Ever since I was 8 years old, I’ve been involved competitively in sport. Went from playing baseball, to football, and over time eventually falling in love with the game of basketball. I wasn’t the best baseball player around and football didn’t seem to suit me well, so I took my talents to the basketball court—and this is where I seemed to naturally thrive! This could be contributed to the fact that I’ve always been taller than kids that were my age. Not only was I taller, but also my father played basketball at a very high level, so he would be constantly pushing me to go outside and “work on my game,” as he calls it.

 

At a young age, I didn’t care too much about basketball, and scholarships were not on my mind. Working on my game is not what I wanted to do. I wasn’t the dedicated 10 year old, outside spending countless amounts of hours shooting, dribbling, or working on my post moves (unlike my little brother). I grew up wanting to hang out in the neighborhood with all my friends— riding bikes around the city, or playing basketball, but playing the way I wanted to play…on the 9 foot goals so I could dunk every time.

 

The older I’ve gotten the more I’ve learned to appreciate him pushing me to “work on my game” because those simple motivational words have brought me where I am today. As a result of those words, the more I would find myself outside getting some extra shots up. Sometimes I wonder how much better I could’ve been if I actually cared more when I was younger—but no regrets, it is what is it is and basketball has paved a successful path for me in life and has done many great things for me. Basketball has built lifelong friendships, made unforgettable collegiate championships wins, enabled myself to travel, and has even gave me the opportunity to study abroad and play in another country! Without basketball I would not be the awesome person I am today (hehe). In this blog I would like to give a special shout out to Pops–and of course SCL!

 

Victory Scholar: Darryl Durham

Sport League: Conference Carolinas

Present University: National University of Ireland Galway

Alma Mater: Belmont Abbey College

Early last week, my mom and I were discussing my sister’s upcoming 30^th birthday and the surprise party my brother in law had planned. My mom was telling me how busy everyone in the family seemed to be that weekend, and I rebutted that it was a shame that I had no obligations interfering with the event- only a couple thousand miles and a whole ocean. But after a quick search, we saw that those couple thousand miles were not so insurmountable given the inexpensive flights available. And so with the permission of my SCL family, I headed home for the weekend.  

Most of the family congregated at our house on Friday night for a family dinner (barring my sister Rachel, who we were all surprising the next day). It was great to eat my dad’s delicious home-cooked meal and drink my favorite flavored carbonated water (which I can’t find anywhere in Ireland! The sugar-filled stuff just isn’t the same). Surprising Rachel on Saturday was so fun; the perplexed face followed by a, “What?! How are you here?!” 

 Of course, a weekend home wouldn’t be complete without some quality time with the babes! Baby Nathan already looks bigger since Christmas, and is such a sweet smiler. Playing peek-a-boo with a 3-month old really has a way of convincing you you’re a destined comedian – he chuckles every time! And Abigail was adorable as usual, telling me all about the new Star Wars toys and having me read books to her.  

I’m so glad I got to visit home for the weekend! I returned to Carlow feeling energized to finish out this last leg of my Irish journey. 

 

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

A week before the Super Bowl, I realized that it was only a week before the Super Bowl! Due to a lack of access to games, my already indifferent attitude towards American football in general, and the time difference, I don’t think I’ve caught even one game so far this season. However, I felt inclined to watch the Super Bowl at the very least. Maybe it is habit, or maybe I felt like I needed to uphold my American duty abroad. Still, I was set on watching this game no matter what, and doing it with a group of people consuming copious amounts of snack foods.

 

So I call up a mate in my class, Tim, and I suggest we do something for the Super Bowl. He gives the okay and says he is going to invite some of the lads from class over. He picks me up, we get microwave pizzas and an excess of ‘crisps’ at the shop and head to his house. There I met a couple of my Irish classmates and some of their rugby friends. Aside from one other American, it was a very Irish Super Bowl event, quite a different atmosphere from what I am used to on the evening of the Super Bowl. We stayed up until 3:30 watching, and I enjoyed it as much as any other Super Bowl occasion I’ve been a part of. Katy Perry’s dancing sharks, palm trees, and beach balls were the clear winner of the night in my eyes.

