Basketball certainly isn’t as prominent here as it is at home, and I’ve found that in Northern Ireland, those that get involved with it make up a tight little community. Everyone who plays, coaches, refs, or enjoys basketball knows one another and seems to spend most of their time with others who share the same interest. 

We’ve certainly been accepted into it with open arms as Victory Scholars, but its meant that most of our exposure to sport here so far has been limited to basketball. I had heard things about the more traditional Irish sports like Gaelic football and rugby, but couldn’t say I’d ever watched a competition in real life.

Last week, four of us spent our Friday at Our Lady & St. Patrick’s School right outside Belfast. We were invited by a friend named Paddy, who teaches there. Paddy plays for the Belfast Star basketball team and also referees a lot of our women’s games.  We had a nice Q&A session with the students after coaching them in a basketball session, and when we were finished Paddy showed us out to the pitch where there was a girls Gaelic match just beginning.

Immediately I was shocked by the physicality. In America, we have football and lacrosse to satisfy our need for lawful barbaric violence, neither of which I enjoy watching. But even in those sports, there is significant padding involved and a great deal of break time. Women, in general, don’t play American football, and the female version of lacrosse is largely a very low-contact sport. Basically, there aren’t many opportunities in mainstream American sport for women to show that they’re kinda tough too.

For this reason, I immediately enjoyed GAA. The girls were not holding back and it was truly exciting to watch the non-stop action. Paddy and his colleague helped explain to us the rules as we watched, and we found ourselves cheering and getting really into it. Some of the girls on my basketball team told me they used to play GAA, and many of them have been whistled during games for their overly-physical screens and their blatant fouls, and now I understand why.

On Monday, we got free tickets to go watch the Ulster Rugby match with the Lisburn ehoops crew. It was great to see the guys outside of the usual setting and be able to just socialize with them. It was chilly and rainy and we were standing in the section that wasn’t under cover, but I did my best Irish-person impression and acted like the weather didn’t phase me. I’d also never been to a rugby match before, so I soaked it all in the best I could… (Literally.) 

I think I got a hang of the rules and decided my favorite part is when they launch the guys up in the air to catch the ball like flying cheerleaders. The crowd was so into the game, and most of the time I would just join in on the cheers and chants because, yaknow, ‘fake it til ya make it.’ Can’t say I’d pay money to watch rugby in the future, as I still find it to be a little on the violent side for my tender heart, but I’m glad I gave it a shot.

I think I’ll stick to basketball and yoga for my own physical activities, but it is still on my bucket list to watch a men’s Gaelic match and at least one hurling match. While at Our Lady & St. Patrick’s School, Paddy showed me a 20second YouTube video of a hurling match and I was quite scarred, so now when I see guys on the train carrying their hurling equipment, I just want to ask them why they’re so angry. It’s all a part of the experience, however, and somewhere deep down inside, I’m loving every minute of it. 

Victory Scholar: Ashley Montecchio

Present University: University of Ulster

Alma Mater: Rosemont College

For a recent project in my Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management class, I had to choose an organization that I was familiar with and assess the types and degree of innovativeness that it demonstrates. I focused on Sport Changes Life and left the project feeling even more proud to be a part of this organization!

It was an interesting activity, especially when I had to fit a nonprofit into models mainly created for and applicable to for-profit firms. It was odd to think of Victory Scholars as the ‘product’ that the foundation provides to its ‘customers.’ But it was amazing to realize how creative and innovative this organization is! Not only is it a one of a kind opportunity for American student athletes to continue playing and pursue a higher degree but, more importantly, it also provides such a unique opportunity for youth around Ireland to benefit from working with these athletes.

However, I still left the project feeling unsatisfied. Sure, I had shown my professor all the logistical things that make SCL incredible, but its benefits reach far beyond what you can quantify on paper. It didn’t express how valuable it feels for me to be integrated into a community here and feel like I am making a positive different in the lives of those around me. It couldn’t capture the joy of seeing my player smile as she succeeds in doing a new move I taught her. SCL delivers on all the tangibles of a successful nonprofit, but I think that what makes it most special is all of those intangibles that accompany the experience. 

