As a coach, I feel that one of our main jobs, aside from teaching our kids how to play the game of basketball the correct way, is to try to give our players confidence in themselves. As an athlete personally, I know just how important it is for you to have confidence in your ability as an athlete. You have to walk on to any field or court with the mentality that you know what you are good at and what you can do well. With confidence, you can basically will yourself to playing well.

Thats has been my main goal with all of my players, but especially one more than some of the others. To save his identity, I am going to refer to him as “L”. L is an fantastic player. He plays great on ball defense, as a point guard, he is able to find his teammates with a pass better than other players of his age and is tough physically. The only thing I would say that “L” lacks is confidence. More specifically, confidence in his shooting ability. 

What most people 

don’t know, is that there is only really one way for someone to truly gain confidence in themselves. The way to do so is by putting in the practice and repetition behind the scenes. By practicing over and over, you will naturally become more comfortable in whatever skill that is that you are particularly working on, then in result, become more confident in yourself. So that was what I did with “L”. After practice, I would make him stay after and shoot with me. We would keep going through the shooting drills until he made the required amount of shots for the drill to end. I wanted him to get in the habit of shooting after practice and shooting to make a certain amount, instead of just shooting and taking a certain amount of shots. Along with making “L” shoot after practice, anytime during practice, I believed that “L” had an open shot, I would encourage him to take the shot. I was trying to show him that I had confidence in his shot and that he should have confidence in himself as well. 

Slowly, but gradually, I can see “L’s” confidence rising. Although he’s still passing up a lot of shots that I feel that he should be shooting and probably could make, he is also taking more shots than he was in the first couple of weeks, which is good. So that’s what my job for “L”. I have to continue to show him that I have confidence in him taking certain shots, and in turn, I hope that he develops a sense of confidence in himself as well. I know how much it helped me throughout my career to have coaches that were confident in my ability. It is what got me to where I am today, and thats what I want to provide for “L”.

Thank you for tuning into my blog, check in next week to see how my week went. Take care everybody!

It’s hard to believe that it is that time of year again. The month of March is known in the basketball world as “March Madness;” a month where for many teams, the season ends, and for others, a new season begins, playoffs. Unfortunately, the UL Huskies and myself did not make the playoffs, and our season is now officially over… it still feels so surreal to say that.    

With that being said, there isn’t a thing I would change about this season. Looking back to the preseason tournament in October, our team had a lot of work to do. To start the season no one took us seriously, we were the team that others expected to walk over and get an easy win from. Now, looking at the second half of the season onward, the UL Huskies were a completely different team. We competed in every game, no matter the team we played. We took some of the top ranked teams to the very last seconds of games, leaving just a basket to be the decider between us. Yes, it would have been nice to win those games and to make playoffs, but to me, there’s a lot to be said about our progress. I am proud of the hard work that went into this season, even if our record may not show it.         

On a more personal note, walking off the court for the last time as a UL Husky was tough. The UL Huskies basketball club has been far more to me than just a basketball team. They have been my family in Ireland. From the underage girls cheering us on at every game, to my teammates becoming some of my closest friends, to Phil and Sarah always looking out for me no matter how busy things were. The UL Huskies community is what made this season so great, and for that, I would like to say thank you to everyone involved! It has been a great experience, one that I will remember forever.

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

Coming to Ireland, I would have to say I was most excited for meeting new people and building new relationships. I just kind of thought more so with Irish people, whether it be teammates, students, kids, or coaches. I had not given much thought to the two weeks I was going to spend with the group of other Victory Scholars and of course, the SCL staff, a group that I hadn’t realized would become like family (I’m being corny I know). But in all honesty, the past two weeks getting to know this group of “lads” were some of the best memories I’ve had. I have never felt so welcomed by everyone, and I mean genuinely welcomed. From the long van rides with Aimee driving, an experience within itself, to our daily lunches at Cosh Cafe, there was never a shortage of bonding time. Although I’m sooooooo pumped to go to Trinity and be in Dublin, it was really sad parting with some of these friends. I got used to the noise of always being around each other, I loved being around other tall people all the time, and I finally got used to Aimee’s driving….just kidding I’ll never get used to that. But it’s on to making more friends I guess! (I don’t think I ever had so many before?!) No worries though, I won’t be forgetting #TheVictoryFamily anytime soon. 

