One of these is the opportunity to help make an impact on the local community through coaching. Another is the change to study to receive a master’s degree while learning from a different culture and perspective. The opportunity to continue a competitive career in basketball is also a great feature of the program. Another great opportunity that I have experienced firsthand over the past two weeks is the chance to travel and see the world. Compared to where I am back in the United States, it is relatively easy to travel and see other countries. Europe is so densely packed with different countries that it offers a great opportunity to experience new cultures. During the holiday break I was able to experience four countries that I have never visited in less than two weeks. It continues to amaze me how I can learn so much and enjoy each country despite offering a very different experience.  I am very excited to go on more adventures throughout this year to see what else the world has to offer and hope that some other Victory Scholars will want to do the same. 

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 

On the first of January, as we celebrate Janus, Roman god of transitions and doorways, many of us begin to imitate him. The god is often depicted as having two faces, one looking back at the past and the other looking forward to the future. This visual represents the New Year resolutions that clog our social media at this time of year – looking back on the previous year, what do you want to change in the upcoming one?

I’ve never been a big resolution gal, but returning to Ireland for the second half of my journey here definitely made me reflect on the first half and consider what goals I will bring in to the new semester. Being a college athlete, and now a student of business, I have routinely been told the value of setting quantifiable and reachable goals. According to this habit I have developed, I have come up with a brief list of “New Semester” resolutions:

-I would like to journal more (twice a week) in an effort to better document my life abroad.

-I aim to continue cultivating my friendships that I’ve established with people in Carlow – especially teammates and classmates.

-I read all the time but have a pretty poor memory of books I’ve read in the past, so I’d like to write short reviews of all books I read this year – even if I am the only person who ever sees those reviews.

-Learn how to cook new meals! (Harrison might be weary of this ambition, given how my experiments have turned out in the past)

-To let the liminal god Janus inspire me this year – that I may approach change and transitions with the proper balance of reflection and forward thinking. (I realize this kind of broke the ‘quantifiable goal’ rule, oh well.) 

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

SCL had a very successful fundraiser at the beautiful Culloden Estate & Spa on Friday. Ryan, Ashley, Ronnie and myself were able to attend the beginning of the lunch to help set up and meet and greet some of the guests. What we didn’t know was that we would be meeting some of Northern Irelands most esteemed Olympians as well as other famous people.

We casually shook the hands of Dame Kelly Holmes and Dame Mary Peters,  both Olympic legends. Dame Mary Peters won a gold in the pentathlon in the 1972 Olympics, first woman from Northern Ireland to win a gold! It was amazing to get to talk to these two women about what we are trying to do through sport with SCL and to see them supporting our cause. We also got to see other well known athletes like World Champion boxer Carl Frampton, Steven Ferris Irish rugby international and many more. It was so amazing to see these athletes coming together in support of Sport Changes Life. The lunch was able to raise over 50K pounds for SCL and then NICFC (Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children). Really amazing to be part of something really trying to make a difference.

Victory Scholar: Caroline Murphy

Present University: University of Ulster

Alma Mater: Gettysburg College

As you can read from my last blog, this past weekend was the semi finals of the National Cup. My team, the Meteors, played Glanmire, a top team. Although we were winning for the majority of the game, we unfortunately couldn’t pull of the win in the packed arena in Cork. Although my team and I were absolutely devastated on Saturday and Sunday after losing such an important game, a though came to me. I thought to myself, “How lucky am I to love a game so much that a loss devastates me to thisn degree?” My whole team had this feeling after the game. It goes to show how much we care and how much work we have put in to improve. If someone hadn’t put in the work to prepare for a game, a loss would not even phase them. It shows our love for the game, and it shows that rather than backing down we will work harder to get to the top in the regular season!

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

The Christmas holidays were very different for me this year. Instead of spending them with my family in Ohio like I usually do, I decided to take advantage of the time off to see more of Europe. In 11 days I traveled to 5 different countries. My stops included: Berlin, Prague, Amsterdam, Paris, and Madrid.

First on the list was Berlin, so I finished my last final exam and left for Dublin Airport at 2:30 in the morning. As such, I basically slept through the entire flight and woke up in Germany, ready to explore.