 

Although there was tons of interest in the match, no one in the room (including the Americans) was a football expert, American football that is. Furthermore, no one really had a team in this contest, so it was a super relaxed atmosphere. It was when I realized this that I also realized how grateful I am for the opportunity to make new friends and be comfortable around people that I’ve known only for a few short months.

 

I remember my first few months here, and as amazing as they were, it was tough being on your own without the usual contact and support of friends and family. That learning curve and growth period helped me to understand how to function on my own, without constant dependence on my normal social network. Nevertheless, I have to say that it is a beautiful thing to realize a new comfort zone in a new place.

 

It’s a really good feeling to know you have a group of people that you can just sit back and kick it with. A lot of these guys were those that I spent two weeks in South Africa with, so I suppose we are just continuing the journey back in Ireland. The international bro affair is just getting started, and I hope I can keep up with these friends and more as I move forth in my journey. All of my boys, whether from class, soccer, or other domains have helped me a lot through my time here, and the adventure would be nothing without them. Gotta love it.

 

Victory Scholar: Jonathan Nelson

Sport League: ATLANTIC 10

Present University: University of Limerick

Alma Mater: Dayton University

 

This weekend Emily and I got the opportunity to coach at a clinic for our club team, the Meteors. The girls were all under 10, which made for a very entertaining session. Of course we had the usual energetic and outgoing 9 year olds that wanted to talk about America and find out all about Emily and myself. But my attention went to a young girl who was new to the clinic. She was in the back of the group, standing with her shoulders hunched and looking down. She looked uncomfortable and clearly was very shy. When we started the first game and she did not want to even dribble the ball, it was clear that she needed some encouragement and support to get comfortable in her environment. Emily and I made it a point to each spend some time with her; I ran along side her and encouraged her in the dribbling relays, and Emily cheered her on as she learned some form shooting- it actually made it a lot of fun for everyone! We both bombarded everyone, espically her with high fives and smiles. By the end of the session, she was smiling and playing around with the other girls. It is crazy how infectious attitudes are! It was so nice to see that change in her in just one session, and it makes me excited to see how she can transform as she continues to come!

 

Victory Scholar: Meghan McGuinness

Present University: Trinity College Dublin

US League Partner: MAAC

Club/Community Partner: Meteors Ladies Basketball

Alma Mater: Niagara University

Sponsored by: Teamwear Ireland

Between coaching, games and training, and the start of classes, it’s been a fun-filled, yet crazy few weeks back in Galway. After a rough start to the season, my team and I are getting back on track and started off the new year with back-to-back wins! But, that was just the start to the new year in Ireland.

 

Since being back, I was also able to reconnect with an old teammate- taking it all the way back to early AAU days with the MD Flames! Kelsey Wolfe, who currently plays with Portlaoise Panthers, and we have known each other since we were about 9 years old. We played together for a few years with the Flames, then as we got older we became opponents in AAU and then again in college when we played against each other (UVA vs. Loyola) in the WNIT Postseason Tournament in 2011. Never in a million years would I have ever thought we’d play against each other…in IRELAND! It’s crazy how small the world is and how anything is possible. 

 

 

Victory Scholar: Nicole Krusen

Sport League: PATRIOT League

Present University: National University of Ireland Galway

Alma Mater: Loyola College

As most of the scholars have written about, most of us girls were in Dublin this past weekend to support Marritta and her NUIG Mystics as they played in the National Cup Final. It was an interesting change for me to be cheering on Rita. As we both played in the MAAC conference in college, we were not exactly friends. I had a secret dislike for the girl on Rider University who blocked everyone’s shot on my team as they went to the basket! I definitely would not be cheering her on in a conference game, since I obviously wanted my own team to win. It’s crazy to think that now I find myself cheering for her on the sidelines and so happy for her to win a National Cup Final.