Victory Scholar: Emily Leer

Present University: Trinity College Dublin

US League: Big East Conference

Club/Community Partner: Trinity Basketball Women

Alma Mater: Villanova University

Sponsored by: Teamwear Ireland 

Perfect Timing – After a long intense week of school, studying, and papers, last night the Maguire’s had everyone over for Thanksgiving dinner, sitting at the table surrounded by so many new friends I couldn’t help but be so thankful and feel so blessed. If I could not be with my family in the States there would be no other place that could feel like home than at the Maguire’s house last night. I just couldn’t wipe the smile off my face! Dinner was amazing and impressive considering Deirdre Brennan (and Gareth?) cooked for probably about 20+ of us. The laughter, stories, jokes, and Wii dancing filled the night. After dinner we all sat around the computer and watched videos from our loved ones at home which of course brought tears to my eyes, what a special surprise to see my whole family, even when they aren’t all together. Even Marley, my dog! It showed me how connected my two lives, both in the States and in Northern Ireland, really are. I mother has always told me to “surround yourself with people who love you,” and I felt a whole lot of love last night. What a journey this has been so far, I have so much to be thankful for and so many blessing to count, I am just happy I can say my life in Northern Ireland is one of them. 
“Happiness is only real when shared.”
― Jon Krakauer

First of all, I wanted to start out by saying Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! I am so very thankful for everybody at Sport Changes Life and for the opportunity they gave me! I am forever grateful.

I have had such a busy week of basketball with 3 games in the past 2 days, NUIG getting all 3 wins in Cork vs. UCC & CIT, and down in Limerick vs. UL where I was able to see my fellow scholar Sarah last night! 

I was also able to play in my first National League match on Saturday. I really enjoy playing with those girls, the game was a lot of fun and we came out with the win. After the game we rushed over to catch the end of Maree vs. Ulster and I got to see Deirdre and the girls!! Finally! Its been way too long, I missed them!! So good to have everyone there from SCL, it was like a mini reuinion =]… It would be nice if we could ALL spend Thanksgiving together, but at least I got to see everybody this past week! Tonight my Irish family here in Galway are having a dinner for me after training. How amazing is that? Ireland rocks! Happy Turkey Day everybody!!

The power that comes from believing in God’s power and yourself is underestimated so often.  This past weekend one of the boys on my U16 basketball team asked me “How can I be the best player to ever play basketball in Ireland?”  I instantly thought to my self that this is the perfect opportunity for me to let him know about the power of believing in yourself and God.  I told him that the first thing he must do is believe that he can be the best to ever play basketball in Ireland everyday despite any outside doubt that may come his way.  The hard work that is required to accomplish his goal is a very important piece, however without the power of believing in himself and all that God can do his hard work will only take him but so far. Moments like these where I can share my experiences of battling with faith in myself and God to inspire a young boy is what makes my stay in Ireland so valuable.  Our dreams and goals should be so radical that the thought of making it that far in life scares us.  I know that God has no limits to his power so there is no need to place limits on my future.  I couldn’t fathom being right here in Ireland in 2010 when I was recovering from 3^rd degree burns suffered in a near fatal car accident or 2005 when I had to learn to walk again after suffering nerve damage to my right leg.  I know that only because of my faith in God and myself to overcome any obstacle and achieve all of my goals is why I am here in Ireland right now.  It took for me to believe that I could play basketball again in spite of family and friends who shared their doubts.  It was difficult to keep going while feeling alone in my belief that I could still accomplish my goals.  I just kept reminding myself that God’s power is limitless and that I rather fail trying than to never try and live with the regret of what if. My hope is that my player will take my advice and apply it to multiple areas of his life when it comes to overcoming future obstacle and completing future goals.  The power of believing is immeasurable when we believe we open the doors of opportunity.  “To God Be The Glory”   

Present University: Ulster University

US League: East Coast Conference

Club/Community Partner Ulster Elks/ Andersonstown Tigers

Alma Mater: St Thomas Aquinas College

Sponsored By: Teamwear Ireland

As the other scholars and I approached the top of Cave Hill, I found myself looking out on the horizon and saw the outline of Scotland. Out in front of me was a huge city,  we were all surrounded by such beauty. I began to reflect on my journey and I started to think about how hard it was going to be for me to adjust in a new country.  Then I looked and saw the castle that we had parked by when we first started to hike and it looked so far away. I realized that when I was standing by the castle at the bottom of the hill the hill seemed so high! The journey seemed to be tough and long. However along the way I saw so many different aspects of the hill, took a ton of pictures, even picked up a few flowers for my girlfriend Kelly. When I was at the top I realized this hill was relative to the hill I am climbing everyday in my life.  Being in a new country with my family going to bed while I am waking up scares the piss out of me, but if I spend the whole journey worrying about how hard it will be I will miss all the beautiful sights along the way! And that is what life is all about, there is real beauty in that climb.

