As much as the focus is on having fun at 14u Elks training, everyone is also there to get better and learn. With many of my players learning the fundamentals, some of the drills and exercises can be tough for them at first. A new ball handing drill for instannce or lay ups on the left side will often be met with the response of “I CAN’T do that.”

This unspeakable word, CAN’T, is what the girls have come to know as my ‘least favorite word.’ It’s because when I hear it, I make it a point that they should never say it, or even think it in the gym!

What many young athletes don’t realize is the importance of failure.  For anyone working towards becoming better at something, it is not easy to put the failures and missteps into perspective as a part of the learning process to becoming great. In the grand scheme, failure is one of the most important parts of success. The best players are the ones that take mistakes on the chin, accept it, and say ‘I’ll get the next one.”

In any coaching session I do, I’ve emphasized the importance of persistence in any drill. You won’t get something on the first try, but you’re not meant to! No one has ever shot a layup perfectly the first time they’ve tried. If was easy, anyone can do it. If you aren’t losing the ball on a new ball handling drill, then you’re not doing it hard enough.

Your limits are only as high or low as you set them. If you refuse to accept that you can’t do something, the sky is the limit.

 

Victory Scholar: Clare Sullivan

Present University: Ulster University

US League Partner: Patriot League

Club/Community Partner: Ulster Elks

Alma Mater: The College of the Holy Cross

Sponsored by: Teamwear Ireland 

The sun was shining and the streets filled with throngs of people. I was excited to be in Barcelona, a city where Kara could use her Spanish skills and I was more likely to find English speakers. Kara and I wandered for a while before we finally found our hostel, which was located on Carrer Sant Pere Mes Alt. We had not realized that three parallel streets all began with Carrer Sant Pere Mes , with only the word at the end differentiating the three.

 

Our hostel was well located in the heart of Barcelona, and once we got a map and some tips from our host, we began exploring the city. Given that we were starving, we went in search of a local tapas bar (small finger food type of appetizers) that our host suggested. The innumerable narrow streets almost got us lost. There was a line to get inside what appeared to be a mix between a small butchers shop and a bar, but it proved to be an excellent and unique experience both from the culinary and cultural perspective.

 

We took advantage of a free city walking tour to learn about the history of Barcelona, which was quite fascinating. In addition, I finally found out what the countless flags hanging from people’s apartments represented. They represented the independence movement for Barcelona and other Catalonia countries that wish to break off from Spain as an independent nation.

 

In our four days in Barcelona, we got to see a lot and all by foot, as I insisted we get exercise since there was no time for workouts. One day, the pedometer revealed we had walked 38,325 steps, covering almost 18.5 miles. This was even more than our average of about 15 miles. It led to some soreness, especially for poor Kara, but we were able to visit everything from Park Güell to the Picasso Museum to the Sagrada Familia, and saw most everything in between.

 

Victory Scholar: Ryan Ansel

Present University: Ulster University

Alma Mater: Davidson College

Conference: Atlantic 10

 

This season in the Premier League has been nothing short of a challenge. Being a very young team, with a new coach, meant we would face a lot of adversity. To say the least, that statement could not be more accurate.  

 

With that being said, the group of UL Huskies have been nothing but dedicated, willing to work, and determined to compete in every match we play. Unfortunately, the beginning of the season was nothing but hardships. We had our fair share of games that just didn’t go our way. In fact, we did not get our first win of the season until the end of November; a whole month after the season was underway.

 

Instead of getting discouraged though, it brought us closer together and motivated more than ever. Extra sessions on the court and off the court were put in place to give us a more competitive edge.

 

Although our record and ranking on the table doesn’t show it, this team has improved incredibly. For the first half of the season, every team we faced thought they had an easy win when they played us. In the second half, it hasn’t been the case. This team has threatened wins over some of the top teams in the league, losing by deficits of three or less. Although the close games hurt to lose, the fire burned in us stronger than ever.

