrew, Mike and Bobby we wouldn’t have achieved such a feat. This website was designed to show that Sport Changes Life, it really does – no joke. Thanks a million! #victory

There is little better than someone putting a smile on your face, and this afternoon Shelby and I were laughing for an hour straight. As part of our commitment to Trinity Basketball, we are hosting basketball clinics for a pilot program with the NIID that gives participants the opportunity to learn about and participate in various sports. So far they have learned badminton, soccer, Gaelic football and now basketball!

The National Institute for Intellectual Disabilities (NIID) mission is “promoting inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities through education, research and advocacy.” Using our Sport Changes Life background, we ran a clinic teaching the basics—passing, layups, and the fan favorite, defense. We find that the best way to captivate a group is through this defensive drill—we called it Watts defense in college and I’m sure everyone has done it at camp at some stage in their basketball careers.

We yell defense, they yell defense and hit the ground. Slide right, three slides to the right. Foot-fire, you move those feet like they are on fire. REBOUND, and you grab that imaginary ball out of the air like your life depends on it. This drill is incredible: the more energy and enthusiasm I put into it, the more I get in return. And this group was by far our best. My favorite part, and the most rewarding, is when I ask for volunteers to lead the group. And today we had some great volunteers who had us coaches and the rest of the group panting through our laughter.  

Our match—the Green Celtics versus the Yellow Lakers—ended in a draw. Sometimes it is refreshing to see just how important catching a nice pass or making a basket is to someone. And how much of an impact the smiles we shared today have on others.

It has become a tradition on Sunday nights here in Belfast to have family dinners.  It’s one of my favorite times of the week, sharing a great home cooked meal with some great people.  After our Sunday night dinner this week, I stayed for awhile to hang out with the Maguire girls and Jess, their adopted daughter.  I love the conversations we have, and the stories they fill me in on.  They always bring back memories of my 15 year old self, while also making me feel like I am back home with my sisters.  This week, we started talking about things such as school work, friends and what we wanted to do with our lives.  As I was trying to inspire Jess with some motivational speeches and helping her set goals for herself, I realized so much of her focus was going to what she couldn’t do and what she didn’t have.  This is something I think we all sometimes find ourselves doing.  I wasn’t sure how to get across the point that anything is possible when you believe, until I remembered a Youtube video I had seen a few weeks ago that really touched me.

I accidentally came across the video after a friend of mine sent me a link to watch “The World’s Best Proposal” on Youtube.  As if that wasn’t emotional enough, as if a sign from God, I came across a video called “My Last Days: Meet Zach Sobiech.”  This story follows a boy named Zach Sobiech, who was told at the age of 17 he would only have a few months to live due to his Cancer diagnosis.  It shows his last few weeks on Earth, and how he wanted to use those days to make a difference in our world.  He wrote down his messages through his songs that he wrote and sang, the most popular being “Clouds,” which actually ended up being the #1 song on iTunes.

This is a boy who could have resented the world, resented God and the fate he was given, but instead chose to use his fate to inspire others.  He saw the good in life, when he easily could have been looking at all the negatives. I think he is a true testament that those obstacles are thrown at you to become a stronger person, and to in return help others through those obstacles.  He is a testament to the fact that things are okay when you believe in something greater than yourself in the world.  I think this is why I believe so strongly in the work that programs like ours do on a regular basis.  He is the prime example of what we aspire to do for young kids.  Of course, Jess made sure to point out to me when he said “It’s not all about the grades you get, or the jobs you have..” but I think she got the main picture!!

In Zach’s last days, he loved, he lived, he enjoyed his passion in singing, and he inspired millions.  He showed us all how we should all live our lives on a daily basis.  One quote that really touched me was when he said, “It’s really simple, try and make other people happy.  If you do this, you will make the world a better place.”  How incredible is that?  A 17 year old boy sharing with all of us that small piece of advice, that could change the lives of millions.  I aspire to live my life in this way.  Zach has achieved what he wanted. Even though he may not be living on this earth any more, I know he inspired Jess, Anna, Enya and myself on Sunday night.  I hope this inspires others as well!  WARNING! You will cry, but it will be well worth it. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9NjKgV65fpo

For the first time since I have been in Ireland, I felt a bit homesick. I think it struck me when I began listening to some of my mom’s favorite music while studying and I found myself missing simply driving around with my mom at home, singing along to songs on the radio. I mentioned in passing missing home to my friend Nicola, one of my classmates in my Masters program, and she invited me to come with her when she headed home for the day and meet her family.