Victory Scholar: James Zuccaro

Present University: Ulster University

US League: Skyline Conference

Club/Community Partner: Ulster Elks

Alma Mater: College of Mount Saint Vincent

Sponsored by: Teamwear Ireland 

Another great week! Last week I was able to be apart of an Irish rivalry between two teams. The rivalry was between the Titans under 20s team that I coach and Moycullen. The days leading up to the game I heard over and over again how big this game was going to be. I couldn’t really grasp it though, as to how much not just the players on both teams wanted to win, but how much the family and friends wanted to win the game as well. But as the warmups started, I could see the focus and determination in my players. They were taking warmups very seriously, trying to make sure that every pass was delivered on target, making every layup, and making shots. I could just see that this game meant something more to them. And just from seeing how much the players wanted to win, unconsciously, I became more excited and motivated to help them win. 

Right before tip-off, I took a look around the Renmore gym (our home court gym), and there were probably more fans

 (friends and family) there than any of the previous games that I have watched in the gym, indicating just how huge this game really was. It was then I felt a little bit nervous, because now I knew just how big this rivalry was. Throughout the whole game, I was screaming, jumping around, trying to motivate my players to continue to play well. I have never felt that way as a coach, where I even though I wasn’t physically playing, I felt that I was in the game! It was a wonderful feeling. And my players played great! They remained in the lead over Moycullen for the majority of the game and we were able to come out with the victory!

After the game, I don’t think I have ever received so many thank you’s in my life (from both my players and the parents) than that afternoon. It meant so much to them to beat Moycullen, and it felt great to be apart of it. Im not sure that I will ever fully feel or experience the exact feeling of how the people associated to the Titans felt after winning that game, but I know that it was just an honor to be apart of it all. It was our first game and first of more wins to come. My under 20s team looked great. We got a lot of talented, hard working kids. With those two combined together, its bound to mix into success. Im anxious for the games to come, to really see how much our team grows and develops into an even better team.

Before I go, I just want to congratulate all the victor scholars in their first national league (super league for Sarah) games. Everyone was able to get a win which was great! I wish everyone luck in their upcoming games. Thank you for tuning into my blog this week. Check in next week to see how my week went. Take care!

The end of the academic semester is creeping upon us and that means a mad rush to finish up of our papers and assignments. Being in a Masters program means that all the papers are handed in at the end of the semester and only one or two assignments make up one’s final grade. The grading system is very different over here as failing is anything below a 50 and honors are anything above a 70. I am currently enrolled in six courses, two more than the four I was accustomed to taking at Lafayette. These courses include Economics, Corporate Social Responsibility, Marketing, Managing the Digital Enterprise, Financial Decision Making and Managing Organizational Behavior. 

At Lafayette, most students were searching for jobs in the private sector while in Ireland and the UK, many students will get jobs in the public sector since it is such a larger sector over here. The core group of 20 students in my Masters program come from the UK, Ireland, Canada, Germany, Spain, Japan, China and United States. This is what the Victory Scholarship is all about; embedding oneself in a different country and learning from foreign cultures and viewpoints. This experience will help me grow as a person and is valuable for better understanding the global economy. 

This weekend also marked the first game all of the Scholars could participate in games (minus Caroline). Matt and I were able to contribute to a win for the Ulster Elks and remain atop the Northern Division. I also have to give a shout out to the U16 girls squad that Caroline and I coach. They are currently undefeated and won a tight game on Friday by one point. Great job girls, keep up the hard work!

“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

My wonderful niece, two as of this May, has taken to calling my mother “Bomba.” She is more than articulate enough to pronounce the word “grandma,” but the nickname has stuck. So much so that even my siblings and I have adopted the habit, referring to our mom by the endearment.