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

Fitting in with my stature has been difficult here. Getting random looks as I sit on the train or having every kid stare into my face as I walk in the city center of Belfast. It’s like I am an alien of some sorts. I do stand taller than most in this country but there are also people who are just as tall. I am the son of a father that is African-American and mother that is Caucasian. However, my skin still reflects such a light complexion that it can’t be that I’m a part of the 1.8% ethnic group in Northern Ireland. Maybe it’s the long dreadlocks that have seem to have grown even longer while here in Ireland. However, I know that the Irish at least watch TV so they have to have seem them before.

Whatever the reason it is, I’m fine with it. I have never been one to shy away from attention as it gives me more of an opportunity to interact and make silly but sometimes meaningful conversation. Whether it’s learning how a Frenchmen once flew a plane from my home city (Roanoke) down to Orlando, Florida or that this Irishmen’s mother had been deported back to the UK for having illegal residence while living in Virginia. Looking different also gives me an advantage with kids.

They seem to always notice me quickly (even in the US) and have an easy way of remembering me through my symbolic dreadlocks. We recently started up a new Friday night basketball session to help get the excitement level of basketball up in the primary school students in the local areas. If anyone knows me they know the love I have for working with younger kids and this new session has been a blessing for me. It allows me to stand out to the kids at first because of the way I look or the way I talk. However, unlike just walking past people in the city I get a chance to show these kids just who I am. That my energy level may run higher than theirs even if they had just finished eating 6 bars of chocolate and that my enthusiasm for playing sport or games is what I truly live for.

I guess this is important because it gives me the chance to be more than just the different American. It allows me to have a chance to make a difference and be a hero for some little kid, like my main man Sol. It’s why I came here. I knew sport helped change my life in so many ways and I wanted to help it do the same for someone else. Whether it was this year or 5 years from now that it truly changed their life, it wouldn’t matter as long as it happened. So maybe I don’t exactly fit in to what the average Ireland person looks like, it’s okay with me. That makes it easier for me to stand out and show everyone who the real Ronnie Thomas is, rather than just the American.

Victory Scholar: Ronnie Thomas

Present University: University of Ulster

Alma Mater: Bridgewater College

This is one of the fews pictures that I brought to Belfast from home. It’s a picture that I’ve held closer and closer as time has passed. First with the loss of my Papa Bill back in 2008, and now even closer with the passing of my Papa Jack on New Year’s Eve.

This picture has always been one of my favorites because my grandpas are doing what my family has figuratively done my entire upbringing and athletic career: they’re lifting me up.

I was so fortunate to have the unconditional support of my family growing up. My parents, grandparents and close relatives were my biggest fans. Whether it was talking me off a ledge after an emotional loss, or driving God knows how many hours to practices and games, they were everything I needed them to be at a time when all I wanted was to take my hoop dreams as far as I could.

However, my Papa Jack did more than just support me over the years. He played a part in making me the player I am by passing his love of basketball on to me. From the “bank it off the square” days, to teaching me the untouchable hook shot, he gave me nuggets of basketball wisdom while  shooting around in his driveway.

It was hard being separated from my family by an ocean when we lost Papa Jack. But looking at this picture, I’m reminded of just how proud both my grandpas would be of me and how thankful I am for them. Both my grandpas where strong in more ways than one- strong enough to pick me up, even now.

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

We all do it. It comes a point while doing something that you reach when you don’t want to do it one day. Maybe you are too tired because you stayed up too late watching the Packers beat the Bears on Sunday night football. Maybe you got stuck watching your favorite show on Netflix and after each episode you said it would be your last but you couldn’t stop watching. For whatever reason you are too tired, lazy, or unenthusiastic that you don’t feel like doing what you’re supposed to do. Unless that is, walking into the LeisurePlex facilities in Lisburn with the Cregagh Ehoops group.

Every Monday since being in Northern Ireland I’ve been with this group. Each Monday I knew for the first hour while being with them I was going to have to participate an hour in football with them. No matter how well I would play that night (not always the best, I’ll be the first to admit) I knew I was going to be taking constant hackles and harassment from the lads. I know it was all fun and games but sometimes it made me think that even if I was trying hard it wasn’t enough. After each football session we would go into the classroom and have a chat about different community or culture problems going on in the world. That’s where you would see the relationships between myself and the lads begin to grow.

As much as they knew I stunk it up in football and probably made their team lose, they were so interested and enjoyable to talk to. It’s almost the Irish way to joke around with someone, it’s actually a good thing because it means they like you. Each week I began to see how good and respectable these boys were. Some you have to look deeper inside than others but in all it was there at some point and some time. It would have been easy for them to see this American trying to be a part of their culture and just cut me out and treat me like crap but they never did.