 

On a side note, it’s great to have the support system that we have with all of the scholars. We are all like family, and it was not even a question of whether or not we were going to cheer on our girl Rita this weekend! 

 

Victory Scholar: Meghan McGuinness

Present University: Trinity College Dublin

US League Partner: MAAC

Club/Community Partner: Meteors Ladies Basketball

Alma Mater: Niagara University

Sponsored by: Teamwear Ireland

On our fourth day in Cape Town, myself, Kelsey, and the other students in the International Management and Global Business course woke up bright and early to experience some of the townships that comprise Cape Town, or what some would call the “real” side of Africa. Townships are essentially towns or cities that were formerly designated for black only occupation during the Apartheid era in South Africa which ended only about 20 years ago. Today, they tend to be socioeconomically destitute localities, presenting sizeable areas of problematic impoverishment, mostly coming as a consequence of the racially divisive and oppressive elements of the former Apartheid system. 

 

The first township that our group visited was Langa, where we brought gifts for the school children and met some people in the town. The reality of how a significant quantity of the African population lives on a daily basis was astonishing, humbling, and even upsetting. These sentiments were only amplified after visiting the Khayelitsha Township, walking through a town very unlike that where we were being accommodated throughout our trip. Although immensely grateful for the opportunity to experience South Africa with a certain level of comfort and relaxation, the inescapable reality that so many South Africans are forced to confront seems quite detached from the casual vacationer’s attitude that marked most of our trip. I am very happy that we were able to provide some gifts and educational materials for children in the orphanages to use. However, after giving some kids in the townships Sport Changes Life bracelets and soccer balls and noticing the exact same elation in their demeanors as children from any other part of the world that I have dealt with before, I now realize the difference between sympathy and empathy.

 

Anyone can have a bit of sympathy, as it does not test ones humility to feel sorry for another’s situation. One can maintain comfort while feeling immensely sympathetic. A person can help out, give, do, and have great influence simply through sympathy. However, when empathy is injected into an understanding, a purpose, a motivation, or a mission, the change occurring takes on a new life. Rather than giving, or helping tangibly through visible activities, empathy involves being. It is an intangible transformation that occurs when you can actually feel and associate with what others feel and experience. As a Victory Scholar, I now understand that sympathy for those in distress in simply not enough. To feel sorry does not delve deep enough, it does not confront the fact that your comfort and privilege often have drastic implications for the struggle that others cannot escape.

 

Rather, I am learning that our efforts as Victory Scholars to transform attitudes and outlooks are best reached through a focused and concerted mission to feel and experience on a level that transcends the personal. The empathetic heart survives through interpersonal connection, while the sympathetic is internal and individual in its essence and scope. So although I can and will recount a million other awe inspiring things that happened during my time in Cape Town, this realization of how I can be a better Victory Scholar and human being through my interactions with others was one of most indelible take-aways from my recent travels. Food for thought? See you soon.

 

Victory Scholar: Jonathan Nelson

Sport League: ATLANTIC 10

Present University: University of Limerick

Alma Mater: Dayton University

One thing I miss about playing college basketball is being around basketball all the time. Games constantly going, watching game after game…I miss it, especially the crowd and atmosphere of a game down to the wire. Luckily, this weekend called for great basketball in the country of Ireland – The National Cup games. Varying from ages and divisions, basketball was nonstop for men’s and women’s.

 

Without any hesitation, I booked my ticket far in advanced to see what the hype of this weekend was about even though my team, the Wildcats, were knocked out of our division’s semi-final game against Killester. Although the cup game results didn’t work out in our favor, Galway Victory Scholar, Marritta Gillcrease, outlasted all of the scholars in the cup tournament where Rita and her Galway Mystics survived to the final game. What’s better than surrounding yourself with good basketball is the idea of watching a friend go out there and kill it on the court.