 

This weekend it was do or die. Being at the bottom of the table we have been facing the threat of relegation. We needed another win to move up in the standings in order to avoid it. Motivated to maintain our Premier League spot, we fought to the very last few seconds to earn the win over the very talented Brunell team.

 

Although to some, it doesn’t seem like a big deal to win that game, and to move up a spot in the standings. But for me, it’s all about the journey. Nothing is worth having without putting in the work to earn it. You grow most individually, and as a team, when faced with adversity. This most recent game epitomizes that very concept. Seeing the hard work pay off makes the win so much sweeter.

 

I could not be more proud to be a part of the UL Huskies.   

 

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

 

Since winter break ended, us Victory Scholars have settled back into our homes here on the Emerald Isle and gotten ready for the second half of our journey with Sport Changes Life. For us up here in Belfast, that has included the beginning of several new eHoops programs, and I am a part of five different eHoops per week now!

 

The way eHoops works is SCL takes a group of kids from different areas of Belfast and other Northern Irish communities and play sport for an hour, (this week we’ve done everything from yoga to badminton), and then we have a classroom hour. The classroom hour is used to have group discussions, learn about important topics or current events, or learn new skills. This past week our West Belfast group had a group discussion about depression and coping mechanisms, while our New Mossley group got a lesson in Photoshop using the “Mac Lab” at Ulster University. After the classroom session, everyone gets pizza and then hops on the bus to head back to their respective neighborhoods.

 

Our SCL staff meets with the kids outside of eHoops as well, organizing personal meetings either in the SCL offices or different places in the kids’ neighborhoods, to go over goals and aspirations as well as offer help in building a CV and finding a job. On Fridays, I usually join the staff members to meet our Short Strand eHoopers at St. Matthews, the go-to hangout spot in their neighborhood. I have lunch with the boys, play pool with them, and have conversations about anything and everything. It’s so odd to think that what I do with them is technically considered “work.”

 

This week I walked into city centre from St. Matthews to meet up with some friends. One of the eHoopers walked in with me and talked to me about how close the community is within the Short Strand. I knew it was a small Catholic enclave in East Belfast, which is primarily Protestant. Some of the kids I met there had told me about how the Strand was a common target during the Troubles, and I get the sense that its one of those areas in the city where the people have a strong sense of pride when it comes to their loyalties.

 

During the walk to town, he knew about every other person that passed us, and I remembered thinking he must be really popular. He explained, however, that anyone walking that direction down that specific road in town was probably heading towards the Strand, and it’s very uncommon that two people from the Strand wouldn’t know each other.

 

I think that the history here in Belfast is fascinating and I never get tired of learning from the people that live here from all of the different communities. Although it was just a short walk into town with a friend on a random Friday afternoon, it was an experience I never would have gotten if I weren’t a part of Sport Changes Life. I may have met them as “eHoopers”, but the way I see it, I just have friends from all over the city.

 

Victory Scholar: Ashley Montecchio

Present University: University of Ulster

Alma Mater: Rosemont College

The main component of the Sport Changes Life Victory Scholar program is to be active in the community, and inspire the youth to strive for excellence in sport, academics, and in personal development. It is that very ethos that attracted to me to this wonderful program.  

 

At first I was a little hesitant about coaching, I really wanted to make an impact, but didn’t quite know how it was going to go! After 5 months, (cant believe I’ve already been here for 5 months!) I can honestly say that there has been vast improvement with the girls I have had the pleasure to coach.

 

I work with Hannah and Sarah, two UL Huskies under 14 players once a week to work on individual skills. I look forward to this session every week for many reasons. For one, they’re awesome and I love hanging out and talking to them… they’re definitely way cooler than I was at the age of 14. And two, because they want to get better and improve their game.

 

Even though I already really enjoy the sessions, it’s even more awesome when I see the girls growing and developing into great basketball players. Seeing them improve week in and week out, using the moves I taught them, and hearing how well they’re doing in their games is the most fulfilling feeling! There is a sense of pride that comes with knowing that I am taking part in helping them grow into the great basketball players that they are becoming.