When posing for a recent picture on the beach, we realized our term “sibling picture” was not inclusive enough. In true family form, we resorted to the dialect of our favorite two year old, and a new title was coined – we needed a photo of all of Bomba’s babies.

Bomba’s babies include my three older sisters, me, my younger brother, and most importantly, my niece. I could not be more proud to be a part of this tremendous group of people. It is because of the unwavering support of these people, my family, that I have had the courage to pursue my dreams – first to be a college basketball player, and now to be a Victory Scholar.

From my dad and sister teaching me basketball, to my mom driving me to practices and games for years; from my brother teaching me a thing or two about performing, to the cheers of my sisters in the stands at countless games: I am so grateful to my family for their support and encouragement.

Saying goodbye to my fellow “babies” was rather difficult. But as I enter an unfamiliar environment and take a leap outside my comfort zone, I know my status as Bomba’s baby ensures a network of love and support that gives me the confidence to accomplish anything!

I begin my journey here in Ireland as part of a new kind of family, a new group of people that I am so proud to be a part of. This baby of Bomba is now also a Victory Scholar!

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 

Evening everyone…

My last post (hopefully) conveyed the perfect coaching session – I somehow managed to keep a group of eight 5-year olds interested and occupied for an hour and a half…and with 10-second attention spans that’s no easy task. But last week, the pieces simply fell together. Everyone – coach, players, parents, even the family dog – left the field happy. It went as smoothly as I co

uld have imagined. 

Yesterday’s session yielded a slightly different picture. Add in seven more 5-year olds. Seven. That’s the coaching equivalent to sliding a 3-ton rock out onto 2-inch thin ice, and expecting it to hold for an hour and a half. Sooner or later, the ice breaks…and when it does, there’s really nothing even the most experienced coach or teacher can do. 

Some of the details of yesterday’s practice (keeping in mind how easily a five year old is distracted from any task): A steady rain, helicopters constantly flying overhead, at least 4 rainbows, and a contagious fascination with wrestling….all of these were thrown out onto the ice, along with the 3-ton rock. Needless to say, no amount of preparation, patience, authority, “time-outs”, creative drills, or stern conversations were enough to keep this ice from breaking. 

Yesterday’s practice taught me that, at some point, a coach has to realize that “ya win some and lose some”, and today was simply not going to be a winning day. So, before the session spiraled completely out of control, I emptied the bag of pinnies, divided the group into two teams, and let them run it out in a match for the rest of the time. (Somehow, this still resulted in a complete disregard for any cone lines or field boundaries, and a massive group of five year olds ended up simply chasing a ball all over the complex. My apologies to the other coaches there.)

On another note, sorry for the lack of blog post last week. My excuse, worthy or not, is that I’ve squeezed a good deal of traveling and Irish exploration into a short amount of time. My girlfriend Megan recently flew in from New York and we’ve been embarking on a lot of the adventures I had previously been putting off for various reasons. Here are some of the highlights: 

The Cliffs of Moher
Poulnabrone Dolmen (a portal tomb at least 4000 years old)
A trip to Dublin that included Trinity College and the Book of Kells (1200 years old)
And a trip to Galway (leaving me slightly envious of the NUIG scholars Gretchen and Andre)

Certain experiences in life have the inevitable effect of making one feel small. Ireland is a country wonderfully suited to elicit these experiences. When I stood at the edge of the Cliffs of Moher last week and allowed my eyes to follow the massive coastline for miles, and watched the waves crash hundreds of feet below me, I came to realize that I was merely witnessing a minute flash in the infinite timeline of this landmark. Not only had those waves crashed the day before, and the month before that, but they had done so for thousands of years, and would continue to do so barring any Mayan apocalyptic disaster in the coming weeks. Leaning over the glass case protecting the Book of Kells in Trinity College’s library a few days later brought about the same feelings. 

Megan and I are currently both enjoying hot chocolate in Galway’s Elles Café, writing about our experiences, and reminiscing about the last two weeks in some desperate attempt to suck up the last bits of enjoyment. A few moments ago, Megan made the point that we will never again be as young as we are now. What a simultaneously wonderful and scary thought. She’s a deep one, that Megan. I’ve had an incredible two weeks with her…sad to see her go home, but delighted to have shared a part of this year with her. 

All my love to those at home…can’t wait to see you at Christmas!

Great Weekend as a Victory Scholar!!