Our program has begun to wind down and we have started the celebration process. A lot of the lads have started to successfully find jobs and begin work. While others have become more self-motivated and are in line to succeed in finding a placement for a job soon. This past week we had the chance to enjoy paintball with the lads and let’s just say it was a new experience. I was freaked out a little about how it may hurt, up until I found out the lads were just as freaked out as me.

After a night of head shooting, diving on the ground for safety, getting my skin broken on my hand, and everyone having bruises/whelps from head to toe we all sat down and had a wee meal together before departing. It was nice to see the comradery between the group and just how close knit it had become. It was a good bit of craic and nice to see the lads in a different area type.

As I watched from afar I knew that I wasn’t down because there was only 2 more Monday nights with this group of boys. I knew I had something in common in some way with all of them and I knew we all had a friendship now. Most things are meant to have an ending but the memories I have playing and working with these lads will be with me forever.

Victory Scholar: Ronnie Thomas

Present University: University of Ulster

Alma Mater: Bridgewater College

This past weekend I got to bond with three of the girls on the national league team that I play for this weekend. The only time that I get to see Claire, Sheila, and Aine is during our Thursday night practices and then when we have games since they do not live in Carlow.

So my adventure started on Friday with the three girls heading down to Tramore beach. Aine and I played each other in air hockey which I ended up winning since she scored two goals on herself! Being typical basketball players, we then spent the rest of the time playing the basketball arcade game where we were all very determined to get to the second level of the game by scoring 150 points But guess what….after numerous attempts by all four of us to get to the next level, Sheila was able to finally get to 150points! After that we all headed back to Claire’s house in Waterford where she made us an amazing dinner. (chicken/steak, mashed potatoes and broccoli which is my favorite and to top it off she made delicious brownies with LOTS & LOTS of chocolate and chocolate sauce that we made together). After dinner Claire and I made some homemade American pancake mix for the next morning then we all just hung out in her living room and watched some tv before we headed off to bed.

After a beautiful American breakfast we went on an eventful road trip. Our game was all the way down in Cork. During the road trip Claire took us through all these small beautiful towns while teaching me a little about each town. Our first stop was at Dungarven viewpoint. The views that I was able to see with my own eyes were breath taking and the perfect opportunity to take loads of pictures. The next stop was Midleton where we stopped at the Jameson Irish Whisky Distillery. After exploring the Distillery we then went to Fota Island Resort, Cobh rain and made a few more stops along the way before we finally arrived at our destination, which was the Blarney Castle. We got to crawl through The Badgers Caves, which were so small and muddy but something I have never experienced before.  Once we all got to the top of the Castle we got to kiss Blarney Stone. The Blarney Stone is the legendary Stone of Eloquence, found at the top of the Tower. The view from the top of the castle was amazing and beautiful.

It was great being able to bond and get to know the girls better. I’m really looking forward to going back up there again eventually to hang out with them some more. It was great Craic and an awesome weekend.

Thanks you Claire, Sheila and Aine!

Victory Scholar: Jessica Koci

Sport League: Atlantic 10

Present University: Institute of Technology Carlow

Alma Mater: La Salle University

The second semester for my masters course does not start back until January 25th so inbetween coaching and playing I have had a lot of free time. I decided to spend part of this free time on starting my dissertation. In order to get my masters degree, I have to write about a 15,000 word dissertation on a topic that relates to my course. It isn’t due until the end of August but I would love to get as much of it done as I can before the start of summer. 

During a Creativity and Innovation workshop this weekend at the IE Business School in Madrid, brilliantly conducted by Professor Andrew McCarthy, I gained a few useful insights on the composition of the creative and innovative mind. One contributor or predictor of individual creativity that was discussed was the ability to empathize with others. Empathy was defined as essential and an evolutionary step of sympathy, by where one goes from simply understanding experiences and sentiments of others, to an actual level of emotional identification and feeling.

Doing some reading, and coming across inspirational quotes all the time, I tried to place the idea of a relationship between creativity and empathy in agreement with some maxims that we socially accept.

1. At the end of the day, it comes down to individual choice.

I can certainly agree with this. Although social circumstances differ vastly, within a specific context, quality of choices made tend to determine success or failure in the long-term.