Berlin was very spread out, so it was a good thing I was fresh off the plane because we did a ton of walking! I loved exploring Berlin for its history. As a former history major at St. Francis College, I am pretty well known by my friends for being a bit of a history nerd. Being in Berlin felt like watching history come to life. Over the course of our two days there, we went to a number of museums, saw the Berlin wall, and even visited an old concentration camp.

While it was fascinating to see points of interest I’d only ever read about, it was also deeply troubling at times. Walking through the Sachsenhausen concentration camp was probably the hardest part to stomach. As my travel companions and I stood in the gas chambers where thousands were murdered, we were forced to fathom the unfathomable. I was sick to my stomach thinking wondering how something so terrible could have happened in such recent history. It’s hard to believe that humankind is capable of such horrific offences, until it is staring you right in the face, like it was for me that day.

Luckily, Berlin was also full of assurances of the goodness of humanity. When I first arrived, I had to get the train from the airport to my hotel by myself. I was having trouble figuring out which train ticket to purchase, so a German man helped me out. He ended up just buying the correct ticket for me because I didn’t have small change. The ticket was only a couple of euros but the selfless gesture this stranger made for me was very touching nonetheless.

My favorite part of Berlin—and another example of the good people are capable of—were the Christmas markets. They were magnificent. Large squares were filled with a variety of stands selling everything from savory sausages to delicious crepes. The markets were decked out in Christmas lights and carolers that made you feel warm despite the cold. We ended up going to three different Christmas markets because we enjoyed them so much. My favorite one had a massive slide you could go down, so naturally my friends and I jumped in line behind mostly children, but hey, we’re young at heart.

Overall, I really enjoyed my time in Berlin. Although it was a strange mix of somber history and heartwarming Christmas spirit, it was a trip I will never forget.

Next stop, Prague!

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

This past week I was able to coach a different group of kids up in Castlecomer which was very exciting. I have been really busy coaching my Freshers team and trying to get them ready for our tournament at the end of November in addition to coaching my other teams so it was great being able to go up there and work with a different group.

The group of kids were beyond excited to see Patrick and myself walk into the gym. This time we got to spend all morning and afternoon with the same group which was great because I was able to interact more and get to know the lads. As always, before the session even started I was asked a ton of questions which I always enjoy answering for the kids. Besides doing all of stations with kids which included shooting, passing, dribbling etc., Patrick, Martin (Kojack) and I had a little half court shooting competitions during their lunch break which the kids got a kick out of! And they all especially loved it when Patrick did some slam dunks since most of them have never seen anyone do it in person before. I would have to say that the best part of the camp was after we all took a group photo together, the group asked Patrick and I if we could come back and coach them again. It was great knowing that they enjoy working with us and I am really looking forward to going back and coaching them again!

Victory Scholar: Jessica Koci

Sport League: Atlantic 10

Present University: Institute of Technology Carlow

Alma Mater: La Salle University

Prague was an absolutely gorgeous city. I loved walking around and just taking in the architecture of the old buildings. My favorite was probably a massive cathedral named Prague Castle. The detail in its massive Gothic façade was incredible. It was so incredible that this woman who was traveling by herself kept asking me to take pictures of her in front of it.

Now, I don’t mind doing anyone a simple favor like that; my friends and I asked countless people to do the same thing for us over the course of our travels. But this woman was something else! It took me about 10 tries to get a picture of her that she was satisfied with in front of the cathedral. Then I ran into her again at the side of the cathedral, where she asked me to be her personal photographer again. Of course I obliged, but this photo shoot was even more disastrous than the first one! The woman told me to move further, then closer, then I think on the 3^rd or 4^th picture I took, she looked at the result and literally said “Bleh” in my face. I was beginning to get very insecure about my picture taking abilities when I finally captured one that she approved of. Either that or she just wanted a new photographer. My friends and I walked away laughing to ourselves. Even if I don’t like a picture someone takes, I always just say “thank you” to be polite and move along, but you’ve got to admire that woman for her determination to get the perfect shot!

Aside from the picture taking shenanigans, I loved spending time in Prague. It was strange though waking up on Christmas morning in a hotel room. However, I was able to Facetime my family (despite the spotty wifi) to tell them all Merry Christmas. Thanks to technology, I still felt connected to my family despite being thousands of miles away from them. And although it was hard being away from them for the holidays, I was very thankful for the opportunity to broaden my horizons further and see a bit more of the world!