This week, as Jim said in his blog, has been a very busy week for Jim, Caroline, and I because the academic semester is winding down. We are learning more and more about others’ cultures and traditions through working in group projects with our fellow Irish, British, Chinese, and Spanish classmates. Saying this, it is always great to have a weekend where you can relax, get away from coursework, and do what you enjoy doing.
This weekend was the first weekend Jim and I could compete in the National League of Basketball Ireland for the Ulster Elks. After a hard fought match with a team from Galway (Maree), we were able to pull off the W in the end. It was awesome that Mrs. D, the Maguire girls, Joe Coughlan, Andre, Gretchen, and Brendan were able to come to our first game. Jim and I really appreciated the support and are glad you were able to come!!
Today, we coached our Girls Junior Elks teams (Jim and Caroli

ne-U16 and Me-U13/U14) to really close, well contested games. Unfortunately, the U16s came up short in the end, but they shown tremendous resiliency coming back from down as much as 12 at one point to push the game to overtime. Well done U16s, you will get them next time!! As for the U14 game, we also started very slowly (a trend that our National League and Premier League team has also), but we were able to win in the end because of great teamwork and unselfish play. Great job girls!!
To end our Sunday, we are always welcomed to the Maguires house for a great and proper Sunday dinner, courtesy of Mr. G. No matter win, lose, or draw it is a great time to just relax and reflect on the weekend and look forward to the week ahead. This is the perfect way to end the week with great food, great family, X-Factor Results show, and hot tea, apple crumble, and chocolate. 
As the weekdays go on and on, it is always good to have a weekend to enjoy yourself, enjoy others, and enjoy the things you like to do and as a Victory Scholar, I am doing just that!! Thank you for reading!!

Given the title, it should come as no surprise that Gwen is my wonderful mother. 🙂 When I called her on Thursday, I already knew what her response would be but I wanted to hear it from her.

The Situation: Should I stay home and rest up between a late Friday night battle in Cork and an early Sunday game? Or should I capitalize on my classmates’ invitation to the Cliffs of Moher? Yes. Yes. I’m sure it seems as though there shouldn’t have been much of a debate, but what can I say? I have my couch potato moments. Thankfully, Mom had no qualms in highlighting the error of my ways. I made short work of buying the ticket and graciously the Titans Club allowed me the time off to go see one of Ireland’s greatest tourist attractions.

Saturday morning, I pulled myself out of bed, crusty-eyed and tired but excited. I met my 6 classmates at the bus station before boarding with Lally Tours. Our driver Daren (Probably nowhere near the Irish spelling so apologies 0_o) was a laugh from the start. He gave his personal background, shared the most bizarre questions he’s been asked, played Irish music, and even gave us a history, language, and tax law lesson. (I’m not kidding lol)

We explored (read: I crouched through) Aillwee Cave before heading to the Cliffs on what was a beautiful, clear day in County Clare. After some risky photos and getting sufficiently muddy, it was time to unload our potluck picnic. Yum 😛 Eventually, we piled back on to the bus before heading through the Burren, up the Oceanside and making a pit stop at Dungaire Castle. When we pulled back into the station at 5:45, I was thoroughly exhausted but was so glad to have gone. My classmates are nothing but laughs and the fresh air was soul cleansing. Just what the doctor ordered. Thanks Mom!

Victory Scholar: Marritta Gillcrease
Present University: NUI Galway
US League: MAAC
Club/Community Partner: Galway Titans
Alma Mater: Rider University
Sponsored by: Teamwear Ireland

It’s been an insanely busy week but one full of fun, learning, and new experiences. It’s been great getting to know all of the scholars and becoming so close with them. The kids we’ve coached have provided us with good times and laughs all week too (“All Americans can dunk” is a direct quote from a kid).

Last Wednesday my name turned into Sweet Caroline at E-hoops. As some of the guys needed me to remind them of what Matts name was so I had to ask if they remembered mine…”Its Caroline, like Sweet Caroline, because you are and I mean it,” was the response I got! What charm these young men have! 
We put together a contract as a group of what they want out of E-hoops and what measures need to be taken to have a productive session each week. A big idea we discussed was Respect. Sitting around a room with about 20 Mac computers everyone was thinking about respecting equipment and facilities, then we started talking about respecting each other, and themselves. 
After E-hoops was over that night. I thought about how important respect really is. It all starts with the ability to respect yourself. If you are true to yourself it allows you to create opportunities to experience success. And once you get a taste of what accomplishment feels like, it is hard to turn back on it. By showing something as simple as respect, will open so many doors for these young men. And by showing up for E-hoops every week they have already started to take steps in the right direction, wether they know it or not. It is all about the choices you make and I cannot wait to see the progress we make every week.