 

It truly is an indescribable feeling that is absolutely addicting. It motivates me to find new drills, to challenge them, and to come to every session with lots of energy and enthusiasm.

 

I look forward to the next upcoming months with these two, as well as all the other girls I have the honor of coaching! The glimmers of excellence are becoming more and more frequent, and I can’t wait to see how far we can go!       

 

A huge shout out to the GOATs (Greatest Of All Time), Hannah and Sarah, for this blog post inspiration.

 

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

 

Tons going on with school, coaching, and playing. However, I find myself more at peace than ever. I feel like I am mastering my routine, and enjoying it more and more each day. I am comfortable with those around me, and I feel like the more attentive and detailed that I am in my actions and habits, the more I get out of the people that I work with. Moreover, with this attitude, I am finding that I am getting the most out of myself and attaining consistent mental growth.

 

This week I got back on track with everything. After losing 1-0 to UCC in the finals of the freshers tourney, the week was off to a roaring start. The club was still very happy with our success in making it to the finals, as we beat a strong UCD side and made it to the finals of the Harding cup for the first time in years. I got started with a new squad, the Limerick FC under-11s on Monday, and they were super receptive and easy to work with. Top-class quality bunch of players as well. Throughout the week I was swamped with trainings, matches, and work. However, like I mentioned, I felt at ease moving forth into a state of controlled chaos.

 

Unfortunately, a family member of a member of the UL Club Soccer Program passed away this week. What was encouraging to witness was the team support that was shown. I did not expect to have developed relationships that would allow me to identify so closely with people with whom I have only been working for a short period of time. Nevertheless, I feel like I belong to a number of close-knit families. I have my school family which comprises those that I share my programme with. Then I have my UL Soccer family, who are always supportive and a joy to see. The youth that I coach and work with on a regular basis are certainly a group that I am overjoyed to identify with. There is of course my Hillceltic family (who just went 6 points clear of the top of the table by the way. To be honest, Kelsey’s UL basketball teams treat me as one of their own, and that support is invaluable to me. And finally, my Sport Changes Life family, who I would not be able to grow without.

 

Sometimes I feel like I am lost in the busy atmosphere and the multitasking, but it is the fact that I have been able to feel as if I can genuinely identify with these groups that enriches my experience and makes all of my time and effort 1000% worth it.

 

Much love and respect. Until next time! 🙂

 

Victory Scholar: Jonathan Nelson

Sport League: ATLANTIC 10

Present University: University of Limerick

Alma Mater: Dayton University

 

 

I recently accepted a wonderful opportunity to work with Evolve Sport USA, which is a partner of Sport Changes Life.  Evolve Sport USA focus is to support and motivate student athlete’s ages 16-20 that have aspirations to further their academic and sporting careers in a America at the college level.

 

I have been selected to speak to student’s athletes and their families about the opportunities and expectations of being a student athlete in America at the college level. The Evolve Sport USA organization has a staff team dedicated to helping young people who aspire to gain a scholarship in the United States. There aim is to find student athletes across Ireland and help put them in the best position to become a successful student athletes in America. 

 

To learn more about Evolve Sport USA visit the website and Facebook page here at http://evolvesportusa.com and https://www.facebook.com/Evolve-Sport-USA-.  

 

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

What do you get when you put 4 scholars in animal onesies and tell them to lip sync to Iggy Azalea’s Fancy?

 

Some of you may have seen it, while some of you may have not. If you have not you should probably watch it before you read this if you want to laugh your face off: Click here for the video!

 

Anyway, Shelby got contacted from a former classmate about a new show they are trying to get on MTV called Lip Sync Wars. They were looking for lip-syncing teams of Americans living in Dublin. They are filming the pilot in Dublin and thought it would be cool to have some residents or whatever you want to call us in it! They (and by they I have no idea who I am referring to) told us that because we have a cool backstory we have a good chance of making it! I never thought coming to Dublin as a Victory Scholar with Sport Changes Life would bring me this opportunity. Who knew that mentoring, coaching and playing would directly translate into lip syncing!