As we walked into the house, Nicola’s mom was just finishing up on the Sunday roast (which has become one of my favorite Irish traditions since I’m all about the food) and already had a plate set for me, even with such short notice. From the lamb and roast potatoes for dinner, to the coffee and biscuits while we all watched X-Factor around the fire, to Nicola’s dad inviting my family to stay at their place whenever they come to Ireland, my visit to the Butlers helped me almost forget that I so badly missed home just a few hours prior.

People ask me all the time what I like about Ireland and as cliché as it sounds, I always say the people. I seriously have met some of the most amazing, welcoming people here in Ireland in the short 3 months that I have been here, including the Maguires who made my birthday weekend in Belfast a special one, a mutual friend of a friend giving me a place to stay whenever I am in Dublin, and my classmate James’ family inviting me over for a weekend at their home in Galway. So I just wanted to take the time to say another ‘thank you’ to all the Irish families continue to help me feel a sense of “home away from home” here in Ireland. Until next time, readers!

Katie and I are fresh back from the 2013 Irish Web Awards, and I have to say, what a fun group of people! There were web designers, business owners, coders, geeks, nerds, athletes, you name it, they were there. Even Liam and Noel Gallagher were in attendance (kidding, they were in the restaurant next door…still pretty cool).

Katie and I were in attendance to represent Sport Changes Life, who had been nominated for Best Sporting Website. Although we didn’t win (thejourney.ie did, cool website, check it out), we had an absolute blast. We were surrounded by a fun group of amazingly supportive people. There was even an award for the “ugliest website,” and shockingly, the winner was in attendance to accept it! Needless to say, he received a standing ovation, and I am sure a few business cards for local web designers.

It was truly an honor to be amongst such a creative and entrepreneurial group. Both Katie and I were very thankful to be given the opportunity to attend.

Random coincidence: The host happened to be named Rick O’Shea. For anyone who has seen or been involved in my admission video knows the joke I am about to tell…

What do you call an Irish man who can’t stop bouncing off the walls?

Rick O’Shea…

#VICTORY

Well its official, I am a Boojum addict.

I have to admit, however, that I did not actually eat 40 burritos in the past 3 months I have lived in Dublin. A nice guy at Boojum the first time we went in slipped me an almost full card, therefore making checking this accomplishment off my #wheninDubin bucketlist about 35 burritos easier (and cheaper). Regardless, I got my free burrito bowl for lunch and an infamous Boojum Addict t-shirt!

After the game against the Ulster Rockets I was looking forward to chatting it up with the Maguire family and Brittney because I hadn’t seen them in ages. I was also looking forward to a nice hot shower because the gym was freezing. I thought it might warm up or at least I might warm up throughout the game, but neither happened. I started to catch a cold running up and down the floor and I was literally shivering when I was on the bench, so you can see how important a warm shower would have been.

Unfortunately my time with the Brittney and the Maguire’s was cut drastically and I never made it to the showers because I was randomly chosen for a drug test administered by the Irish Sports Council. We knew just moments before the game that it would happen and that James would randomly draw names from a paper. We were in warm ups, doing our sacred heart shooting drill when I turned to my teammate Aoife and said, “I was never selected at Norfolk State for a drug test, “ and she said “Well you might be today and it will be a long process if you are.” So I pretty much jinxed myself and after the game when the names were announced Aoife exclaimed, “This is what she wanted,” in a joking manner.

I have to admit part of me did want to at least experience it. The downsides were limited bathrooms and one Doping Control Officer on site to handle the test. Aoife was right because it did take forever and once I was finished my team was gone, Brittney and the Maguire’s were headed out, and the hot water was already turned off. The journey back was long, but we won so I felt good about that and I know I’ll pass the drug test with flying colors.  Also, Kerri played a great game and I hope Brittney gets better soon! Lesson of the weekend…expect the unexpected because you never know who’s watching, what may happen, or when your name will be called.

Special thanks to Officer Geraldine for helping to make my test as smooth as possible, and Gareth for dropping by at halftime to say hi 🙂

Sorry for depriving you all of my brilliant blogs these past two weeks, I have been really busy with school, coaching, playing and sightseeing.

Last weekend we had a game in Dublin, which we won by 40 points (no big deal). The way in which our league works is similar to the Ivy League where there is no post-season tournament, but rather a regular season championship. This makes every game that much more important, therefore making every point count. Furthermore, there is also a national cup tournament that begins this weekend against none other than Maree. But don’t you worry folks; revenge will certainly be on my mind. 