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’s crazy how busy I have been this month with classes, practices, games for three different leagues and coaching numerous teams. I have got into an organized routine of what I need to do each week. With such a crazy schedule, time management is very important. Besides playing three games each week, training, classes, and coaching, it is important to take some time for yourself and relax.

So when I do get just a few hours to relax, I go to my favorite places in Carlow, the River Barrow which is the second longest river flowing from the Slieve Bloom Mountains to the sea. On nice days I’ll go down by the town park and walk along the Barrow way walking route. There’s a lovely bridge that you can cross to get across to the park and has over twelve acres of open space and a number of paved walks. The series of tiered earthen embankments are configured as a counterpoint to the nearby Carlow Castle and thus symbolising the towns Norman heritage. I really enjoy the view, people rowing up and down the river, fishing and most importantly the park is just an excellent place to relax. So when I do have some free time to relax on a nice day you will find me there!

Victory Scholar: Jessica Koci

Sport League: Atlantic 10

Present University: Institute of Technology Carlow

Alma Mater: La Salle University

The next and final stop of my Euro trip was Paris, France. I was very excited to go to Paris to see all the iconic landmarks and the interesting history that I have learned so much about throughout the years in school. The only issue was that it was the day before New Year’s Eve, which meant that Katie and I were not the only visitors that wanted to see all that Paris had to offer.

We learned this very quickly after we visited the Museum d’Orsay to find a line 200 yards out the door of the museum. It became even clearer when we went to the Eiffel Tower and saw even longer lines that were quadruple the size due to the 4 points of the tower you could go up from. Just in case we hadn’t totally grasped the fact that the Paris attractions were the real deal, we went to the Palace of Versailles, where we were pleasantly greeted by a 2.5 hour long line to enter the Palace.

At this point, we realized we were going to have to play the waiting game. We actually got pretty good at the waiting game by the end of our time in Paris. We woke up early and made it to the Eiffel Tower for 8:30, an hour before it opened in order to beat the lines. Unfortunately we still had to wait in line, but in a much shorter line! Plus, the early morning made for a great sunrise casting over the Tower, while the view from the summit of the tower definitely made it worth the wait in the chilly morning.

Call us crazy, but we also waited in the 2.5-hour line to see the Palace of Versailles, which was another point of interest that was well worth the wait. The history and the ornate decorations made the Palace absolutely amazing to walk through!  

Regardless of the number of people wandering around, Katie and I were determined to see as much of Paris as we could. Since we were only there for two days, it meant we had to pack our days to the fullest, and move fast. In fact, we did most of our sight seeing in just one day. To get a glimpse of our 16-hour day, we walked 15.11 miles, climbed 73 floors, and saw 14 of Paris’s historical and iconic landmarks. Absolutely exhausted by the end of the day, we were satisfied with our accelerated tour of Paris.  

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

We only have about five more sessions with all of our Ehoops programs. Time is flying by so quickly I can’t believe the program is almost over. Although we will start up even more Ehoops in the next couple of weeks, the hardest part is leaving the past groups behind. I didn’t know how quickly I would be able to build relationships with the Ratherfern girls Ehoops program, but it just clicked a few weeks back.

We had a hilarious Halloween party on Wednesday and the girls loved it. We carved pumpkins, ate donuts off strings, bobbed for apples, and just got to hang out. Three of the girls in particular have become my little group every week. We were talking about Ehoop graduation and what would happen afterwards. I didn’t realize how much they enjoy coming and how they really don’t want the program to end.

The girls said they wouldn’t be back to the university and asked how would they see me. I was taken back that they even would want to see me and didn’t know how to answer. I told them we would have to figure something out and have a reunion.  I think there will need to be some sort of check in because this group is what Ehoops is about.

Positively grasping the opportunity of the program and making the right steps to help them. I genuinely look forward to Wednesday, not only for the delicious Four Star pizza, but because I have a great time laughing and talking with these girls.

Victory Scholar: Caroline Murphy

Present University: University of Ulster

Alma Mater: Gettysburg College

 By now, it’s fairly evident that Katie and I are pretty close. We’ve been teammates for four years, roommates for the last three of those years, and together, were given the amazing opportunity of coming to Ireland for an entire year (thank you Sport Changes Life for making that happen!).