2. We can understand how and why our fellow human beings make certain decisions.

If we all believe ourselves to be empathetic, we can say that we feel the emotional experiences of others. However, we can never say that we understand them, as only one person knows what drives choices made, the specific individual. If you have never had the experiences of someone else, then how do you know how it is affecting them internally? Simple answer, you don’t. You cannot. Only on paper and within experimental theories can we justify understanding decision making processes. On a true human level, we know nothing until we have felt each and every single experience that contributes to that decision made.

So how can we judge other individuals, or other groups of people? It is simply illogical. The only person that you can judge is yourself. Although choices do create a tangible result, decision making is an outcome of a diverse web of experiences felt only by that person.

Sounds like it would complicate life a bit, huh. Actually, if we go forward with that understanding of human beings, life opens up. You take things less personally. It’s not always about you, or people being bad people. Sure, people will always be responsible for choices. Still, that does not mean that I have any right to judge, for they are not me, and I am not them. In this sense, empathy is a synonym of humility.

Like Bob Marley once said “He who feels it knows it.”

Once we find that place of humility within ourselves we find it much easier to empathize and help, rather than judge and categorize. Although we are naturally programmed to judge in some senses, we are also naturally predisposed to lift each other up. Be humble. Help each other out. Don’t judge.

One love.

#sportchangeslife #inspire #victory

Victory Scholar: Jonathan Nelson

Sport League: ATLANTIC 10

Present University: University of Limerick

Alma Mater: Dayton University

There are many things that have changed in my daily routine because of studying abroad that have made me a different person.  I think they have made me different in a positive way and made me look at life differently. 

One change is my reliance on my car back home.  Everything that I need here is in walking distance and a car simply isn’t necessary.  Throughout college my immune system hasn’t been great and I would be sick a few times through the winter months.  Since I’ve been in Ireland, I haven’t been sick once.(*KNOCK ON WOOD*) My mom and I hypothesize this is a result of walking to and from school, the grocery store, and friends houses. Maybe the fresh air and added exercise are strengthening my immune system. 

Another change that I’ve gotten adjusted to is only being able to use wifi.  I decided when I got here to not buy a data plan or an Irish phone.  This has kept me off my phone and forces me focus on school, basketball, and coaching.  It has helped me to interact more and rely on myself instead of my phone to accomplish certain things that I might look up if I were home.  I’m able to use my phone more for music storage as well.  Music keeps me in a good mood and is always motivation for me. I have been much more in touch with my music since I’ve been here.

These two changes in particular have made me a more intelligent, healthy, and stronger person thus far.  I will continue to push my comfort zone in hopes of more results like these for finish my short journey here in Ireland.

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

I have had so many family members ask me what it is I actually do. I even refrained from asking Gareth Maguire and Deirdre Brennan any more questions about the program before I landed because I wasn’t 100% sure exactly how it worked. However, if you ever need to see how it can change someone look no further than Brendan Kingsmore.

Brendan is a part of the West Belfast Ehoops program that meets every Wednesday night 7-9. This doesn’t even include the amount of hour’s mentors’ Marc Mulholland and Stephen Fox meet with the lads 1on1 in search of jobs, building relationships, and just their everyday personal life. Brendan was homeless for multiple years (9+) and he joined the Ehoops program and became one of the people that took full grasp of the concept behind ‘Sport Changes life’ mission.

Brendan was selected to captain Northern Ireland to the homeless World Cup games that were being held in Chile. Brendan and the Northern Ireland teams were successful in reaching and achieving their goal in bringing home the trophy. However, that wasn’t the most important thing to Brendan. Depending on who you are you either noticed the homeless part or the World Cup in the first sentence of the paragraph. If homeless stood out the most to you then you are probably someone who judge’s people based on their financial standing. If World Cup and captaining a country stood out to you then you probably can consider yourself someone who believes all people are the same. That’s who Brendan Kingsmore is.

While he was being interviewed or in contact with mentor Marc Mulholland he always seemed so humbled. He mentioned how sport, football (soccer), had been a scapegoat to forget about his troubles for a while and just kick the ball around ever since he was a wee kid. Then he always was wondering about his Ehoops that he was missing on Wednesday night so he could train. He wanted to show the lads that no matter the situation or the hand that you’re dealt you can make a difference. He cares for all of the lads in the West Belfast Ehoops program. That defines Sport Changes Life. When the group first comes together you can see the change from week 1 to week 24. From CEO Gareth Maguire to mentors Marc and Stephen they always talk so highly and appreciative of the lads. Then at the end of the program you can begin to see and feel how the lads begin to respect but more so accept the friendships built over these long weeks with the SCL staff. It builds leaders like Brendan and gives lads skills that help inspire them in a new direction in their own lives as well as in their community.

