I am back in Ireland and it is a much different feeling being here now than it was in August. In August, I was nervous and everything was new and I did not exactly know what to expect. Now I am much more confident and feel a lot more comfortable.

Reflecting back on the past 5 months, I realized there were a lot of things that I had to figure out. There were big things like was I going to get home sick? Was I going to be able to make friends? Was I going to like my teammates and coach? Would the kids I coach like me? Etc. And then there were small things I had to figure out like how do I get to the grocery store? How do I get to class? Where do I do laundry? Etc. All of these things have helped me grow into the more confident person that I am today and I know that I can live on my own in another country. I know I can handle the coursework for my Masters degree, I know that my day becomes more enjoyable each time I get to coach my players, and I know that I have an amazing coach and teammates that give me full confidence. The first 5 months here went by faster than the blink of an eye and now that I have things figured out, I am really going to soak up the next 5 months that I have here. 

Victory Scholar: Staats Battle

Present University: University of Limerick

US League: ACC

Club/Community Partner: UL Eagles

Alma Mater: North Carolina State University

Sponsored by: Teamwear Ireland

Prague. Stunning views from the infamous, ancient Prague Castle overlooking the entire city. The intricate, cobblestone structure of the Charles Bridge. Vibrant colors and artistic expressions painted on the John Lennon wall. Prague’s layout and architecture details of its buildings is unquestionably one of the world’s most immaculate cities.

Instantly walking through the city upon arrival, I was obsessed. Interestingly enough, Prague celebrates Christmas Day on America’s dated Christmas Eve, the 24th of December. Cory, Meg, Emily and I decided to explore Prague’s Christmas market before delving into its nightlife scene. The food was unbelievable. Their noodles, or gnocchi, goulash flavored meat, and roasted potatoes turned a plate of food into bliss. You would think all Christmas markets are the same, no matter where on the globe. I’d vouch to say that Berlin and Prague had amazing Christmas markets where the food and gifts offered define each city as its own autonomy.

The very next day, our crew decided to spend Christmas Day exploring Prague. I have never seen so much beauty in one city where I caught myself incessantly taking picture after picture, I couldn’t help myself. From the Charles Bridge to John Lennon’s wall, there wasn’t one bad thing about Prague. Since it was Christmas Day, Meg, Cory, Emily and I treated ourselves to lunch. Again, the food was incomparable to anything I’ve had before where their “dumplings” or more like bread was different than a typical Asian dumpling.

Fully exploring the city it was time to head back to FaceTime our families and do our Secret Santa. I’d definitely say Secret Santa was my favorite part of this trip. For a group of people that mesh sooooooo well with each other the gift exchange was hilarious.

Meg went first. The gift she was giving was going to…..(drumroll please)…..Cory Starkey. Smiling wide, he opened his gift. Looking in he pulled a large Berlin mug out of the bag. Giving Meg much thanks and appreciating the mug as it was something he needed, he handed out his gift to……Me! I started to wonder what was in the bag. Reaching my hand in, I pulled out sleepy puppy gloves, turquoise slippers and German deserts (which were so good). Loving my gift and thanking Cory for everything, I handed my gift to Em. Opening her gift happily, she pulled out a painted candle holder of Berlin (thanks Meg for helping me out, apparently Emily LOVES candles 🙂 ) and she was extremely grateful for my gift to her. Last but not least…Meg. Opening her gift, which she adored so much, got similar things that I did with different deserts and pink, not turquoise, slippers. Ending the gift exchange full of laughter and smiles, I’d say it was a good Christmas.

Although it was difficult for each one of us to spend the best holiday of the year away from our families, I believe we wouldn’t trade such an amazing experience for the world. So far, my eurotraveling experience is an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I wouldn’t have wanted to spend my Christmas eurotrip with any other group of people, especially in such an extravagant city like Prague. As each day of my trip got better and better, I’m starting to get closer and closer with my fellow scholars.

Next stop: Amsterdam, Netherlands

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

As the holidays were rapidly approaching, it meant one thing, winter break. For me, this winter break was obviously very different than any other break I have ever had before. I was in Ireland, a country that was very close in location to mainland Europe, with incredibly cheap airline prices! At the beginning it seemed like a no brainer to just spend the winter vacation traveling around Europe. However, as the holidays crept closer and closer, I began to miss my family more and more. Luckily for me, I was able to get the best of both worlds. This winter break, I was fortunate enough to go home, AND travel around Europe! How lucky am I?

The 7-hour plane ride home, left plenty of time for my excitement and anticipation to grow. After all, it has been 4 months since I had last been home and seen my family and friends. Upon my arrival, I was bombarded with hugs from my mom, dad, and all my brothers (who got even taller and bigger, I might add). It was so great to see them all again, and to be back home, where the Christmas tree was beautifully lit and decorated, and the rest of the house was so nicely decorated for the Christmas season. 