After the game on Saturday I stayed with 

fellow scholars Shelby and Katie at the beautiful Trinity College. The next day the other scholars came down and we did a tour of the Guinness factory. We learned so much about the history, how it should taste and most importantly how to pour the perfect pint.

Monday was a bank holiday in Ireland and we woke up in the hostel to people cheering outside our window. I thought maybe word had gotten out that the victory scholars were in town, but it just turned out to be the Dublin Marathon. We spent the day sightseeing, listening to live Irish music and eating oysters from a shell the size of a cell phone from 1996.

We headed back to Galway on Tuesday where Michelle and I went sightseeing in the picturesque landscape of Connemara. It was miles of green and brown colored mountains, reflective lakes and sheep blocking the road. We also stopped at Kylemore Abbey Castle, which was built by a rich guy from Britain who created a magnificent getaway home for his wife. Thanks for setting the bar high for all the other guys out there!

Quick little shout out: So for those who don’t know me, my sister married a guy named Cormac Walsh from Galway. About 10 years ago he was working in New York on a two-year contract with Barclays, when he met my sister, fell in love, yada yada yada. They now they live in New York with my two beautiful nieces. His family however is still based in Galway in a small town called Tuam. Therefore, I thought I would pop in and visit them whilst I was there. They were tremendous hosts and made me feel right at home. Last night I went out to Tuam for a full Irish fare and it felt so good to have a delicious home cooked meal, plus she baked me about 30 scones and muffins to fatten me up! I have started to become more domesticated and make my own meals but nothing compares to a mothers cooking. I always joke with my mom that I am going to find a nice Irish Lass, fall in love and never come home like Cormac did. It drives her crazy. Well I guess only time will tell. Just kidding! Well, sort of. 

There are few things better in life than winning. And two of them happen to be having amazing teammates and great friends. Luckily, last night I had both.

All week Shelby and I had relished in the awkwardness of the situation. Our teams were finally meeting head to head at Colaiste Iosagain, Meteors home court. Both of our teams were searching for that first win of the season. Shelby joked with Basketball Ireland that “Roommate tension was high, but it was all in good fun.” We got ready for the game together, making sure we wore the correct uniforms (here, we wear dark at home) and when I left for the bus, we laughed and said, “Well, good luck!”

My team is great; despite having two injured point guards and very low numbers for the past few games, we have really worked hard and are trying to change the culture of the program. As I have been there before, doing the hard work on this end can be tedious and disheartening, but in the long run is rewarding and so, so worth it.  However, we are all staying on course, and that resulted in our first win of the season over Shelby’s Liffey Celtics! Sometimes getting over the hurdle is the biggest challenge, and we hope to keep the ball rolling.

In addition to this great start to the weekend, one of my American teammates Rachel has been living in Ireland with her amazing family for two years, came out to support the team and then offered us a ride back to town. The short back-story (she’s going to kill me for talking about her in my blog), Rachel trains with our team. One day her mother pulled up beside me as I was walking to the bus stop and offered to drive me. Although I acknowledged that I was almost at the stop already, she insisted that I get in and she took me all the way into town! They further invited me over for dinner and have been a great extended family when I’m so far away from home. Long story short, they offered to drive Shelby, Mai-Thy and I back into town again last night, and when we were getting out of the car they had made us cookies and brownies!! Given my sweet tooth, I was elated. Furthermore, you cannot buy chocolate chips in Ireland, so she had shared some of the coveted chips her older daughter had brought on a visit from the states—that’s how you know you’re loved!

All in all, it has already been a great weekend, and I’m looking forward to it getting even better when we go to Boojum for lunch today and I get my free burrito and Boojum Addict t-shirt! But I’ll leave that til my next blog. Sports change lives, and introduce you to great people. Happy days!!

Business is the rocket science equivalent in my mind. A few of my classes were cancelled this week, but I still have loads of studying to do. I recently turned in a business paper on corporate finance and risk management tools to increase shareholder value. After reading five articles I started seeing all of these complex and complicated equations. Honestly, I started getting dizzy. I couldn’t stand to look at it so I just scrolled down and looked for more words, and less equations. I must overcome my fear of numbers!

Dr. Flynn, my professor for International Corporate Finance, has offered one-on-one sessions to help me out. I need to take her up on that offer and begin ASAP. I also need to take advantage of the library tutorial math sessions. There are so many resources on UL’s campus and it’s my responsibility to use them to my advantage. 