Not only have we seen our fair share of basketball courts together, but countries as well. After our Euro trip, Katie and I have traveled to 8 different countries together (Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Ireland, Germany, Czech Republic, Netherlands, France)! How many people can say that they have gotten to travel the world with their best friend? I’m very thankful to have had this opportunity with such a great friend! Being able to explore new countries is a blessing in its self, but adding good company makes it that much better. 

Katie is great travel buddy don’t get me wrong, but her and I together, alone in a foreign country with no English speakers, and literally no sense of direction is definitely a sight to see. Katie and I make getting lost a very normal occurrence. We had several conversations like this over the duration of our trip:

“Do you think it’s this way?”

“It definitely is. I totally know where we are.”

**10 minutes later**

“Yeah… I have no idea where we are… Let’s find a Starbucks so we can get Wi-Fi”

Although it did force us to walk far more than we originally planned it was all part of the fun! That being said, Paris was the first time that we had no other friends with us to help navigate through the city. It was time for Katie and I to either sink or swim. Thankfully, when it came down to it we were able to get where we needed to go… even if it meant we went around in a couple circles beforehand. We just wanted to fully take in the scenery before we left, that’s all. 😉  

Our Euro trip consisted of lots of laughs, smiles, and countless remixes to Adele’s song ‘Hello’… If only people thought we were as funny as we do, right Katie? Although by the end of the trip, I’m not sure if we were really that funny or we were just laughing from exhaustion and deliria. Nonetheless, we laughed our entire way through Europe and I couldn’t think of anyone better to have by my side. 

Thank you for the near death experience in the Indian restaurant, for minimizing my freak out as we climbed the Eiffel Tower, for trying escargot together, for making me sit in a cheese store in Amsterdam for 15 minutes while you tried every sample, but most importantly, for all the memories!

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

We all have experienced moments in our lives out of our control. What’s even worse? Not being able to do anything about it. Many of you know that there was a National Cup Semi-Final game for the Wildcats against the powerhouse Killester this past weekend. This game was the only game on each Wildcat club members’ mind an entire week in advance before tipoff. Talking nonstop about the game, working extra hard during practice, coming into the gym to get in extra shots…you knew the Wildcats were ready for the showdown. But…

Timing is everything.

If there was one thing that blindly struck the Wildcats it was the luck of bad timing. Today, some of the Wildcats (Captain Sinead Deegan, Melissa Stone, Katie Fox and I) visited our head coach, Mick Evans, in the hospital. Tuesday before the big National Cup game Mick got extremely ill inhibiting him from coaching us for our Cup Semi-Final game. The hospital visit was lovely but you could tell his coaching absence from our past game did not settle too well with him. All he could talk about was our game and how he watched it over and over. Telling us how proud he was of us for giving our all as well as criticizing us on our game mistakes, I could feel his pain. In all, I believe our visit put him in higher spirits and us girls were delighted to see that he was feeling so much better but then again timing is everything.

In that week’s practice, our captain, Sinead, was recovering from a bad ankle sprain. Her high spirits and determination for the Cup game masked the pain she was enduring with her ankle. Again, timing is everything.

Within that SAME week of practice, Victory Scholar, Katie Fox, tweaked her hamstring slowing down her fast, energetic court speed. Timing is everything.

Then there’s the actual cup game. A roaring, jam-packed crowd without a vacant seat in sight. Our entire club along with the young girls Katie and I coach cheering as loud as they can for us throughout the game (they’re literally the best). Our substitution coach, Jillian Hayes, giving her best efforts to mimic the positive coaching style of Mick Evans, which I’d say she did an awesome job of doing. Shots that we usually made…rolled out. Some referee calls not always going our way. One would think…was this game meant to be? Again, timing is everything.

As much as we wanted that game, as much as we fought hard and gave every ounce of blood and sweat for that game, and as much as it meant to the girls and the club to win that game…we lost and it still hurts til’ this day. Visiting Mick in the hospital gave me a sense of awakening. Things don’t always go your way and that’s life. Yet, your response and spirit afterwards is everything. One thing I admire about playing for WIT and the Wildcats is their strength to never give up and to never stop fighting. Timing was against us and we still stared it in the face and fought hard.