My time at home was very short, but it was jam packed, as I tried to get in as much as I could! My favorite part of being home was going to the movies to see Star Wars as a family. To be honest though, seeing Star Wars is at the bottom of the list as to why this family movie night was so great. For those who don’t know, it is very rare, and nearly impossible to get all 8 of us in the same place for the same thing. Usually, one or two kids have basketball practice, another one has a friend over, someone has a band concert… the list of commitments goes on. So the fact that my entire family was able to all go together to the movie was not only an incredible feat, but was so special to me while I was home. There is nothing I love more than being with my family, we all get along with each other so well, which made it an even better feeling knowing that I got to spend time with them around the holidays!  

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

Today I am heading back to Ireland to continue my Victory Scholar experience. I had an amazing week at home and it was good to see all of my friends and family. I was born and raised in Raleigh, North Carolina and for college I went to NC State University, which is also in Raleigh, North Carolina. The past 5 months in Ireland was the first real time that I spent away from home. The Victory Scholar program is my first time experiencing “being away from home” but also now “being back home.” It was interesting to see how much Raleigh had changed in only 5 months but it was awesome a warm feeling to see how familiar being back home felt. I never got home sick while in Ireland but being back home showed me how important family is to me. My family was waiting for me in the airport when I landed and I couldn’t help but smile when I first saw them. It was a hard feeling to describe how excited I was to see them and I tried to act calm and collective but I couldn’t hold back the big smile on my face. I am glad I was able to spend quality time with my family and experience the “being back home” feeling.

Victory Scholar: Staats Battle

Present University: University of Limerick

US League: ACC

Club/Community Partner: UL Eagles

Alma Mater: North Carolina State University

Sponsored by: Teamwear Ireland

We’re in Amsterdam and it’s St. Stephen’s Day (what the Irish call the day after Christmas). My immediate reaction was “why are there still Christmas markets the day after Christmas?” Not saying I’m complaining because I do LOVE Christmas but it was a little strange. However, Amsterdam celebrates the Christmas Holidays and New Year for a week where everyone is free from work until January 2nd. No wonder the streets of Amsterdam were so packed!

Amsterdam held its own kind of beauty, as it wasn’t scenic like Prague. Canals ran through almost all of its cobblestone streets; brick buildings glued to one another. Boats, even houses, were floating above the canal waters. Bikers pedaling their way along the streets or bikes chained up on outside benches or rails. Nothing was what I expected.

Although a touchy topic, I had a small culture shock on the country’s views on drugs and prostitution. Such promiscuous behavior in America is frowned upon where in Amsterdam it was accepted. The Red Light District, an area specifically designed for such sexual behavior, was one of Amsterdam’s top tourist attractions. Even marijuana was legal. But these traits of Amsterdam is the whole point of traveling – understanding that normalcy is subjective varying from culture to culture and to each is own. I’m an open-minded person that loves how everyone is different, and if you aren’t an open-minded person I believe traveling will definitely make you so.

There’s also some history that lies behind Amsterdam. The crew (Emily, Meg, Cory and I) decided to check out Anne Frank’s house. I heard of Anne Frank’s story, a young girl who was a Jewish victim in the Holocaust, but not in great detail. Leaving the museum I was at discomfort. Anne Frank was forced to remain in hiding while living in Amsterdam behind closed doors, never having the opportunity to live a real childhood. The stress of surviving another day with little rations for a girl at such a young age I realized my life has been a blessing.

Seeing parts of the world I’ve never even dreamed about with such amazing friends, sport has and continues to change my life in more ways than one.

Last stop: Edinburgh, Scotland

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

One of the perks of flying in and out of JFK Airport is that Brooklyn Heights, where my alma-mater, St. Francis College is located, is only a subway ride away! Naturally, since I was coming home to Connecticut to see my family, it was only right to also stop by and see my basketball family as well.

Attempting to be sneaky, I decided not to tell anyone about my visit, creating the perfect set up for a great surprise! With great success, I not only was able to surprise all my teammates at their dorms, but also my coaches, by showing up to their practice fully dressed in the practice uniform, ready to play. As soon as my head coach, Coach T, called the team in to half court to begin practice, I came running onto the floor apologizing for being late. The look on my coaches’ faces when they realized it was me was absolutely priceless! Definitely a successful surprise if I do say so myself.

After the practice, I got to catch up with Coach T over brunch. Over the past four years, Coach T has not only been my coach, but also my mentor, and someone who I could always go to for advice or just a great conversation. Although I always knew this, the brunch solidified the fact that even though I no longer play for him, he will forever be my coach, but more importantly, someone that I can always talk to!

 Being back at St. Francis was great; don’t get me wrong, it was weird not being out on the floor practicing, but the memories that came rushing back from just stepping on the basketball court again were unreal. I not only got to reminisce with myself of all the great times, but I also had the opportunity to talk about my experience at St. Francis, as well as my year abroad with Sport Changes Life to the current team. It was so fulfilling and gratifying to talk about how basketball has shaped my life and opened so many doors of opportunity; especially my most recent opportunity of playing, coaching, and learning in Ireland.  