#INSPIRE #EDUCATION

I am so terribly thankful to everyone (near or far) who helped make my birthday my best one yet!! Words cannot adequately describe how thankful I am for the people that surround me. I can honestly say, my 23rd birthday was by far my best and most memorable to date. Not because of any material thing, but the thoughtfulness and generosity of my amazing friends and family.

It started with my fellow Victory Scholar and roomie, Katie, who decorated our apartment Friday night with “Happy Birthday” streamers AND banners that were not only pink (my favorite color), but also Disney princesses. She knows me so well!

The next day, after coaching our KUBS Under 17 girls to our second win of the season, I was surprised again with the wonderful thoughtfulness and generosity of the team when they sang to me, baked me a cake and brownies AND gave me a very official-looking dry erase board. We also had a little pizza party/team-bonding session following the Under 12/13s games. They helped to make my day amazingly special; I really couldn’t ask for a better group of girls!

Just when I thought things couldn’t get any better, Sunday after a tough loss against fellow Victory Scholars Kerri and Brittany, my own teammates surprised me with a cake, singing, baked goodies, AND a Claddagh ring (which I have been saying I want since I got to Ireland). Again, I am so lucky to be a part of such a great group of girls. It was the silly little things, like the personalized messages on my cupcakes, that really touched my heart.

All of that would make for a pretty great birthday, right? Add in the fact that nearly all of my fellow Victory Scholars descended upon Dublin for the festivities made an already amazing weekend even better. Many of us hadn’t seen each other since August when we all headed to our respective schools. It was great to be reunited and catch up. We had an absolute blast!

As I said before, it was absolutely the wonderful people I am surrounded by that made this birthday the best one yet. I look forward to what my Jordan (23) year will bring my way and am thankful beyond words that I get to share a good portion of it with so many amazing people. #SPORT #CHANGES #LIFE

What are the chances? I thought it was ironic that I had met people in Belfast that knew someone from home or even places such as my school but to my surprise there was a lot more to come. A few days ago I was minding my own business listening to music while lifting at the gym at the University of Ulster campus. I was wearing a Stonehill Basketball T-shirt, and this girl on the treadmill was just staring at me. My initial thought was “have I forgotten to wash my face or have I spilt my breakfast on my t-shirt without noticing?” and I was too nervous to look to see if anyone else was looking at me so I continued working out. Then I noticed her lips to move so I took off my headphones and I asked politely if she was speaking to me and she nodded (while running on the treadmill) and said “Did you go to Stonehill?” and I answered ‘Yes, I did, do you know it?’ She then said laughing, that she had graduated from Stonehill in 2010, which was when I was a freshman there. I was caught off guard at first but as we started to chat, during the entire conversation, I couldn’t believe I actually went to school with this girl for a year and then I end up meeting her in a gym at the University of Ulster Belfast. This whole encounter has made me think about how I interacted with people before I came to Ireland. I always talked to people but I never realized the power of just starting up a conversation with a stranger who you might end up have more in common with than what you think. It also made me think if I just didn’t wear that T-shirt that day then that conversation also would have never happened and we both would have never known that we actually went to college together. It’s only been a couple months and I’ve had so many ironic occurrences, but I am noticing I am already starting to think differently when it comes to seeing that the world is a much smaller place than we think. So for the rest of the year I don’t think I’ll be as surprised be who I bump into.

#VICTORY #INSPIRE #SMALLWORLD

A few weeks ago at Tesco (our grocery store), I was waiting in the self-checkout line after training. I recognized American accents, and then watched as a couple my age scanned the store for bags and loudly ask where they were. Where plastic bags normally are in the US, in Ireland there is an empty stand designed to hold the bags YOU BRING with you. I started laughing and offered the friendly advice that in Ireland, you have to bring your own. The memory of Shelby and I in the same situation a few weeks earlier was all too familiar.

Over an amazing summer in 2011, I was an intern for Blue Ocean Society for Marine Conservation. During my work there, my outlook on the environment changed. Hundreds of cigarette butts, balloons, milk cartons, etc. appear all over beaches and for miles off the coast. Seeing the effects of littering on the environment I worked in every day helped me appreciate just how significant a role that I, and my fellow human beings (yes, you), play in changing the impact we have on the environment.  I am still guilty, however, of choosing convenience over sustainable practices. Then I moved to Ireland.

I understand that in the US we are obsessed with maintaining the freedom to make our own decisions, but when we continually make decisions that are bad not only for ourselves but for everyone else, should this change?