You know what they say “What doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger”.  Looking back on the season full replay in my mind I couldn’t be happier. The past weekend’s results weren’t favorable but seeing how our team has grown from the beginning to now I’d say we have nothing to be down about. 

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

It was about 8 years ago when my family and I were in a haunted house and I swore to myself I would NEVER take part in such an activity again.  Every summer we would go to Wisconsin to visit my grandparents and would take a day trip to the Wisconsin Dells. After spending the day at Noah’s Arc, the greatest water park in the world we went to a ‘Fun Land’. There was a haunted house that my family thought would be ‘fun’ to go through. Let me preface this with saying I am the person who sprints up from the basement after shutting the lights off and who cannot even watch the previews for scary movies. It was absolutely the scariest thing of my life but also the funniest looking back. Needless to say, I promised I would never subject myself to that kind of fear again.

Well guess what, my team and I went to Damnation after our game on Sunday (which we won by the way, 3-0 baby). The entire day I was panicking and wondering how I would be able to get through this massive haunted house where there are actual people who can touch you! The anticipation killed me and I won’t publically say what happens to me when I get super scared or nervous but those of you who know me…ehem DA. Long story short, I was terrified through the first half of it, creepy old men and things popping out, it was bad. Luckily in the second half Katie and my teammate Aoife were able to call out exactly where something was going to pop out. We made it through the second part like haunted house bosses. I would smile at the actors and when they didn’t break character it got kind of awkward but I would take awkward over terrifying any day of the week.

I wouldn’t go as far as to say I conquered my fear but I definitely faced it. I am proud of myself, but probably won’t go to another haunted house until I am forced to. With that all I leave you with is Happy Halloween! Gonna go celebrate by eating my weight in candy! 

Victory Scholar: Christine Ganser

Sport League: Patriot League

Present University: Trinity College Dublin

Alma Mater: College of Holy Cross

This blog is being written so that I can recall my feelings and mindset of being a few short months away from the completion of the Sport Changes Life program.  I wish that I had written one similar in August because of the drastic mental change I’ve gone through thus far. 

 => As I start my final semester tomorrow, I am excited to be finished with school forever. 

 => I am dreading writing my dissertation. In June I know I’ll look back and laugh because it will mostly be done by then.

 => I really enjoy teaching young people the sport of basketball and love being a positive role model for them as well.

 => Basketball has taken a toll on my body but I love the sport and wish I could continue to play beyond this year. A very bittersweet feeling.

=> Although I continue to miss my family and friends, I have adapted well to the lifestyle of living abroad. 

 => I am fully aware of the incredible opportunity I have been granted. I know that in the blink of an eye it will be June and I’ll be wishing I could do it again.

 => I have matured dramatically since August and can’t wait to see how the next few months changes me as well. 

One thing that will not change from now until June is how grateful I am to have this experience of a lifetime. I would have never thought I would be studying abroad or coaching and playing basketball after college.  I look forward to reading this blog in June and re-assessing my mindset and feelings once it’s over.

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

My first extended vacation without my family, my first time to four new countries and cities, first time I spent Christmas away from home, and the list goes on and on. My trip to Edinburgh was no different. I have always spent my new years in a fairly uneventful fashion until this year at the Hogmanay festival in Edinburgh Scotland.  This event packs the streets of Edinburgh with thousands of people and features several different live music performances. In the streets that inspired, and so much resembled what would be seen in a Harry Potter movie, was the perfect venue to welcome in 2016. Upon the tick of the clock into the New Year, fireworks lit up the sky like nothing I have ever seen. With Edinburgh Castle in the background, it was the greatest firework display I have ever seen. The first day of 2016 proved to be a great one, and I am excited for what else is still to come. 

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 

After placing myself in a multitude of completely new environments over the past few months, I have come to personal epiphanies at an alarming rate. My mind is active, my senses are ultra-perceptive, and my focus is broad yet sharp. Maybe it is a result of the beauty of the nature that surrounds me each day; the natural elements tend to have that effect on people. Or possibly it is the extended solitude that allows for a peaceful introspection.