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

I’m uncertain if I’m inherently the type to focus on the future or if it was college, specifically my coaching staff, that made me this way. I mean, one of Coach’s 3 Life Rules* were, ‘Stay one step ahead.’ I think it’s safe to say the latter must be true. Actually, I take that back. It was absolutely college athletics that changed me. By nature, I am 100% the nostalgic-romantic-replay-life’s-moments-over-and-over sort of girl. But your memory has to be shorter than a New York minute in basketball so I needed the indoctrination. But given the time of year–a time of wishes and resolutions–I hope you’ll all forgive me for reverting back to my old self while I reflect on this past year.

Ireland:
It was nearly a year ago when I was sitting at a computer in the 24 lounge on Rider’s campus trying not to let emotions overtake me as I filled out the Victory Scholar application. There’s still something so surreal about being here, about knowing then that this was something I was meant to do. So I’m forever grateful to SCL and The Forces That Be for this opportunity/family and these precious moments, even if they’re not snow-covered.

The Kids/The City:
Walking down Shop Street I honestly find myself singing, “Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your naaamee”. It’s been ages since I’ve even seen the show where I got that tune from but Galway just brings it to mind. I always run into kids that I have coached: boys from St.Pat’s, the Academy kids, my Pres girls. It’s a homey feeling where instead of being treated like a foreigner, everyone treats me like a good neighbor.
How cool is that?

My Teammates/My Friends:
When you’re the new kid on the block it’s always hard to know what to expect. But I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better group of girls to be around this year. (Of course, I have much love for the Titans lads too

So here’s a toast to 2015 for bringing everything anyone could ask for in one year and setting the bar!

*In case you were curious- Coach’s other two rules: 1. Be aware of your surroundings 2. Look people in the eye

** It was traumatizing and deserves it’s title. It will live on in infamy in my mind though I can laugh at it now.

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

My mom arrived in Belfast on last Thursday.  The night before I hardly slept anticipating her arrival.  I felt like a child who couldn’t sleep waiting on Santa to arrive the next morning.  When morning finally came I was up hours before her flight landed just keeping myself busy until it was time to pick her up.  Finally 45 min before her flight was scheduled to land I was on my way to the airport.  When I arrived at the airport I stood inside waiting for her outside of the baggage claim area checking the time and flight status every two minutes.  When she finally walked though the doors I saw her big smile and I have been smiling ever since.  

I love my mom and to see her happy means everything to me.  I haven’t seen my mom in almost four months so I have been truly anticipating her arrival for a while now.  The opportunity to bring my mom to Europe for Christmas is a blessing.  I have always wanted to do special things for my mother and just make her happy.  My mom has been my greatest supporter and inspiration.  Raising me as a single parent I feel like my mom deserves the world.  We have some exciting trips planned while she is here so I will be posting blogs frequently giving updates so be on the look out.  Have a Merry Christmas “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

Today was my last day in Ireland before I head back home in the morning. It’s about 10:30pm right now and I just got back to my room from my UL Eagles game. It was a thrilling game that came down to the wire and luckily ended in our favor. My adrenaline is still pumping so I thought I would write a quick blog to talk about my last day.

Today was a special day because it capped off the 1^st half of my Victory Scholar experience. I coached my 18u team this morning and I was very humbled when my players gave me a Christmas present at practice.  The players have become like a family to me and it was very nice of them to think of me during this holiday season. My team manager for the Limerick Lakers and my coach for the UL Eagles also each gave me a Christmas gift today. The team manager has been my “Irish Mom” while I’ve been here and she is always giving me rides places and making sure I am doing well and looking after me. My UL Eagles coach has been amazing and has helped me adjust on and off the court. A couple weekends ago I stayed at his house with his family and he made me feel right at home. I couldn’t ask for a better manager and coach and they have no idea how grateful I am for them. I really felt the love today from the Limerick community as everyone I saw at the game wished me a Merry Christmas and a safe flight home.

It is a bittersweet feeling knowing that I am headed home tomorrow.  I am having such a great time here that I don’t want to leave but I am also excited to be home and see all of my friends and family. It is a special time of the year because it is Christmas but also because it is my oldest sister’s birthday! I can’t wait to give my family a big hug and spend the week with them.

I hope everyone has a great holiday season!

Victory Scholar: Staats Battle

Present University: University of Limerick

US League: ACC

Club/Community Partner: UL Eagles

Alma Mater: North Carolina State University

Sponsored by: Teamwear Ireland

Tis’ the season to be jolly! The Christmas holidays are around the corner, so today’s practice with my 12 and under girls will be my last one until 2016. As much as we want the girls to get better at basketball, Tony and I agreed that practice should be fun and full of games.

.

The practice started with a game called “Ladders” which is a different version from the game “Catch the Bacon”.  All the girls sit on the floor and each player faces another, both assigned the same number. When their assigned number is called, the first player to grab the ball, which is placed in the middle of the court, and score a basket earns a point.

However, this warm-up game wasn’t the game that put me in shock. The next game the girls begged me to play a game called “Rounders”. As soon as I agree the girls began setting up a game similar to a sport we have at home in America: baseball. Bases were replaced with cones, a tennis ball instead of a baseball, and a badminton raquet as a baseball bat. Thinking the game is actually baseball but titled a different name, I started calling out rules and the girls looked at me puzzled. They asked, What are strikes?, What are innings? , and If we get three strikes, does that mean we are out for the rest of the game?. I was amazed. A sport that I grew up with and played with was non-existent in their life. The original game “Rounders” was slightly similar to baseball but catching a “pop-fly” or ball hit by the bat (raquet in this instance) meant the player was out for the entire game unless someone hit a non-stop home run, since you couldn’t rest on bases in their version of the game.