 

So off we went. We knew we wanted to look ridiculous so Jen and I bought onsies at Penny’s (they should really sell these things at home in more places). I found a flamingo one and Jen was a leopard. Katie had a tiger and Shelby was a cow. I am laughing out loud right now thinking about how ridiculous this sounds. We had no idea what we wanted to do for the video so we just sort of walked around campus at Trinity. We ended up filming on the tennis courts, right in the front gate and in the middle of Dublin on Grafton Street. It was hilarious watching people stare at us and not know whether to laugh or be horrified.

 

Since Monday I have had the song stuck in my head nonstop. By now I know the lyrics but had no idea what they were on Monday (LOL). We are waiting to hear back from the producers if they want our fabulous group to move on to the next round or not, so everyone cross your fingers! After years of living as an undiscovered talent this might just be my big break! I might finally make it to Broadway (HA!).

 

Victory Scholar: Christine Ganser

Sport League: Patriot League

Present University: Trinity College Dublin

Alma Mater: College of Holy Cross

 

This was a new way of preparing for practice. As a player my pre-practice ritual usually includes a nap, a meal, and plenty of water. As a coach it is usually all about writing up a practice schedule. But this week, it involved sorting a 4-pound bag of jolly ranchers into groups by color, then organizing them into even sets, and finally making little baggies for each of the players. I made sure everyone got the same number of each color – no one wants to be the girl with all green apple, you know?  

The chore was a tad tedious, but definitely worth the effort. I tend to think of jolly ranchers as the candy left over at the bottom of the candy bowl, but apparently they are much loved on this side of the pond. We had the girls competing for an unnamed prize, and they went crazy when they saw what it was! I’m too soft to only give candy to half of them, but some competitive spirits were unhappy with this approach, asking, “Why were we even competing if everyone’s going to get the prize anyway?” I love to see how competitive they can get.

The best part of the practice was its end, when Harrison and I watched the girls running out to their parents in the parking lot, waving their baggies and shouting “WE GOT JOLLY RANCHERS!” I think this is going to be a tough act for me to follow! 

 

Victory Scholar: Lillian McCabe

Present University: IT Carlow

US League: Atlantic 10

Club/Community Partner: ITC Basketball

Alma Mater: Davidson College

Sponsored by: Teamwear Ireland

So yes, as you can guess from the title, my parents were here visiting this past week! They had an eventful first weekend in Ireland as their original flight was delayed.. which forced them to miss their connecting flight.. and switch their arrival airport into a completely different one. But of course it all worked out as they arrived in Dublin the same weekend that I had a Super League match also in Dublin (funny how that works!) Unfortunately, because of all the changes, the airlines temporarily “delayed” their bags, so they were introduced to a store called Penney’s at an early stage as soon as they arrived!

 

While in Dublin, we were on the full tourist track! Touring the Dublinia Viking Museum, Christ Church Cathedral, the Guinness Storehouse Factory, Dublin Castle, and Trinity College were the main highlights from the weekend. They also got to see my team and I play a great match against DCU, and just narrowly lose in the last minutes of the game. SuperBowl Sunday also turned out to be a blast in Dublin as we met up with fellow scholars Jen and Christine, as well as with another North Carolinian playing in the Men’s Super League – Preston Ross!

 

Back in Limerick for the week, we also stayed on the full tourist track as we also visited King John’s Castle and the Cliffs of Moher. One of my favorite moments was going to see the movie Selma on its first night’s release in Ireland. February is Black History Month back in the United States, and we normally do a family activity to celebrate the month – and this year was no different. My parents were also able to meet a lot of the parents who help run the UL Huskies Basketball Club, including some of the girls that I’ve helped coach throughout the past semester. I was happy they were able to get a well-rounded experience of their first trip to Ireland – from seeing the busier city of Dublin to the quieter side of Limerick, to meeting the parents and kids from the UL Huskies Club that I work with every week, to meeting my teammates and friends. I’d say that they had a fun-filled and welcoming week in Ireland, and can’t wait until I see them again later this year!