 

Not only did I have the same mentality to watch the cup games, but many of the Victory Scholars were thrilled too! A small Scholar reunion with the Dublin, Trinity, Limerick, Galway, and Belfast Scholars made that weekend that much more exciting. Hanging out with a crew of people that had no idea of one another until we landed in Ireland, then becoming a big family supporting the play and game success of another Victory Scholar has definitely made my Irish journey priceless.

 

In case you didn’t know, Rita’s team KILLED it in their final cup game and my girl easily had a triple double representing the Scholar squad well. I’m proud that one of the scholars earned the rights to say they’re a cup champion!

 

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

Having the opportunity to see many amazing things: Go on a safari, visit one of the popular wineries, tour the Cape of Good Hope and see African penguins, go shark cage diving, venture to the top of Table Mountain and even go paragliding! However, the part of the trip that was really life changing for me was learning more about the South African political, social, and economic conditions, as well as meeting many different people within the city.

 

During the first week, we were able to travel to Robben Island and tour the prison where Nelson Mandela was held for 27 years. Just being there in that moment and trying to imagine if I could have the personal strength to survive for that long was eye opening and life changing. We were also able to walk through the Township areas of Langa and Khayelitsha outside of the city and speak with many of the underprivileged community that was most directly affected by apartheid and the racial segregation that just recently ended in the 1990s.

 

While staying at the hostel in the second week, we were able to immerse ourselves more into the local scene and meet other people on their own journeys: Meeting Gerry from Belfast (ironically), who returns every year to teach soccer and give back to a Zulu village. Meeting Richard, a volunteer at the hostel, who speaks 8 languages and has the most national pride for his country of Angola. Meeting David from Namibia who, as soon as I said I was from North Carolina, proceeded to help me analyze the songs and lyrics from the latest J. Cole album (who is also from North Carolina). Meeting Illse and Hilke who run a local non-profit organization designed to help the homeless and underprivileged community with job training and life skills. 

 

While in the Township of Langa, Jonathan and I both wore our Sport Changes Life shirts, and had the chance to play and interact with some of the children. I met a little ten-year-old girl that day, and the smile on her face will always stay with me. I began talking to her outside after I noticed her looking at our t-shirts, and she finally asked why we were matching! She began to tell me about how she loves to play netball in school – and I offered her to keep my Sport Changes Life wristband. Her eyes lit up, and as we began to walk to the next section of the community, she casually walked side by side with me, holding my hand. That moment was one of the highlights of my trip. It’s safe to say that Cape Town was one of the most beautiful and enlightening places I’ve had the opportunity to visit – and it’s all thanks to Sport Changes Life!

 

Here’s to another semester filled with great experiences in Ireland!

 

Victory Scholar: Kelsey Harris

Sport League: SOCON Sports 
League

Present University: University of Limerick

Alma Mater: Elon University

 

For those sport fanatics, you may have notice professional athletes or student athletes, put their forehead on their elbow after scoring a goal, basket, or touchdown. Well I’m here to tell you that they are not covering a sneeze, they are doing the “dab” dance. Originating from the U.S., specifically from the hip hop music industry, it has become very popular among athletes. Big time players like, LeBron James or Cam Newton, have definitely done this celebratory dance.

 

Some fans may dislike it as it may be perceived as a show-boating antic but I’m obsessed with this new hip dance and find it hilarious. What’s sport without a little fun? Now coming from a coaching view, I wouldn’t want players to perform this act in the middle of a play as celebrations can easily cost you a goal for the other opponent if one is too busy dabbing. However, if the whistle blows or the clock stops I’m ALL for it…it’s good “craic”.

 

Getting picked up on Saturday morning  to go mini ball with the Wildkittens, all I could think about is showing the young girls I coach this infamous dance. Laughing constantly at myself at the thought of their reaction to such child play, I was even more thrilled to teach them. My community partner, Jillian, was confused by the foolery and completely lost with what I was referring to.