So what is Sport Changes Life you ask? It’s a family that cares about one another.

Victory Scholar: Ronnie Thomas

Present University: University of Ulster

Alma Mater: Bridgewater College

I really loved my time in Amsterdam. We did all of the touristy things that you have to do while you’re there, like snapping a picture in front of the I Amsterdam sign, going on a canal cruise, and even visiting the Red Light District (which was like a different, very bizarre world!). My favorite part though was probably touring the Anne Frank house.

We woke up on our first morning in Amsterdam as the sun came up. We wanted to get to the Anne Frank house before it opened to make sure we got to go in since it said it was sold out online (yet you could somehow still purchase tickets at the door). Unfortunately about 50 other people had the same idea, so we filed in line behind them to wait our turn. Luckily though we were able to see a beautiful pink sunrise which made waiting outside in the cold a little more bearable!

When we actually got into the Anne Frank house, I was pretty excited. I’d read Anne Frank’s diary when I was younger but I never imagined that one day I would be standing where she once stood.

The layout of the tour was fantastic. It started on the bottom floor of the building and wound its way up to the top floor where Anne and her family were actually hiding. Along the way, different videos, artefacts, and factoids told the story of the Frank family’s decision to go into hiding, what it was like to be cooped up there for two years, and their eventual capture. I was fascinated as the tragic story of their lives unfolded right in front of me. It was unsettling to see how Anne Frank, a typical teenage girl, had such a tragic fate befall her. Yet, I was thankful for the experience of seeing history come to life right in front of my eyes. Her story is one that makes me feel extremely lucky for the good fortune I’ve had in my life. As such, touring the Anne Frank house is definitely something I’d recommend to anyone and everyone who travels to Amsterdam. 

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

It was awesome to see Ulster University not only acknowledge the work SCL and other community programs are doing, but to take the time and acknowledge each and every participant for their time and hard work. The graduation ceremony may have been a first for many of the participants. Normally I only see our groups in sports gear when they come to our Ehoops program, but this week everyone looked fancy and dressed up.

I think a lot of the time we underestimate the amount of positive influence we may have on the people we work with but I think more than that, the participants underestimate their own success. It was amazing to have a night to truly recognize the efforts of all the participants that are trying to make a positive change in their lives and their communities.  The night started with four speeches and ended with each participant getting a there name announced and a certificate. We then concluded with some nice food and photo opts. Yes, sounds simple in nature, but I could tell how proud some of the participants were and that is what made the night a success for me. 

Victory Scholar: Caroline Murphy

Present University: University of Ulster

Alma Mater: Gettysburg College

This past Sunday while leaving out of the grocery store I was stopped by a gentleman who invited me to attend Monkstown Baptist Church in Northern Ireland. I was excited about the opportunity to attend a worship service in another country, something I have never done.  I have walked past the church a few times so I was familiar with the location.  Mr. McMullan who invited me to the service was very welcoming along with the rest of the congregation.  He let a few of the other members know that I would be coming to service and I was greeted with an extremely warm and embracing welcome.  The message was focused on the apostle Paul and his journey to becoming a follower of Jesus Christ.  I have thought about attending a church while I am here in Ireland multiple times prior to Sunday’s service.  I believe God sent confirmation through my welcoming experience at Monkstown Baptist Church that this could be the Church for me.  I look forward to attending again in the very near future. I am currently on day eight of my ten day Daniel fast; the experience has been mind blowing.  Look out for my next blog where I will be giving a detailed description of my fasting experience.    “To God Be The Glory” 

Victory Scholar: Jonathan McNair

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

First off, I am a firm believer in that relationships form the basis of our lives. The friendships and relationships that I’ve built up over time have added so much laughter and happiness to my life – leading me to place a high value on just about every relationship that I’ve made, especially in recent years.

Basketball (and sport in general) offers a great place to build lasting relationships with people you otherwise may not have gotten the chance to know.