The first time Shelby and I went grocery shopping, we bought two, reusable plastic bags for about .45 cents each. The next time we went to the shop, we again had to buy our own bags. Mental note: seriously, start bringing your own bags. Now we carry bags with us everywhere without thinking about it. I challenge you to do the same. Even now when I am given a choice, I say no to bags. And although we resisted at first, being forced to change to sustainable practices has opened our eyes that this sustainable way of living is convenient, too. You can be sure that when we get back to the US, we will bring our own bags when we go grocery shopping (most stores already subsidize you at home anyways!).

Moral of the story: Some times we think we are right to do something when we don’t realise the effect it has on others and a small change if everyone does it can make a big difference. So just bring your own bags to the store, and don’t release balloons—although meaningful, they don’t make it to Ballonia, they end up killing animals.

Oh and watch this video, Plastic State of Mind, it is

hilarious.

#INSPIRE #CHANGE

This past weekend, I had my first visitor!! My dad arrived in Dublin on Thursday, it was great a we spent two days exploring.  He came over with some fellow Drexel Hillers, Mr. and Mrs. McGeever!  Their son, Dan, who I went to school with all of grade school, is currently studying at Trinity College.  The five of us spent two days exploring the city of Dublin.  We went on tours of the Kilmainham Jail, Dublin Castle, Christ Church and the Jameson Factory.  Even with the rain, I would definitely advise anyone coming to Dublin to check out all of these spots! On Friday night, we had an amazing dinner with three of Dan’s classmates from Notre Dame, who are also studying at Trinity, then went to see some live Irish music! My favorite!!

On Saturday, the five of us, plus my good friend and wonderful teammate, Mairead, spent the day in Belfast.  We walked around the whole city (literally), and went on the Belfast City Bus Tour.  We were able to see everything from the Titanic Headquarters to the Peace Walls.  It was really great being able to share with people from home first hand where it is I’m working, and share stories about some of the work I am doing.  It was a weekend full of history lessons, great conversations, amazing meals, a lot of Irish music and even more laughs.  I really could not have asked for a better weekend, or better people to have spent it with.  Miss you already dad! Can’t wait to be home for Christmas!

So my dad is planning to come visit me and that is fine. He wants to come in November, which is also fine; but he wants to come during my sister’s birthday! He is on his own with this decision. Even my mom has backed away on this one. She called me and told me Olivia’s response was “Really? You are going to go see Magic on my birthday?” 

Anyways, sometimes my dad moves slowly like a turtle. Needless to say he is just getting his passport. I don’t have much room to talk because I didn’t get one until June, and my mom and Olivia still don’t have one. Furthermore, once the government shut down, passports weren’t being processed because that’s a federally funded operation. I hope America get moving on this shut down soon.

I’m sure Olivia will be happy if my dad’s passport comes a little late. It’s a little sad for me though because I’m going to miss her birthday on November 18^th; she’s turning 10 years old. Hitting double digits is huge, but she knows I love her. I’m also going to miss Thanksgiving, but that’s another blog in itself.  Nevertheless, I cannot help it if my dad is missing his firstborn; so stay tuned to who wins the battle of when to travel, Olivia or my dad. 

Oh, how I wish I could just be a child again. Thinking back like 15 years or so and I would be in elementary school, which they call primary school here. I say

that because every Wednesday I have the opportunity to go to St. James Primary School and have a blast with the children through basketball. During my breaks at the school, I think to myself if you told me 15 years ago that a sport would change my life in order to change others, I would have looked at you and said ‘yea right’ or ‘I don’t think so’. However, that is happening as you read this. I am making a positive impact on these children’s lives, giving them hope and at the same time teaching them basketball skills. At the end of the day, when they come in the session with me and Brian you can see it. The smiles on their faces as their little faces light up, they jump up and down with excitement, they all want high fives after making a shot, or winning a game and all this because of a ball that you can bounce… Just brilliant! It’s like Christmas is on Wednesday and you can’t wait to open up your gifts, seeing those children smile and be so happy is such a great gift for me and to know I am helping them it a blessing. It’s the same with the children,  they can’t wait until Wednesday because they know they get to play basketball. The flip side of this story is that I don’t want this Wednesday to come too fast, because it will be my sixth week at St. James and that means it’s my last time there. I am going to miss it terribly but we move onto another School soon so we must share our gifts and I will be back to see them when I can. 

#INSPIRED #FUTURE #VICTORY