 

So when all of the girls walked into mini ball training, I took a quick few minutes to show them videos of professional athletes doing this “dab” dance. Very few of them heard of the “dab” but most of them didn’t understand the point of these athletes doing such a ridiculous dance. Watching the videos they discovered that even professional athletes can have fun while playing the sport they love!!

 

In the end, I convinced all of the girls to join me in a massive picture doing the “dab” informing them of some American sport culture. All of us laughing, I think they understood the purpose of doing the dab after the picture was taken. Later on, some of the girls on my U12 team started doing the “dab” dance once they scored in our game, cracking up at themselves.

 

Moral of the story: the greatest athletes in the world know how to keep sport fun and you should too! 

 

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

Upon arriving home for Christmas break, I was so excited to see my friends, family and especially my best friend my mother. Unfortunately when I arrived home I was told some shocking news that was least expected…my mom had been diagnosed with stage four lung cancer.

 

At first I did not know what to think, say or do because of how sudden everything had occurred and how fast my life had changed just by hearing one word.  I’ll admit, I got really scared since everything that I’d always heard about cancer was just terrible. After doing some research and reading I learned that some things on the internet were not right for the type of cancer that my mother has and that people can survive it.

 

There are about 12 million cancer survivors living in the United States today because of scientists who are discovering new and better ways to find and treat cancer.

While I was home I tried to spend every second I could with my mother and help her in any way that I could. During the day we would just sit and talk for hours and didn’t even realize what time it was from talking so much. But I mostly enjoyed watching movies and her favorite TV show The Big Bang Theory at night which always gave us a great few laughs.

 

I would have just loved to stay at home with my mom and take care of her until she’s better, but I had promised her that I would finish what I had started here. My mother has helped me get to where I am today and has always been my number one supporter in everything that I have done so now it is my turn to return the favor by supporting her in any way possible. The most important thing is make sure she keeps a positive mindset since a “Mindset changes the days you have, not the number of days you have.”

 

Even though I am far away from her now, I still try to make her laugh and smile as much as possible…
 “It’s a special bond that spans the years. Through laughter, worry, smiles and tears. A sense of trust that can’t be broken, a depth of love sometimes unspoken. A life long friendship built on sharing. Hugs and kisses, warmth and caring. Mother and daughter their hearts as one. A link that can never be undone.”

Before I didn’t really notice everything that I had, but I’ve learned to open my eyes more and to appreciate every day more because you never know when it could be someone’s last.

Victory Scholar: Jessica Koci

Sport League: Atlantic 10

Present University: Institute of Technology Carlow

Alma Mater: La Salle University

The positive impact that youth receive from having a mentor is often overlooked.  Here in Northern Ireland the Sports Changes Life Foundation runs a program called Ehoops. Ehoops focuses on mentoring youth through sport and practical education promoting teamwork, confidence, and conflict resolution.  I have the opportunity to be a mentor to so many of the youth here in Northern Ireland because of the Ehoops program.  The most recent Ehoops session made me think about how important mentors were in my life as a teenager.  Many of the coaches that I gained through basketball were off the court mentors for me.  The guidance that I received from my coaches off the court helped me to stay focused on being the best student athlete I possibly could.  My teammate and Sports Changes Life brother James Zuccaro who is here in Ireland started telling me about how impactful having positive mentors was for him as a youth.  We went on to discuss how no matter what your background is we all need someone to help us get to the next level in life.  My Mentors helped expose me to the world outside of my hometown of Washington DC.  The mentors I had growing up had traveled the world through their athletic and academic experiences in life.  My mentors presence in my life was so important because my vision of success was not limited to just my family and what my community offered.  The guidance and exposure that mentors provide is what makes them valuable to the youth.  The possibilities for success are limitless when youth receive proper guidance and exposure.  Guidance is what youth need to navigate through their teenage years.  Exposure offers young people a look at the world outside of their community.  More exposure can inspire new goals and visions in the life, especially in youth.  Mentoring to the youth here in Northern Ireland has been a rewarding experience that has made me more thankful for all of the mentors I had throughout my life. I look forward to getting back to Washington DC and mentoring the youth who live in my community. “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

After extending my stay at home for an extra week, I finally arrived back in Ireland. It took a while to adjust to being back here and a weekend away was just the thing I needed.