In the past month, I’ve had the chance to see two people from the United States that I’ve met from the sport of basketball – and both of them are currently playing basketball in Ireland! Preston Ross currently plays in the Irish Men’s Premier League for UCD Marian. He is also from North Carolina, and we’ve known each other since our senior years in high school just from basketball! Imagine my surprise when we both end up playing basketball in Ireland.

The second person I’ve had the chance to run into was actually one of my conference opponents from college. Rachel Brittenham played for Wofford College, one of our rival schools within our conference (Southern Conference), and I played against her for three years. Little did I know, we’d also be playing against each other once again in Ireland! She currently plays for the DCU Mercy within the SuperLeague as well.

One thing I’ve learned within these past couple weeks is that no matter how far you travel, it’s always great to see a familiar person from home. The relationships and people you meet over time still hold a place in your heart, just like I know every person I’ve met so far in Ireland will hold a special place in my heart! As I’ve gotten the chance to make more relationships and friendships in Ireland, I’ve realized that “home” can have a constantly changing definition… aka “home is where the heart is!”

Special shout out to my teammates on the UL Huskies squad and UL College team – especially to Lorna, Gillian, and Orla who admitted they are regular readers of my blog! : )

#relationshipschangelives #sportchangeslife #lornachangeslife #gillchangeslife #orlachangeslife 

Victory Scholar: Kelsey Harris

Sport League: SOCON Sports 
League

Present University: University of Limerick

Alma Mater: Elon University

When applying to be a Victory Scholar for Sport Changes Life, it is assumed that you believe the fact that sports can actually change lives. The thought of bettering someone else’s life through basketball is what is so appealing about the program, but rarely do the Victory Scholars themselves get into the specifics of how their lives have been changed through the sport that takes up such a significant portion of their lives.

I was in third grade when I first fell in love with the sport of basketball. I made the decision that I wanted to be a great player at that young age. At that time, I had no clue where the sport could or would take me, but my competitive nature had me practicing in my driveway at every free moment, shooting in the gym any time I had the chance, practicing my dribbling moves in front of the TV, anything I could do to get better. As I continued to grow up, it helped me gain confidence and always left me with something to strive for and achieve. I no longer was the painfully shy little girl with no self-confidence. I now had a sense of purpose and pride. I developed a strong work ethic, learning discipline and self-motivation along the way. I used these new tools both on the court and in the classroom, as I knew I needed to maintain high grades if I wanted to play in college.

With each practice, a new lesson was learned. With each game, my passion grew. With each team, new memories were made. Basketball was my source of intense joy, as well as extreme disappointment. It made me feel loss, disappointment, and failure; but then, it taught me to be resilient. It helped me thrive under pressure and come out on top.

In a life full of change and unpredictable events, I always had one constant- something I could always turn to at all times whether it was as a stress reliever, a place of peace, or a source of happiness. This was the sport of basketball. Having that ball in my hand or a gym to myself could get me through any issue that came my way.

I did not know the doors that basketball could open up for me until it happened. I got the opportunity to travel all around the states, get my college education paid for, and develop lifelong relationships with coaches and teammates. I met people who shaped me into the person I am today, people who still impact my life right now. Basketball gave me the opportunity to come to Ireland, where I have again met people who have no doubt changed my life, along with memories and experiences that will never be forgotten. It has now given me the opportunity to give back some of what I have experienced and pass it on to others, and this is what I hope to achieve. 

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

Titans with the Victory! Coaching on the sidelines during a game is almost more nerve-racking than playing. At least when you’re playing you have control over the outcome. But, when you’re a coach you can only tell the players what to do and it is ultimately up to them if they execute it or not. So needless to say, our match last week, which we won by 2 points in overtime was beyond exciting.

While I was thrilled about the win, especially it being the first win of the season, I was more excited about the victories within the win. I know it might sound confusing, but within the W itself, there was a key victory that may go unnoticed to many. We started the game slow, being down about 0-10. However, the girls kept plugging away and managed to cut the lead and keep the gap under 10. In the second half, we managed to grab the lead only to give it right back. We ended up down 7 with 2 minutes to go in the game. The girls easily could’ve just folded in the towel and called it a day. Everyone was exhausted. But, this is where the real victory came…With 2 minutes left the girls continued to fight and never gave up. They picked up the intensity and defense and were determined to win. With 5 seconds left, down 2, it was our ball on the side. Our point guard attacked the rim and hit the inbounder on a backdoor cut for a layup with one second to go. And on to OT we went!  With a few big shots, we pulled it out in extra time. I couldn’t be more proud of the girls’ hard work and fight throughout the whole game. It’s great to see all their hard work in practice pay off. Don’t get me wrong, the WIN was great but it was seeing their determination, heart and execution down the stretch that would make any coach proud! Now, on to the next one…Go Titans!!!