The day finally came this week on Tuesday afternoon. My opportunity to really show my coaching ability. Tuesday afternoon was the first day where I was going to coach a game here in Ireland. I’m not going to lie, I was a little nervous. When coaching practices, there really isn’t any pressure or nervousness. I genuinely enjoying teaching the kids and giving them the opportunity to become better basketball players. But when it comes to a game, its different. Its finally time to see what your players have learned and understood, then see them try to apply it to an really life situation. A actual game! 

And they did great! I was able to call out plays and different motions, with everyone understanding what to do and executing them efficiently. I was able to switch up the defense with everyone being on the same page, on the fly. Throw in a press defense here and there. It was wonderful to be able to say things and coach, having every single player on the court and bench know exactly what was going on. And it worked for us. We were able to get the win (my first win as an coach in Ireland!), and it felt great. The kids probably weren’t as excited as I was, because it really meant something to me to be able to get the first win as a coach over here. But it felt great to have all of them apart of it. Thanks for tuning into my blog this week. Check in next week to see how things went. Take care!

My first week here in Ireland was a busy one.  The first week was filled with lots of training and meeting everyone from my fellow scholars to some of the Ulster University faculty members.  I had a really good time during my first week and didn’t really have a chance to take it all in until Saturday.  Saturday morning was the last activity all of the victory scholars would be doing together before everyone left for their assigned university.  We all decided to take a hike to the top of cave hill.  I really didn’t want to take the hike to the top I was hoping there was a way that we could drive to the top and see the view.  After about twenty minutes into the hike I was overcome with joy.  The time it took to hike to the top allowed me some time to take everything in and reflect a little.  I started off thinking about how blessed I am to just have the opportunity to see another part of the world.  I started to become overwhelmed with gratefulness that God allowed me to be chosen to become a victory scholar.  I know how difficult it is for young men from my city to be successful with all of the violence and drugs surrounding so many of our communities.  So for me to just have the opportunity to walk up Cave Hill Mountain brought great joy and gratitude.  Once I reached the top I just looked at the most beautiful view I have ever seen in my life and said to myself   “WOW”.  I could only think about how far I have come and the many people who have helped contribute to my success.  “To God Be The Glory” 

Victory Scholar: Jonathan McNair

Present University: Ulster University

US League: East Coast Conference

Club/Community Partner: Ulster Elks

Alma Mater: St Thomas Aquinas College

Sponsored by: Teamwear Ireland 

My experience playing basketball in Ireland has not been what I expected. Everyone told me that basketball in Ireland wasn’t very serious and that there wasn’t much talent in the country, but they obviously have never watched the women’s Superleague team in Limerick. When I first got here, I was immediately impressed with the talent and commitment that the girls on this team have, and it clearly has paid off. They are the defending cup champions, and last weekend the team won its 40th game in a row! This week we even had Ed, the strength and conditioning coach work with us and give us a lifting program so that we can continue competing at our highest level. I am so thankful to have been given the opportunity to play for such a great club, where the team is talented, and the support surrounding the team is just as great. I am fortunate to be playing for a wonderful coach and with a great group of girls…I’m even playing with an Olympian (Rachel 

I’ve been in Belfast for almost 3 months and I am officially paler than most Irish people. Looking like a cast member from Twilight may have scared our opponents as we won our first college game by a good margin against the Dublin Institute of Technology. Matt and I look forward to playing in our first National League game next week as our mandatory 3 months of sitting out for international players concludes.

Caroline, Matt and I tagged along with Gareth this week to coach at a local primary school. We have coached many different levels while being over here and each age presents its own challenges. This particular level was 9 and 10 year olds who were not too familiar with basketball. Therefore, we knew that our primary task was to keep basketball fun and hopefully this would make some of the students pursue a healthy lifestyle that includes an after school sport.