This past Saturday my two teammates Shelia and Aine picked me up in Carlow then we headed down to Kilkenny where we met up with our other teammate Claire. They showed me around the town and we stopped at the ‘American’ candy shop and pretzel shop to get some treats (I would have to say the pretzels in Philadelphia are way better).

 

After walking around we then did a tour of the Kilkenny Castle which has been restored over the years then we headed off to literally the middle of nowhere which is where Shelia and Aine live. Once we arrived we made some homemade brownies and American pancakes with chocolate sauce and bacon on it which is my favorite. Once we finished eating we then headed into a small town where Claire grew up in; it was nice getting to see where she grew up and meet her parents.

The next day was even better. It started off with a delicious Irish breakfast made by Shelia and Aine then they showed me around their farm on the quad which consisted of over 50 horses, herds of sheep, cows, a massive size pig, fish pond, 7 dogs, a rabbit, a hen and a donkey. It was great craic getting to ride around on the quad all day to see all of their land and the amazing views from the hills.

 

After we were done getting all muddy we then headed off the WoodStock Garden and did some more site seeing around the local towns. After we went to their local club fields where I got to learn how to play herling and then to end a great weekend we all went out to a nice Italian dinner, Overall it was great weekend getting to experience the life of a farmer and to explore new places!

“We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm, and adventure. There is no end to the adventure we can have if we only seek them with our eyes open.” – Jawaharal Nehru

 

Victory Scholar: Jessica Koci

Sport League: Atlantic 10

Present University: Institute of Technology Carlow

Alma Mater: La Salle University

 

There are sooooo many things I will remember about winning a National Cup Championship with my beloved Mystics. For example, the blown tire on the M6 before we even left the county, the family atmosphere (and resulting steak steam) in De Brun’s as we had our pre-game dinner and the nervous jitters we tried to shake off over breakfast will forever come to mind.

 

I’ll think of the support I felt that day– my teammates’ parents, the Maree lads, my Titans brothers and ladies team, my SCL sisters from all over the country, and even my own folks sleepy-eyed and proud 3,000 miles away. But one spectator in particular deserves a shoutout and that’s Ellie (thanks to her dad of course) for making her way to Tallaght Arena. 

 

You see, I coach Ellie’s Titans team so, for me, it was really a unique moment within The Cup experience to have her there, some 200km away from home. I don’t know how big her ‘hoop dreams’ are but as somene who once dared to dream, I’m glad she was able to see us shatter the glass ceiling for ladies basketball in Galway. And on another note, it was a shining example of the kinds of connections I am fortunate to have made in my local community. All in all, it was just a great weekend that I couldn’t have ever predicted back in August and I have Sport Changes Life to thank for the opportunity to experience it all!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tuesday night we got a training slot in the National Basketball Arena; the gym where we will be competing in the Cup Final on Sunday for. I had been there before for the Basketball Ireland media day in the beginning of the year and sat up on the bleachers and looked at the impressive space. There are many, many different gyms that I’ve played on multiple times and ones I walk into and am overcome with memories that bring me back to my MAAC games, the AAU days or in high school.

 

I might look back and remember a certain game, great play, the technical fouls, or the emotions that were left with me when the buzzard went off and whether that feeling was fulfilling or not.

 

This Sunday I am not worried what that feeling will be. I’m not worried if we will ‘look good, feel good, play good’ cause we just got AMAZING new “gear” (uniforms) with some USA stars on ‘em… I’m not worried that we won’t be fueled properly because of the sketti overload that’s being specially prepared for us as a pregame meal in the Oblate Hall…and finally, I’m not worried any member of this team including all our club supporters, other players, our friends and family will believe in us.