The girls ended the practice with a basketball match shortly after. All I could think about during that time was the sport culture difference here in Ireland compared to America. Sports, like baseball or American football, were engrained in our sports culture just Irish sports, like hurling and Gaelic football, were to my 12 and under team. I soon remembered how their sports were a completely different language to me when I first arrived here, and this same idea was probably going through their minds when I was explaining baseball to them. Without my opportunity with Sport Changes Life, I probably would have never even learned or heard about hurling or Gaelic football and my team would have never learned how to properly play baseball.

At the end of practice, I gave Tony and the girls some American Christmas candy, or sweets, and a personal Christmas card from Katie and I. Spreading the holiday cheer through American sweets and sport ended the year perfectly with my Wildcats team.

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

Yesterday I finished my final exams for 1^st semester and I could not be happier that they are over. I enjoyed the semester and the material that was covered and I really enjoyed getting to know my professors and classmates, but the past two weeks of exams were extremely stressful.  The format for the exams is what made them so stressful. In the past, my exams have always been multiple choice/short answer, but these exams were all essay questions. Each exam had about 5 essay questions and I had to choose 4 of them to answer in only two and a half hours.

Looking back on it now, I am expressed with all that I learned in class this semester. I hand wrote about 7-8 pages front and back for each exam and the format really made understand the material. I had to understand the theories, concepts, and terms I learned in class and be able to describe and apply them in my own words.  Memorization is what got me through my past exams of multiple choice and short answer questions but comprehending and fully understanding the material is what allowed me to do well this semester. I am looking forward to my new classes next semester but for the next couple of weeks I get the chance to just focus on coaching and playing basketball!

Victory Scholar: Staats Battle

Present University: University of Limerick

US League: ACC

Club/Community Partner: UL Eagles

Alma Mater: North Carolina State University

Sponsored by: Teamwear Ireland

I have had a couple of doses of ice hockey here in Belfast so far this year. My first Belfast hockey experience was a Belfast Giants game, the professional team here in Northern Ireland. I tagged along with Laura and Ruth, two of my friends here at UUJ, to go watch three of our Giant classmates do their thing on the ice. I’ve gotten to know Chris, James and Johan in the classroom and working with them on group assignments. It was surreal to see them on the ice and their action shots on the walls of the SSE Arena. After the game, Laura, Ruth and I waited for the guys to come out of the locker room to chat. Feeling like a Giant groupie, I was meandering around the arena when something black and yellow caught my attention. A Boston Bruins’ jersey was hanging on the wall in the hallway! It was exciting to stumble upon a little reminder of home, and for a second it almost felt like I was at the Garden at a Bs game.

I later discovered the extent of the hockey connection between Boston and Belfast when I attended The Friendship Four. The tournament featured four US college hockey teams and was inspired by the infamous Beanpot tournament that takes place annually in Boston. A number of us from SCL were lucky enough to enjoy one of the games in the tournament between UMass Lowell and Northeastern. From my seat right at the glass, it was strange to be watching two Massachusetts teams going head-to-head a world away from home!

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 

There is no doubt about it that people in Northern Ireland absolutely get into the Christmas spirit. There is heavy anticipation in the air for the 25^th of December and I’m excited that I’ll be in Ireland to experience it. Christmas treats and ugly Christmas jumpers aside, my favorite part of the Christmas season in Belfast has easily been the Belfast Christmas market. And I’m not the only one who feels this way. My teammates and classmates raved about the market and urged me to go, saying it is something I shouldn’t miss. So I made my way into town to check out all the hype for myself.

It didn’t take me long to become a fan of the Christmas market after seeing all the food. Everywhere. One stall after another contained a different food to try from a different part of the world. My biggest problem wasn’t finding something to try, but which food to try first. I took 2 laps around the booth-lined paths to decide on how to make my first move.

I tried as many different things as my meagre student budget allowed. But the main event, what I will tell people I ate at the Belfast Christmas market, was the Kangaroo Burger. Now I’m not a food critic, but all I know is that once I got over the fact that I was eating kangaroo, I enjoyed every bite! With that said, I probably won’t be serving Joey up for Christmas dinner anytime soon. Was it actually kangaroo in that burger? Who knows. But will I own the fact that I ate a kangaroo burger? You bet.