While finding out more about myself, I simultaneously find out more about the individuals I come into contact with. They are all from unique backgrounds, and they all have their own story. Stories filled with pain, death, birth, tragedy, happiness, love, hate, fear, and any other conceivable human emotion you could conjure. But what is fascinating is that the more I learn about countless individuals, the clearer my understanding of the interconnected reality of humanity becomes. We are all in the midst of our own battles, fighting to stay afloat in a constant whirlwind of externalities. So tossed in our own immanent waves that we can rarely see the entirety of the ocean that we float upon.

We are all deeply deeply immersed in our own worlds, failing to realize that our own worlds are simply a construction of the bits and pieces that the worlds of others have to offer. But if we get too caught up…when we are too preoccupied with our internal to feel the reality of our environment, just remember….no matter what happens, for now at least, the sun rises in the morning. We are but a fleeting grain of sand in the hourglass of time. This is not to depress, but rather to remind us all that there are things much bigger, deeper, and more profound than our personal selves. Some would suggest looking within for inspiration. I would agree; look within others first, to truly understand what lies within yourself. Create happiness, spread love, and never be a vehicle for negativity. Peace. 

Victory Scholar: Jonathan Nelson

Sport League: ATLANTIC 10

Present University: University of Limerick

Alma Mater: Dayton University

If there was one thing that really stuck out to me in Berlin, it would be the amount of Christmas markets scattered throughout the city. It seemed as if at every turn there was another market in a city square, or even just on the street corner. Regardless of the location, these markets were absolutely phenomenal. One of the main reasons why we decided to go to Berlin at this time of year was for the world-renowned Christmas markets… And let me tell you, they did not disappoint.

Just in the short period of time that the scholars and I were there, we visited four Christmas markets: the Gendarmenmarkt, the Charlottenburg Castle, the Potsdamer Platz, as well as the Alexander Platz. Every single one of them had something unique about them and different to the others. 

Upon entering these markets, I instantly was in awe. Every one of my five senses were stimulated and captivated by these markets. The view of each of the markets was what first caught my eye. It honestly was as if I was walking into a winter wonderland. There were Christmas lights strung everywhere, Ferris wheels, a slide covered in snow to sled down, cute little knick-knack stands where you could buy anything from Christmas decorations and souvenirs of Berlin, to fragrant soaps and fun hats and scarves.

Not only did the markets have plenty of little stands to buy cool items at, but also, there were countless stands selling the most delicious smelling, looking, and tasting meals and desserts! Instantly when I walked into the markets I was hit with the strongest aroma that wafted around the entire square. Before purchasing anything, we would walk around and see all the options that the stands had to offer. There was anything from Bratwurst and Currywurst for dinner, to crepes and gingerbread for dessert, and even Gluhwein (hot mulled wine in English) to warm you up as you walk around the market. To say the least, it was very difficult to choose what I wanted to eat; it all looked so good!

Being able to walk around (crepe in hand, of course), and enjoy the wonderful Christmas scenery was amazing. The Christmas lights, the chestnuts roasting, and the authentic German music and performers, really created the perfect Christmas atmosphere. 

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

The start of the New Year along with a really great vacation that I talk about in my previous blog, provided some time to think of ways that I can promote some individual growth.  After much thought I have chosen to fast for the first time in my life. I have always heard others speak of the benefits of fasting in the past such as a higher level of self-discipline and a strengthened spiritual relationship.  I have chosen to embark on the Daniel fast, which consist of only eating vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and seeds for ten days.  The Daniel fast comes from the book of Daniel in the bible.  Daniel was ordered to train for three years in preparation to serve in the king’s palace.  The king provided meat and wine for all of the young men who were training to serve in the palace.  Daniel asked the Kings chief official to feed him vegetables and fruit for a week.  The chief did not want to upset the king for fear that Daniel would not be as physically fit as the other young men.  So Daniel asked for a week trial of only vegetables and water.  When the week had come to an end Daniel was more fit then any of the other men.