 

This club is a real family that offers nothing but support to each other on any day of the week whether it’s on the court or off. It’s basketball and this association what has brought a lot of them together, just how the Sport Changes Life program has brought me to them.

 

At my first practice with the Dynamos, I saw the poster of the team who had won the cup final hanging on the wall as you first walk in. From that moment on, without meeting any of the team or coaching staff, I had made that same goal for our group this year. It’s a privilege to be where I am today with this amazing club, who I barely even knew existed 4 months ago! I’m so grateful and, more importantly (for the time being) – PUMPED to play tomorrow!

 

So glad my family will be able to watch as well and stream it online via Basketball Ireland Facebook page! Let the games begin…4:30pm National Basketball Arena.

 

LETS GO DYNAMOS!

 

Victory Scholar: Jennifer Morabito

Sport League: MAAC League

Present University: Trinity College Dublin

Alma Mater: Canisus College

 

Well last week I had talked about being scared of the future and that I would trust in God’s plan. It was an interesting week to say the least. Thursday night I had one of the best shooting nights of my career I shot 20 for 22 and scored 47 points. It might seem cheesy but I was pretty stoked I had been working real hard trying to take my game to the next level and I felt it was beginning to pay off. Then comes Sunday…. our next game and I dislocate my shoulder. Right away the doubt starts pouring in. How long will it take to heal? Are you going to be strong enough to play? But then I remembered, I can’t do that anymore it’s a blessing that I’m here in the first place I can’t question God’s plan.

I know I will come back stronger from this it’s the only option. Otherwise what could I tell the ehoopers and children I coach, that I gave up hope because I had a setback? No way, it’s grind time baby! Every setback is a setup for a comeback. You’ll be hearing from me soon, 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: 

Before classes started back up, we had the opportunity to help out Dierdre and the Sport For Life program working with a large group of kids in Omagh. Sport Changes Life is not the only program around helping inspire youth through sport. It was a treat to work with little youngsters for a day as we had a fun morning full of activities and games.

 

This session was a culmination of a long program where Sport Changes Life goes into schools to promote healthy habit including physical activity, healthy eating, and more to young kids. Ryan, Ashley, and myself jumped in and worked with one of the classes that participated in the Sport for Life program. The kids were in for quite the surprise at the end of the day when “Air Elk”, the mascot would make an appearance. I was also in for a surprise when I was the one putting on the heavy duty, a bit smelly, and extremely hot elk mascot costume.

 

Although I could barley see and breath (exaggerating slightly), it was worth it when the kids went wild! As the best dancer of the trio (Ryan, Ashley, & myself) it was only right that I danced down the runway made by the kids to the popular song Uptown Funk! The kids literally went crazy and it was worth all the sweat and tears ;).

 

All in all we had a great day and it was a great culmination to the Sport for Life program for all the kids involved. I may or may not go down in history as being the best “Air Elk” ever.

 

Victory Scholar: Caroline Murphy

Present University: University of Ulster

Alma Mater: Gettysburg College

This past weekend was the Irish National Cup Final. I made my way down to the National Basketball Arena in Dublin to do the next best thing from actually playing in a championship game- watch a fellow scholar do her thing out of the court in one. I was one of a handful of scholars who came to Dublin to show out for our very own Rita who played for the Division I championship with the Galway Mystics!

Rita’s game wasn’t the only championship on Sunday, so my ticket went a long way and bought me a lot of exciting championship basketball. Meg, Emily, Jazmen and Kelsey hung out in the stands the whole afternoon watching game after game. We all play for different teams around the country, but we were all Galway fans on Sunday. We cheered for the Mystics with the rest of the fans that came to support.

But the main event of course was the Mystics v Oblate, and Galway dominated! It was fun to watch how well Rita’s team played together to and win the cup.  Rita certainly represented for the Scholars and SCL, dominating in the post and cleaning up the boards like no one’s business.