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 

Here at Sport Changes Life we have a program for youth called the Ehoops program.  Ehoops is a program that focuses on empowering and inspiring youth through sport.  During our weekly Ehoops sessions I have the opportunity to tell the youth about who I am and some of the obstacles that I overcame to make it to where I am now.  Whenever I speak about some of the obstacles I have overcome I always attempt to encourage them to keep pressing forward to complete their goals no matter the difficulty.  Most recently I was able to speak to a group of about 30 youths age 14 to 22.  As soon as I was finished speaking a group of young men called me over to ask me to go into further detail about some of my life experiences.  When they finished asking me questions one of the young guys told me that I inspired him to not give up on finishing school.  He told me “If you can make it through all of that then I know I have a chance to overcome what I am dealing with”.  Hearing the young man say that was a truly gratifying experience.  I have always wanted to allow my life to be an inspiration. I think I have endured different obstacles in life not just for my development but to eventually reach others and motivate people to never quit.  So many people have inspired me and helped me reach this point in my life; I am really thankful that I am in a place where I can consistently do that.  “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

I recently had some time to get away and make a trip to visit some of my stepfamily here in Ireland. I got my £21.00 return ticket from Belfast to the ‘south’, or the Republic of Ireland, and boarded a bus that actually headed north. That’s because parts of Co. Donegal, including where my stepfamily lives, are the most northern points of the island. Technically, I was in ‘the south,’ but I was geographically almost as north as I could get! It was great to get to know my step aunt and step cousins a little better over my short weekend visit. We got a chance to drive around their waterfront neighborhood and it was the first time I got to see the amazing scenery the coastline and beaches of Ireland have to offer. On the way back to Belfast I had the whole back of the bus to myself, but I was glued to the window in order to take in the mountains and valleys visible from the road as the day’s sun expired. I had a newfound understanding of why my cousin Laura told me that there was no place she’d rather live. I was so grateful to my new stepfamily here in Ireland for inviting me up to stay with them. At the same time, I couldn’t help but think of my family back home as well. I wished I could share the experience of seeing the country where we can trace back all of our roots with my family back home. I wished I had the ability to bottle up the view from that bus window to give to my grandparents, who have never gotten the chance to see the country their parents came from. I even tried to snapchat it to my cousin Hanna, but it obviously didn’t do it justice or have nearly the same effect. Despite sitting on the bus alone I felt closer to my family, both new and old, in a whole new way.

Victory Scholar: Clare Sullivan

Present University: Ulster University

US League Partner: Patriot League

Club/Community Partner: Ulster Elks

Alma Mater: The College of the Holy Cross

Sponsored by: Teamwear Ireland 

I’m exhausted and covered in sweat and my hands are still shaking from that end-of-the-game anxiety, but I am happier than my words can express. The final buzzer has just sounded, and my Wildcat sisters and I have just come out victorious over the powerhouse club and reigning champions, Glanmire. Although I haven’t been a part of the Super League in Ireland for long, I have become very familiar with the dominance that is associated with Glanmire. For the past few years they have basically won everything. In fact, none of the current players on the Wildcats—some of whom have been playing for them for six years—have ever won a game against Glanmire. Until tonight.

With the game tied at 60-60 with about 17 seconds left, Glanmire had two free throws. My insides were like jelly and in my head I was screaming for the girl to miss. Somehow, she did, twice. But just when I thought we were in the clear, a Glanmire player pulled down the rebound off of the miss and was fouled shooting. Now with 16 seconds left, we were in the same exact position. As much as I tried to be optimistic, I just could not believe that another player would go 0-2 from the line. And then, miraculously, she did. Boonie leapt up and got the rebound—I swear I have never seen anyone jump the way she does!—and blasted up the court with the ball. She drew about three defenders before kicking the ball to Cathy Kavanagh for a short baseline jumper.

Swish.

The crowd, which had been electric all night, erupted in the small gym. I have played a lot of basketball games in front of countless crowds, but I think that might be the loudest I have ever heard a gym get. My ears were still ringing for hours after the game.

There was still 5 seconds on the clock, and Glanmire had one more chance at a shot, but couldn’t connect. The buzzer sounded.

We’d won.

That familiar sense of relief, triumph, and pure happiness washed over me. I am an extremely competitive person, and I take basketball very seriously, so winning is very important to me. But this win was different. This win was special. Not because I played well or made a few shots or because our record gained another win. No, this win was special to me because of what it meant to my teammates. When I looked into their faces as we celebrated our victory, they simply beamed. The excitement, the pride they felt shone in their eyes. They had finally defeated their Goliath, and I felt incredibly lucky and proud to have been able to play a part in it. One of the girls was even so happy that she began to cry; her eyes weren’t the only ones that got a little watery. A number of parents and community members rushed over to congratulate us, and there were certainly a few who didn’t have dry eyes. Waterford fans are the greatest. I saw in them the same excitement and pride reflected on my teammates’ faces. I’ll never forget their kind words of praise and support. They made me so proud to wear a Wildcats jersey.

When Jaz and I joined the Wildcats just a few short months ago, we didn’t quite expect to become so close with our teammates so quickly. But they—along with the community in Waterford that has welcomed us so warmly—have become our family here in Ireland. I want nothing more than to continue winning for the Wildcats, if for nothing else but to see that look again on the faces of the people I care so much about.

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

Every basketball player has them, whether they admit it or not. That’s right, I’m talking about superstitions.