I am excited to start my fasting journey and see what areas of my life will benefit the most.  I want to improve my self-discipline and gain total control over my mind and body.  What a better way than to test myself through my desire for certain foods that I love.  One of my goals while here in Ireland was to grow as a man in every area possible.  I think that my fasting journey is a perfect opportunity for me to grow spiritually, physically, and mentally.  I will be fasting for ten days starting on Monday the 11^th of January.  I will be posting my daily progress on Facebook and Instagram throughout the ten days.  I will do at least one detailed blog about my journey after I get about four to five days in, so look out for that.  Pray for me during my fasting journey.  I am missing the taste of smoked salmon already hahaha.  Thanks for reading my blog have an awesome week. “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

Camogie…? Before coming to Ireland I had never heard of it, let alone knew what it was. Luckily for me, now I know…It is essentially female hurling. My teammate, Ailish, plays Camogie for Oranmore and on Sunday, they were in the Intermediate County Finals so my teammate Hannah and I decided to go and watch. I am so glad I did!! While, yes it was kind of cold and rainy outside, it was so much fun. I was able to learn what the game was about and how it’s actually played, well enough to understand what was going on; considering before the match, I had no idea what the scoring system was or how they were allowed to move the ball up and down the field. Sorry for the million and ten questions, Hannah : )

The game was so intense and exciting…you couldn’t ask for a better championship game. It was so much more physical and intense than I imagined. As a competitive player, it was great to see how into it both teams were and how every possession meant everything. The game requires an immense amount of teamwork and no matter what happened, they constantly fought and battled for each throughout the entire game! In the end, it doesn’t matter if you are playing on a pitch, on a court, or on a field, a team sport is a TEAM sport and you can’t do it without them! Ailish and her camogie teammates are a great reminder of team and the rewards that can come from it! It was absolutely thrilling when that final horn sounded to see Ailish and her teammates celebrating their County Championship 🙂 Congrats, Ailish!!!

#ItsAllAboutTeam

Victory Scholar: Nicole Krusen

Sport League: PATRIOT League

Present University: National University of Ireland Galway

Alma Mater: Loyola College

I had a lot of fun traveling around Ireland with my brother Johnny and sister Katherine the past few days. After spending Christmas at home, they flew back with me on January 6^th and we had fun exploring. Katie was a driving champion – adjusting not only to driving on the other side of the road, but also to the unfamiliar twisting and bumpy roads! After spending a night in Galway, we drove to the Cliffs of Moher, where we were figuratively blown away… and literally almost blown away. The wind up there was crazy! (Hence the selfie difficulties we encountered – as you can see in the photo) I had previously heard so much about how beautiful the Cliffs are, but seeing them in person still took my breath away. I found the whole experience so humbling – it was a reminder of the sheer size of this planet we live on, and of our smallness in comparison. After heading back to Carlow for basketball practice, we set out again the following day to drive the Ring of Kerry. I was surprised to see white-capped mountains out there, and loved the spectacular views along the entire drive. I often get teased for always falling asleep as soon as a car starts moving – but this was definitely a trip I kept my eyes open for! The natural beauty of Ireland is so inspiring. I feel so appreciative for the beauty that surrounds me.  

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

Aunt Edie was much like her mother and her beautiful sisters in the sense that she never greeted you without a smile and she was tough….All the Stanton’s are tough, products of the Castle Hill projects in the Bronx, NY. None of them would be known to complain and they would put your problems before theirs.

Aunt Edie was special though…..she was different from us all, she was quiet, her heart was pure. I can’t remember her saying anything negative about anyone. She might not say much at the dinner table but you could count on her competing for the fastest time in charades afterwards. Much like an Angel from Heaven no matter where I was in the world I could always count on her sending her love through Facebook commenting on every picture with a “Great picture – Love Always Aunt Edie”. Every Christmas she would always surprise somebody with a picture collage of old times that we had forgot about and make us all shed a tear.

Her sudden death has been hard on us all, I am not sure that I appreciated everything she did while she was with us. It is weird knowing that I will never see another comment from her, I won’t see her in the airport the next time I fly home. However her passing has made me realize how beautiful her heart was and has taught me to not take anything for granted especially the relationships God enables us to create here on earth. I know that she will be watching over us and I hope to make her proud.

This Blog is in Memory of Aunt Edie I love you so much! And to my family back home I am sorry that I cannot be with you to remember her today but I am there in spirit and I want to say thank you and I love you all, I would not be where I am without the love and support I have received from you and Aunt Edie.