 

Victory Scholar: Kelsey Harris

Sport League: SOCON Sports 
League

Present University: University of Limerick

Alma Mater: Elon University

Every week SCL works two different groups of kids at Ehoops. On Wednesdays, we hang out with a group of girls from the Short Strand and on Thursdays we spend time with some boys from Ballybeen.

After six months of participating in Ehoops, there is one concept that plays a part in all the classroom sessions- respect. Whether it’s talking to kids on how they want to better themselves, their community, or even the Northern Ireland one idea comes into play in every discussion is respect. The take-aways of any activity or discussion can all be boiled down to this one word.

In essence, the whole idea of Ehoops is built on the foundation of respect. The kids that show up to Ehoops have respect for themselves because they are taking advantage of an opportunity to better their own life in some way. Deep down, they realize their own self-worth and value and Ehoops gives them guidance and support for them to see it more clearly. In turn, Ehoops shows respect for them by validating their self-worth by encouraging them to have goals and dreams. The hope is that any self-respect that’s raised through Ehoops would lead to deeper respect for their communities and ideally insight positive change.

 

Victory Scholar: Clare Sullivan

Present University: Ulster University

US League Partner: Patriot League

Club/Community Partner: Ulster Elks

Alma Mater: The College of the Holy Cross

Sponsored by: Teamwear Ireland 

I didn’t waste time after Christmas to start exploring Europe. The trip would officially begin with Kara’s arrival in Dublin at 8:30 am on the 26th. Unfortunately, this meant I was boarding a 6 am bus the day after Christmas, but to be fair Kara had started her travels on Christmas day.

Let the adventures begin! Kara and I got a taste of Dublin as we spent the day there before our evening departure for Paris. I basked in the final moments of being able to communicate effectively with everyone, although surprisingly the signs in Dublin had Gaelic first.

We both only knew a few phrases in French at best, which at times made me wish I had my mother there to translate. In Paris we would be spending our nights in a small flat, and by that I mean 15m by 2m (just barely the length of a mattress). Some may have viewed the location on the 6th floor of a building with no elevator to be a downside, but we embraced it as a mini workout each time we took the spiral staircase. It had everything we needed and since it had a diagonal ceiling (which I occasionally hit my head on) compliments of the roof, we called it our rooftop suite!

 

Victory Scholar: Ryan Ansel

Present University: Ulster University

Alma Mater: Davidson College

Conference: Atlantic 10

 

Last night’s ehoops session was one of the better ones that we had all year. We were set up in small groups so I got to learn a lot about the stories of the young adults in my group. Some of the stories were sad, some were really cool but it was awesome to hear from this group! They told me about their expereinces and taught me about their community, which I have never stepped foot in.  

 

Getting to hear from all of them just made me think, you never know what someone is going through and quiet often we can be quick to judge. I saw strength in the stories of these kids and wonder how I would have reacted when I was their age. It really opened my eye’s to what some of these young peole are going through.  Something I would like to focus on this semester is not so much concerning about how I can benefit from my own actions, but I’d like to focus on how my actions affect others in a positive way. 

 

I look forward to sharing my experiences with my new focus in my future blogs. Thanks for reading.

 

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

In Paris, we did everything from Notre Dame to the Eiffel Tower to Musee d’Orsay, and along the way we did see a famous French mime. We even indulged in a rather sophisticated wine and cheese night in our Rooftop Suit, or that is how we choose to portray it (it was done on a budget!).

 

Kara and I met up with my fellow Victory scholar Jonathan to celebrate the New Year. We lacked any real plan, but we thought it would be cool to ring in the New Year by the Eiffel Tour, and apparently a lot of other people had that same idea. We found a nice spot on the bank of the Seine where we hung out until 4 am.