Victory Scholar: Nicole Krusen

Sport League: PATRIOT League

Present University: National University of Ireland Galway

Alma Mater: Loyola College

Actively engaging in the community along with coaching hundreds of children per month, a Victory Scholar touches many lives in Ireland. Consuming myself into coaching basketball along with making each session unforgettable and fun, I sometimes fail to realize that my actions are making a difference in someone’s life. And out of the numerous of Irish children I have come into contact with in my Sport Changes Life journey, one girl’s story will stick with me forever.

Since I’ve been in Waterford, this young girl has showed up to every Saturday morning camp and cheered loudly at every Wildcat’s Super League home game. I even have the pleasure of coaching her every Thursday night watching her skills blossom this season, as she is a part of the 12 and under basketball team.

Recently, she wrote Waterford’s other Victory Scholar, Katie Fox, and I an inspiring note saying how we were living her dream in hopes that she will one day be us. Fathoming those words in the letter, my heart was sincerely touched. From a coaching perspective, I am confident that this young Wildcat with so much potential will become a tremendous player in the near future.

Reminiscing down memory lane and thinking of the obstacles it took me to get to where I am today, it’s amazing to say that I am one of the few people that get the opportunity to live out my dreams. Thanks to the Sport Changes Life program, I am in a position to give children the motivation and determination to chase after their dreams, teaching them that anything is possible. 

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

Being in Ireland has taught me so much in the aspect of thinking about the world and not just the place you live in. As an American, we are thought of as this giant in which we believe the world revolves around us. In retrospect, the world revolves around every country no matter how big or small.

It’s like looking into a business. The first thing someone notices is the CEO, shareholders, or investors. We, as in the world, are so quick to overlook the people working 9-5 and doing the everyday dirty work to allow the business to succeed and run. Being an American I feel that we sometimes think it’s our world and other countries exist in it but revolve around us.

On 11/11 (Remembrance Day) here, they honor the fallen members who have died in the line of duty for their country ever since World War I ended. Before I always thought about the World Wars’ and that it shaped my country in a different aspect as well as the lives of millions. I never once truly thought about all the families that were affected by the death of soldiers in duty whether it be from large or small countries. So this year on 11/11 I didn’t only think about American veterans or Veterans from the UK, I thought about every veteran/soldier and family member that has ever been affected by any war. In one way or another, each person was loved. Ireland has taught me a lot and now it has taught me to always think of everyone, no matter how big or small.

Victory Scholar: Ronnie Thomas

Present University: University of Ulster

Alma Mater: Bridgewater College

Anyone who knows me… knows that my not so secret obsession is candy, or in Irish lingo, sweets.  I have a crazy sweet tooth for fruity candy otherwise known as jellies and have been developing a love for chocolate as well.  There is no shortage of sweets in Ireland to keep my sweet tooth alive, maybe even more dangerous than America. 

Back home, my favorite candies are fruity ones like Starbursts, Air Heads, Skittles, Frooties, and Sour Straws. No matter where you saw me, you’d more than likely see me snacking on one of these. They kept me going in class, before and during basketball practice and games, or just hanging out.  Throughout college, I devoted a whole drawer in my dresser to candy that my parents and friends would get me and developed my own mini candy bar.

Since I’ve been here, my taste buds have evolved to more chocolate and peanut butter sweets.  I think this is because the quality of dairy in Ireland is better than America. The chocolate is more rich and creamy. I still like the fruity sweets here as well. My favorites here are Starbars, Curly Wurlys, blue rasberry and strawberry Bon-Bons, Sour Strawberries, and Millions. Starbars are chewy cosmos of peanuts, caramel, and chocolate. Curly Wurlys are chocolate covered caramel. Millions look like nerds but are chewy and come in all different flavors. 

My friends and family back home always kept my supply of candy up to date and nothing has changed since I’ve been here.  The friends I’ve met in my classes and basketball have introduced me and keep me stocked on the best sweets in Ireland.  Once again the people I’ve met, bring me to my comfort zone and for this I’m truly thankful.

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