Yes, I know that thinking that the lucky penny I keep in my shoe in any way contributes to how my teammates and I perform on the court is a bit silly. And maybe the fact that I have to wear either two right socks or two left socks on game day (never a left and a right) is even more absurd. But so what? So what if I have to make my last shot before finishing warm ups or if I have to wipe the bottom of my shoes with my hands before every free throw?

People sometimes criticize others for their superstitions. They argue that these things have nothing to do with the game and that they are just stupid. But I’m not one to judge. Maybe that’s because I don’t have a right to, after refusing to change the laces in my basketball shoes even though they’ve both ripped now and I’ve had to tie them back together. How could I possibly get new laces when the Wildcats have been winning while I’ve had these laces? It’s simply too risky. Sometimes when you’ve got a good thing going, you go a little crazy trying to keep it that way. So you keep in your same routines, even when some of the things you do don’t logically have anything to do with how you play.

I think that superstitions reveal passion. If someone is willing to go to the trouble to repeat a number of random, ridiculous tasks in the hopes of maintaining success, it simply shows that they are passionate. So basketball players, don’t be ashamed of your superstition. You are just passionate about your sport. Maybe even crazy about it.

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

Waking up Friday morning…it was weird to say that I am 23 YEARS OLD! When people say time flies, it really does. Celebrating my birthday in a new country with new friends, I had no idea what to expect.

On Friday, Katie and I went for lunch in the city and afterwards got crepes in Winterval, an event hosted by Waterford transforming the city center to a Christmas-y theme. Completely content with the day’s event, I thought my birthday celebration was over. Returning from the city, I surprisingly found my roommate, Maidy, and three of the Wildcat players, Mel, Helena, and Sinead, in Katie and I’s dorm singing happy birthday to me. There were balloons sprawled all on the floor and a perfectly lit, homemade carrot cake (my favorite kind of cake), made by the best, Katie and Maidy, laid out on our kitchen table. For presents, Mel, Sinead, Helena, and Katie gave me an Irish rugby jersey and Maidy gave me a personalized tea mug. My ecstatic reaction to these gifts were priceless, not because they were amazing presents, but because the girls knew me so well. Sometimes paying attention to small details about a person is a greater gift than the gifts themselves.

Since birthdays are usually celebrated in a weekend’s time, the birthday love on Saturday was incredible. The Wildcats had a huge Super League game against Glanmire fighting for the top positions in the league. The crowd’s constant exhilaration throughout the match and each team clawing their way for a lead heightened the gym’s atmosphere. Despite predictions, Wildcats brought home the victory with only 17 seconds left on the clock. Even after winning six games, the Wildcats LOVE winning and never take it for granted where winning our sixth game was just as sweet as winning our first. The win was a great birthday gift especially knowing that the club, up until now, had never defeated Glanmire in the past 5 years and knowing how much that win meant to the club.

As soon as the buzzer went off, all of the young girls Katie and I coach ambushed the court hugging and congratulating us on the win. Out of the blue, Jillian Hayes, our community partner, held out a lit chocolate cake and the entire Wildcats club began singing happy birthday to me. I started crying swarmed with emotions of happiness.  Feeling the birthday love after the match, witnessing tears of our close friends within the club after sealing the win and have it bring such great recognition to the club, and realizing the love the parents and girls have for Katie and I defined the surreal moment. It is a gratifying feeling to be an inspiration to the girls and to the club. For the first time in my life, I feel like I am doing something right and hoping to continue to make everyone proud to be a part of the Wildcat organization. Thank you to the club, Katie, Maidy, and my teammates for an unforgettable 23^rd birthday creating memories that I will bring with me forever.

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

This weekend marked the final weekend of basketball for the UL Huskies club before the holiday break. As it was the last weekend, there were plenty of games to be played. I can definitely say that I had a basketball-filled weekend, that’s for sure.

To start the weekend, the Huskies Super League team concluded the 2015 part of their season with a massive win over the Liffey Celtics. There was honestly no better way to finish off this year than with a win! It not only was a great way to start the Christmas break, but it also gives us momentum for when we come back for the new year!

The next day, I was coaching the U18, U16, and U14 girls’ underage teams. Usually, I only help coach the U18s for practices. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to coach the 18s in their match today; as their head coach had a game of his own to play in! The girls are always so competitive and willing to learn at practice, which made me excited to finally coach them in a game. As expected, the girls were great. They came with great energy, enthusiasm, and played until the very last second of the game. We came out with a very decisive win, one of which was well deserved! It was great to win, but it was even better to coach, and interact with the girls in a game setting.

Next, came the U16s. I’m not going to lie; as a team, we’ve had our fair share of tough games in the season thus far. But it’s the past few weeks that made today’s game that much more satisfying. If you couldn’t have guessed, we won! It was honestly the best feeling when the buzzer went off signifying the end of the game. It meant that yes, we had won the game, but more importantly as a team, the girls overcame the adversity they had faced in the previous weeks! I couldn’t be more proud of the girls for sticking it out.

After the 16s, were the U14s. For this age group, I helped coach with one of my super league teammates, Avril. After taking a huge lead in the game, we thought we had the game in the bag. But the other team never gave up, making it an interesting game that came down to the final couple of seconds. The game got a little too close for my liking, but we were able to pull out the win.