 

The next morning, we were off to the South of France, where we visited both Montpellier and Marseille. In honor of my mother’s study abroad experience, we indulged in an excessive number of pastries at various cafes.

 

The struggle was real when it came to communicating with some people in the South, including our one AirBnB hostess. She was a sweet old lady and would try to ask us questions or given directions, but the best we could do was smile and nod as we walked away even more confused. But she did manage to instruct Kara on how to sow her button back on her coat successfully! Also during our time in the South of France, we were told “Bonne Annee” (Happy New Year) by countless people we met.  I was surprised to learn that they say happy New Year throughout the entire month of January.

 

Victory Scholar: Ryan Ansel

Present University: Ulster University

Alma Mater: Davidson College

Conference: Atlantic 10

 

 

By this I mean that I’m at a point where I am starting to think about what the future holds. Last year I was debating going into the workforce with a “real job,” or to try to continue playing basketball. I was fortunate to strike gold and land the opportunity to coach, play, and study in Ireland as part of Sport Changes Life. However, I do not know if I will strike gold again this year or not, which leaves me uneasy about the future. I do know, however, that I will be very well prepared for whatever opportunity lies ahead.  I have already learned more than I could have imagined from the opportunity to be independent while living and studying in a different country and culture. I am much more prepared to face the challenges that lie in the uncertain future. Knowing this makes an uneasy and frightening situation seem not so bad. Sport Changes Life is largely to thank for this.

 

 

Victory Scholar: Cory Starkey 

Present University: NUI Galway

US League: Patriot League 

Club/community partner: Galway Titans 

Alma Mater: Bucknell University 

Sponsored by: Teamwear Ireland 

Last Sunday when Darryl and I spent the day on Inis Mór, we were extremely lucky to have Fiona, one of the teachers on the island, looking out for us throughout our time on the island. After coaching, she took us around the island so we could do some sightseeing and get a taste of what the island is like.

 

We walked up to Dún Aonghasa (Dun Aengus), which is a famous fort believed to date back to the Iron Age. There are four forts on Inis Mór, with Dún Aengus being the most preserved. Obviously, the entire fort does not exist anymore, but a large portion of the walls still remains intact. It was awesome seeing these stonewalls which were used as defenses back in the day.

 

The walls are just huge stones strategically placed on top of another to create the wall. It’s crazy to believe they have maintained throughout the years.  Once we made it top of the fort, we had the most spectacular view of the entire island…it was incredible! The fort was on the edge of an 81-meter cliff. I was actually quite surprised that there was no wall or barrier on the edge…you walk to the very edge of the cliff.

 

While I didn’t stand on the edge, I laid down and scooted myself to the edge. Even laying down was frightening though! We were very fortunate to have such nice weather. We were lucky it didn’t rain and remained clear and sunny, allowing us to get the best view possible. It was truly an unforgettable day at Inis Mór! I am so blessed to have had this opportunity! Until next time…Aran Islands 🙂

 

Victory Scholar: Nicole Krusen

Sport League: PATRIOT League

Present University: National University of Ireland Galway

Alma Mater: Loyola College

For those basketball players whose final days of playing collegiately are numbered, you may be asking yourselves, “Where do I go next in life?”

 

For me, the answer was obvious after I heard about the Sport Changes Life program. As soon as I heard about it, I just knew; that’s what I wanted to do. Becoming a Victory Scholar appealed to me because of its three main components. These include the opportunity to give back to the community through youth development and coaching, to attain a business related Master’s degree from an esteemed Irish institution, and to continue playing the sport I love.

 

Giving back

Making a difference in Irish communities is the most important aspect of the Sport Changes Life program. The whole idea of Sport Changes Life is inherent in its name; the purpose of the organization is to change people’s lives through sport. As a Victory Scholar, you will interact with children in your local community, usually through coaching basketball, in order to aspire them to brighter futures. If you want to truly impact the lives of young people, the Victory Scholarship may be the perfect fit for you.