The kids favorite part was the warm up in which we blasted LMFAO, Black Eyed Pea

s and after many requests, I succumbed to playing One Direction. The students ran in circles dancing and singing their favorite songs to warm up and we kept the music on for dribbling and passing drills. The students did not even realize how much they were exercising and improving their basketball coordination because they were so focused on the music and having fun. I know the scholars thoroughly enjoyed coaching and it seemed like the students did as well as they all high fived us on the way out.

I have to congratulate my high school coach, Speedy Morris, on his nomination for the Basketball Hall of Fame! I would not be the man or basketball player I am today without his guidance on and off the court.

I also have to give a shoutout to my Lafayette Leopards as they play their first game tonight against St. Francis(NY). It is not going to get any easier as they take on Kentucky next week, but I am sure the fellas are not going to back down from anyone!

This past weekend was extremely hectic for I.T. Carlow basketball as we had a college match on Friday, followed by two national league matches on Saturday and Sunday.  We were unsuccessful in terms of wins, but in regard to effort and heart we succeeded with flying colors.  It can be very demanding on the body and mind to play back-to-back-to-back like that with tough competition. 

Being an older and experienced player on the team, I try my best to lead my teammates and make them better every chance I get. I am a firm believer of the quote, “Never get too high, and never get too low”.  This team works off that idea as well.  When we went on a winning streak a few weeks ago, they never got too high and they just continued to be hungry for another win.  Inversely, with every punch we took this weekend, we kept getting back up and never got too low. 

This team has an immense amount of heart, passion, and fight.  Our record does not indicate how good this team is and how hard they work.  Even if we were winless, I would still be proud to be part of this group of guys.  As our season winds down, I just want to give a huge thank you in advance for making me feel like family and making me a better person and player. You are a special group, and I will forever consider you brothers.

Victory Scholar: Harrison Deyo

Present University: IT Carlow

US League: MAC

Club/Community Partner: IT Carlow Basketball

Alma Mater: Alvernia University

Sponsored by: Teamwear Ireland

When the international customs agent in the Dublin airport asked, “What brings you here?’, I had a slight pause thinking through all the different things Sport Changes Life has offered me. I replied to inspire and motivate young children throughout Ireland and get my Master’s degree.

That’s when reality set in and my rim was rocked. This is my first time in another country and I get to use the sport of basketball, once again, as a vehicle to help others like it has, and continues to help me. I also never imagined obtaining a Master’s degree and continuing to play basketball at a competitive level.

Fast forward a few days after experiencing Northern Ireland first hand, and all the photogenic sights it has to offer. We passed the same place numerous times throughout the week but every time I felt a need to snap yet another picture of the same exact things. We got to meet a group of young people who have incredible potential, heart, and intelligence through the eHoops program. This was the next to rock my rim because I learn so much from being around them and they’re just fascinating to get to know. Above all, I’m here for these kids and they subconsciously teach me about the world, myself, and life.

Lastly, a young child asked me to dunk an alley-oop while we were scrimmaging. He threw a perfect pass and I jumped and rocked the rim just like every other routine alley-oop, except for the first time in my life I was back on the ground with the rim in both hands. The kids had a ball of it and I was in just as much shock.

These first few days have been extraordinary and I could not be more blessed. I look forward to being challenged and having my rim rocked for the next year and bettering the world as I go!

Victory Scholar: Harrison Deyo

Present University: IT Carlow

US League: MAC

Club/Community Partner: IT Carlow Basketball

Alma Mater: Alvernia University

Sponsored by: Teamwear Ireland 

In this day and age, we have many different channels in which we can communicate: phones (i.e. picture), email, instant messages, etc. As I continue to grow as a young man, I am starting to really understand how essential it is to be able to communicate your thoughts and ideas to others in a clear manner verbally. As I am learning communication, yesterdays E-hoops session was also about communication and teamwork, which really go hand and hand. The activity was for one person to put a series of cones, balls, and beanbags in the exact spot in which they were on the opposite side of the grid. The catch was that they would be blindfolded while doing it and the only way they would know where to put each item is through their teammates’ voices. Another factor they had to account for was that they had to do it in 3 minutes. 
At first, it was very difficult for the group to be able to give instructions and communicate to the blindfolded person in a precise, controlled, but fast manner. Saying this, as time went on, the communication improved tremendously and the group finished and accomplished their task. The lesson for me this week has been communication and how important it is for us in our everyday lives, and it was great to see the improvement of the E-hoopers just in yesterday’s session. Thanks for Reading!!!