As you can see, I wasn’t kidding when I said there was a lot of basketball this weekend! But nonetheless, I loved every second of it! It was amazing to have such a successful weekend across the board.

Although it does feel good to win as a player and as a coach, there is more to it than just the victories. The wins signify the amount of hard work that all the players in the UL Huskies club have put towards the sport. Over the past few weeks, not every game has gone our way in super league, or in the underage teams. That’s what made this weekend that much sweeter. Knowing that everyone’s hard work, on all the teams is paying off is so fulfilling.

As a player, and as a coach, I can definitely say that the UL Huskies club as a whole, is only picking up momentum. The Huskies are coming back from the break stronger than ever!  

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

As the end of the first semester comes to an end, I reflect on my personal growth within these past few months.  I have been pushed to work outside my comfort zone and as one challenge is achieved another is right there to push me to be better. 

Basketball has been all I have expected it to be.  My teammates are great in making me feel at home and make me feel like the basketball family I just left back home. 

Coaching has been extraordinary in every aspect.  I have never been a morning person but the young people in my morning sessions have given me a drive to want to be up in the morning to coach them.  I am beyond thankful to have had a chance to be a part of our local wheelchair basketball program.  The children are more than incredible individuals and teach me more about myself every minute I’m there. 

School is a major challenge and what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.  My parents, girlfriend, and close friends keep my head where it needs to be to continue to succeed through it. It is hard work but unreal to think I’m halfway done a Masters degree. 

I look forward to going home in a few days to see my family and friends but I also look forward to coming back to be around my team, classmates, and the young people I coach.  The underlying theme of my blogs and time here in Ireland are the people and personalities I’ve met along the way.  I am excited to finish the second half of my year with them and develop even more relationships!

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

Fluttering heart sending vibrations through my whole body, voice breaking and tripping over each syllable, the odd tear welling up in my eye and threatening to betray me – here lie the signs that I am giving a presentation in front of a group of people. Be it an audience of four or 40, when I stand up before a group of listening ears, I wish I were anywhere else. For those who don’t suffer from this unease, such reactions undoubtedly seem like, well, overreactions. But I know that the majority of people understand how I feel, maybe not to such a dramatic degree, but they understand nonetheless.  I’ve actually read that in polls measuring the frequency of common phobias, public speaking pretty consistently comes in first – with a recent report claiming that over ¼ of Americans list speaking in front of a crowd as one of their fears.

But something was different about this Monday past. There I stood, presenting in front of my Finance class, not manifesting any of these symptoms.  I was speaking about a project I had just completed. The task was to convince the class and lecturer, imagining them as investors, to invest in the company that I had researched. And man, had I researched. My report had ended up being more than 10 pages long, and I had spent hours upon hours writing it the weekend before. In fact, the hours leading up to the presentation were also filled with concentration on the material at hand as I prepared the PowerPoint presentation. 

None of my prep time was spent worrying about the actual act of presenting. And I was lucky enough to present right at the beginning of class; watching other people present is usually a perfect time for my nerves to escalate to extreme levels.

I almost felt surprised when I found myself in what is normally such a stressful situation, feeling so comfortable. And I actually managed to last the full five minutes without any of the heart-palpating nonsense I would have expected to befall me. This experience has showed me that preparation, comfortability with the material, and avoiding that anxious kind of worrying are the keys to my public speaking success!

Victory Scholar: Lillian McCabe

Present University: IT Carlow

US League: Atlantic 10

Club/Community Partner: ITC Basketball

Alma Mater: Davidson College

Sponsored by: Teamwear Ireland

So what’s the recipe you ask?
1 Night full of Christmas cheer
Cold ‘lashing’ Rain, with a dash of hurricane; Hold the hail
And of course Craic

So let’s set the scene, shall we? Picture it. It was the first Friday night in December. I was baking a cake for the Mystics game the next afternoon and was up to my elbows in chocolate frosting before I realized it was getting late; I had a party to attend. Kelly, “our appointed entertainment officer”, had reserved a table for us so we could celebrate the holidays as a team. I cleaned up the kitchen a teensy tiny bit before getting myself together and prepared to brave the storm. I wasn’t in much of rush because who really wants to hang out with their ‘coach’? As per usual, I was wrong.

I arrived to An Púcán to a table full of #Titans, dressed up, made up, looking lovely and in high spirits. They welcomed me with open arms and proffered drink. Being the *ahem* committed athlete that I am, I declined but truly appreciated the sentiment.

It wasn’t long before the ‘white-elephant gift exchange’ took place. With my draft pick, I had selected a lovely coffee mug which read, “I Love Basketball” until Danielle deboed* it. Other gift selections included candy, a Galway Masters Shirt, costume mustaches and eyebrows, cat food, and handmade salt-n-pepper shaker covers-turned-finger puppets. Let me tell you, Clar does a lovely talking chicken impersonation. Then, Eva was kind enough to share her wealth so we all donned faux ‘staches/brows and held an extensive photo shoot as evidenced above. Lol To my surprise, I was presented with a personal present, card, and artwork courtesy of Kelly’s two little ones. If I was the sentimental type I might have cried, but all the same, I cherished the moment with an ear-to-ear smile instead.
We talked for a while but true to form–and being the same set of ladies who requested a Zumba session– we hit the dance floor with Wayne and the lads. It seemed like we were all just getting warmed up when the DJ gave the dreaded ‘last song’ call. It was a blessing in disguise because bed was probably the best thing for us all but make no mistake, #Titans know how to party.