Congrats Rita on a Cup well deserved!!

 

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

Crazy to think that after travelling Europe I would be counting down the days to get back to Belfast. With my brother, Darren, and girlfriend, Brittany, over for the holidays we set on a 14 day trip that covered 5 flights and stops in the cities of Berlin, Paris, and London. The trip was life changing and it was amazing to think I was actually in the places we visited. However, as fun as it was the thought of coming back was beautiful.

 

Walking around Paris for 2 hours with a 22kg suitcase in the soaking rain was comedy for the first half hour. Not being able to understand any German residents was confusing in its own right. Let me just say if you ever travel to Germany and order a ‘peperoni’ pizza be sure that it doesn’t have just one p. You will be surprised with a pizza full of green peppers (which I hate)! London was a welcoming site, it was like being in America while not in America but having people with much cooler accents. I got to taste Dunkin Donuts, Krispy Kreme, and Chipotle for the first time in 5 months. However, that didn’t come without walking over the London Bridge and losing 50 pounds to a magician, oops! This comes without mentioning waking up at 4am and taking hour long cab rides to get to airports.

 

What a trip! Don’t get me wrong the trip was amazing while visiting all these huge cities and getting to see my favorite football club, Arsenal, in person on Boxing Day. With all these huge moments and big events my favorite part of all may have been the most smallest and uneventful event of all, except for me and the wee kid I met. While sitting in the airport waiting to board for our flight from Paris to Germany I noticed a young boy itching for his dad to give him 1 euro to ride a toy car. Unfortunately his father didn’t have nothing less than a 2 euro coin so they were left there to imagine how it would and make the noise of a car (it made a beeping sound about every 5 minutes). As my flight was about to board I decided to go get change and give the young boy a euro. The excitement he had during that 2 minute ride was more than worth that 1 euro. As he and his family walked away to board their plane his father looked back and even though he didn’t say or motion anything we both knew that made the world of difference for his son.

 

I still pinch myself from time to time thinking that it was all a dream. All these big cities and so many small and big memories. It was the trip of a lifetime and it was life changing. Getting back to Belfast and getting on a ‘normal’ schedule while changing lives through sport isn’t a so bad to look forward to neither.

 

Victory Scholar: Ronnie Thomas

Present University: University of Ulster

Alma Mater: Bridgewater College

THE SPIRIT OF GIVING

 

I was at John and Nelly Hayes’ home for dinner one night this week with Jillian Hayes and her seven-year-old son, Darragh. During the course of the meal, Darragh reminded his mother that it was time to bring in donations again to his school. These donations would go towards the less fortunate in Africa. Twice a year, Darragh’s school asks each student to bring in just twenty pence (cents for my American readers) to donate.

 

“Well did you tell your teacher how much you donated last time?” Jillian asked her son. And then she filled me in on the story of what had happened.

 

Earlier in the year, Darragh had asked her for the 20 pence to bring into school. Jillian scrounged around in her purse and gathered up about 90 pence for him, thinking that would be plenty for him to bring to school. The next day though, she went into Darragh’s room after he left for school and noticed that his coin collection was nearly empty. It had previously held a colorful array of gold, silver, and copper coins totaling about ten euros.

 

Darragh had brought the vast majority of his savings into school to donate to those less fortunate than him.

 

Jillian scolded him lightly, saying that if he wanted to bring in more money, he should have asked her instead of using his own money. “Those are your savings Darragh,” she said. “You shouldn’t have used your money!”

 

Darragh replied, leaning towards his mother with a very serious look in his big brown eyes, “How would you like to be poor?”

 

Even though Jillian scolded Darragh for sneaking and using his savings without telling her, I think she was very proud of her son’s actions deep down.

 

Darragh’s young mind taught us all a little lesson that day. It doesn’t matter how old you are or how much you can give; as long as you keep the spirit of giving alive in yourself, the world is bound to be a better place.

 

 

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