 

Studying Abroad

The Sport Changes Life program gives its Victory Scholars the chance to broaden their horizons by living and studying in a country different to the one they have spent most of their lives in. Victory Scholars are given the incredible opportunity to earn a Master’s Degree from an Irish institution at no personal cost; tuition is completely covered by the Victory Scholarship. For all you college basketball players who dreamed of studying abroad but couldn’t due to time commitments to your sport, this could be your chance to make that dream a reality.

 

Continuing to play

Most college basketball players reach the end of their college career—at the peak of their ability—and simply stop playing. All the hours they have dedicated to refining their skills, perfecting their shots, and training their bodies abruptly become a thing of the past. However, the Sport Changes Life program gives these athletes a chance to continue playing competitively in Ireland for one more year. Victory Scholars play locally for the club team in their given city, and for their college team. Playing basketball in Ireland is more relaxed than college ball, allowing players to enjoy a less strenuous training schedule while at the same time falling in love with the game all over again.

 

 

If each of these aspects appeals to you, apply online now! Sport Changes Life will only accept applications until April, so get started on them soon. It will take a high quality application for you to be accepted into the program. However, if you are accepted, it will change your life and the lives of those you touch on your journey, forever.

 

 

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

As most people know, last Sunday was Super Bowl Sunday, which would normally consist of my family, friends, and I hanging out, eating lots of food, and watching the game. However, this year things were a little different.

 

Darryl and I got the opportunity to go coach a group of secondary school kids on the Aran Islands. The Aran Islands are 3 little islands off of Galway. The island we were on was Inis Mór, which was the largest of the three islands. Even though it was the largest it was only 12 x 3 km, which still is really small, but it was such an amazing place to visit. Going into it, I wasn’t completely sure what to expect, especially since most of the kids had never played basketball before.

 

Honestly, I was preparing to work on the basics with them and just introduce the game to them. Once we were there though, they really surprised me at how much skill they had. Truthfully, I think they even surprised themselves at times at how much they could do. We would start basic, but then they got it no problem, so we continued to challenge them and do more advanced skills. At one point, we had them try doing between the leg crossovers and every one of them was saying things like, “I can’t do that, it’s so hard.” Needless to say, after everyone tried it for a few minutes they started to pick up on it and got better.

 

It was really great seeing a group of teenagers who are brand new to the sport, pick it up so fast and go past what they thought was their limit.  These kids were such a joy to work with. Watching them smiling, laughing, and having fun while still getting better is the greatest joy for any coach!

 

Stay tuned for my next blog on some more adventures in the Aran Islands… 

 

Victory Scholar: Nicole Krusen

Sport League: PATRIOT League

Present University: National University of Ireland Galway

Alma Mater: Loyola College

Every Wednesday and Thursday, Jazmen and I spend our afternoons coaching at the Mercy Primary School in Waterford. Over the course of these two days, we put each of the eleven classes at Mercy through a half-hour basketball session. Most of the kids, aged eight to thirteen, have limited or no basketball experience, so the sessions are less about rigorously improving their skills and more about making sure they have fun.

 

This week marked our fourth week working with this group of kids, and a certain special milestone for one of the girls. Jazmen had half of the class playing a passing game while I had the other half shooting layups when someone scored and, fists rocketing into the air, shouted,

 

“That’s the first basket I ever made!”

 

She was absolutely delighted with herself. Her excitement brought me back to my younger days and made me think of the first basket I ever scored. I was eight years old playing in a recreational basketball league in my own primary school in Twinsburg, Ohio. Although the rims were eight feet tall, I still struggled to reach them for a long time. When I finally did make my first basket, I remember being exhilarated, just like the little girl from Mercy.

 

Being a witness to the girl’s first basket was special to me because I understood just how thrilling of an accomplishment it was. Fifteen years and thousands of miles separated our first baskets, yet the feelings of pride and excitement were identical.

 

These are the moments that make me thankful to be a coach for Sport Changes Life—moments in which I can see the same love and passion I have for basketball alive in the hearts of the young people I coach.

 

 

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