*Deboed- verb. When someone steals something that belongs to you without reason or forewarning, generally done with malice. See ‘Friday’ for further information. Lol Term used here as a hyperbole :).

Victory Scholar: Marritta Gillcrease

Present University: NUI Galway

US League: MAAC

Club/Community Partner: Galway Titans

Alma Mater: Rider University

Sponsored by: Teamwear Ireland

I always miss my family this time of year, the past three years due to basketball commitments I have had to spend it apart from them. And this would be the first year in a while that I didn’t get to spend it with my second family, the Frasers and Mary Margaret’s world famous sweet potato casserole.

Being a kid who has always loved food my biggest worry was that we wouldn’t have turkey. Thankfully it all worked out, I had a great night with my Sport Changes Life family in Belfast…..and yes turkey was served. I would have to say the best part of the night was when Marc surprised us with videos from home. It was extremely comforting to see the faces of my beautiful family on one of the biggest family days of the year. I would not be here without their support and on a day where Americans reflect on what they are thankful for I was most thankful for them in that moment.

Victory Scholar: James Zuccaro

Present University: Ulster University

US League: Skyline Conference

Club/Community Partner: Ulster Elks

Alma Mater: College of Mount Saint Vincent

Sponsored by: Teamwear Ireland

Christmas is my favorite time of year and it’s always exciting to experience this joyous season in different places and Belfast might be the coolest place so far……..well maybe 2nd to Rockefeller Center in NY. There is an awesome market setup in the city and it includes cultures from all over Europe. I have never seen anything like it. There’s food, clothing and of course pictures with Santa, but it is basically all of Europe in a quarter mile radius.

Of course the most exciting part of the market is the food for me. While Kelly got a coconut pastry from a vendor from Sweden, I had to get cannoli ‘s from the Italy vendor. They were amazing! If you ever find yourself in Northern Ireland during the Christmas season, you have to check out the Christmas markets in Belfast!

Victory Scholar: James Zuccaro

Present University: Ulster University

US League: Skyline Conference

Club/Community Partner: Ulster Elks

Alma Mater: College of Mount Saint Vincent

Sponsored by: Teamwear Ireland

After completing my last exam of the week (one more next week), I decided to celebrate in a way that I haven’t gotten to do since the semester started… I went for a run. Now I know most people wouldn’t put celebrate and run in the same sentence, but for me going on a nice run is one of the best feelings, especially after studying all morning!

Between my busy schedule, and the pretty much constant rain, it poses a challenge to ever get a run in outside. Luckily, after my final, the Limerick rain gods finally let up, giving me just enough time.

Running outside, especially in Limerick, is awesome. I get to explore new roads and areas that I normally don’t get to see in a car. Although I will admit, it got a little interesting when I looked around and did not recognize a single landmark. Between that, and constantly reminding myself that cars drive on the left side of the road; it posed quite the adventure.

Exploring a new area means that my run consisted of many stops along the way. Not because I was tired, although a break is always a nice bonus ;), but because the landscape was beautiful. I constantly found myself in awe of Ireland’s natural beauty, as well as the massive puddles of flooding that are developing because of all the rain Limerick has gotten!

Now that school is coming to a close for Christmas, I hope to get a few more opportunities to explore Limerick in a way other than car!  

Side note… Dad, this post is for you! Who would have thought after all these years of arguing about going for a run, that I would finally do them willingly?! 🙂 <3

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

As I sit on the gym floor after practice drenched in sweat and so exhausted I don’t want to move I just sit and think to myself what an awesome feeling.  The feelings that I get from playing basketball can only be described as euphoric.  When I play nothing else in the world matters but the game.  I enjoy practicing, working out, and games especially all because of that euphoric feeling that I know I can expect each time I compete.  God used basketball as a tool to change my life and I am forever thankful.

Thinking about our foundations name Sport Changes Life and how the name really speaks volumes in my life.  Basketball has definitely changed my life giving me the opportunity to receive a first class education for free.  Taking me to so many awesome places that most people in my community don’t get the opportunity see, offering me the opportunity to have friends in America and now here in Europe. 

As great as all of those things are, Basketball has done so much more for me.  Basketball helped build my character by showing me how to push through adversity, positively channel my emotions, and successfully work with others.  I can even say basketball has kept me away from ever doing drugs.  I know that some people use drugs as a temporary escape from the stressful realities of life.  Basketball has always been my temporary escape blocking my mind from the outside world holding my undivided attention for hours at a time.  I am truly thankful God decided to use basketball to change my life because I know how different my life could have turned out.  Hopefully during my time here and throughout my life I can encourage some young boy or girl to use sports the same way that I have. “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