Whats going on guys?

This past weekend went well with the team I’m coaching, the Junior Elks.  We made a trip down to Dublin yesterday to play against the ladies of the 14 and under team of Meteors Basketball Club.  This was our first scrimmage of the season and was a great barometer to see where we are at this point.  This opportunity also gave me a chance to see what we need to work on moving forward.  Although we did lose the scrimmage by a mere 6 points, the girls played together as a team and worked passionately while they were on the court.

Besides the game itself, the girls as well as myself enjoyed the 2 hour ride and being able to bond with one another.  I would have to say the highlight of the girls day was being able to play on the indoor playground at the service station where we gassed up and ate lunch.  They all headed straight to the play area even though they ALL surpassed the height limit.  Nonetheless, it was a great time and looking forward to the season ahead with the Junior Elks 14 and under team.

Just looking ahead, there is much to be excited about.  The team I will be playing for this year, the Ulster Elks, has been practicing very hard over the past two weeks.  We will get a test this upcoming weekend against the other clubs throughout the country that wil be participating in the ESPN tournament hosted in Belfast.  Also, I will be participating in Induction Week with my Masters program in which we are taking a trip to Portaferry as a bonding trip. 

As you can see, things are starting to take off here and it’s an exciting time.  If you have not already, PLEASE follow the USNI facebook page by “Liking” it.  This will give you the chance to follow the progress of myself and the other scholars throughout the year. 

Talk soon!

I’ve always been a night owl, a fact to which my mother can attest. Week ends, week days , game days, I’m likely to be awake. The reasons were plenty: procrastination catching up to me, NBA on TNT, girl talk and wet nails. The list goes on. Coach Milli definitely discouraged the practice despite being somewhat of an insomniac herself.

But today a player of mine said something likely to keep me up at nights long after my flight next June
“…With all due respect, [not playing] is just a waste of my time…”

I felt horrible and rightfully so, like I had personally stole the joy of basketball from their clutches. God knows I know what that’s like. The moment was bitter and ironic especially given my purpose here and it made me wonder about all the sleepless nights that coaches suffer. Was it the right play? The right substitution? The right plan? They say you need a short memory in basketball-leaving behind the last miss and focusing on the next make, the next stop- but man those memories come flooding back ten-fold after the final whistle. Nevertheless, I can only hope they decide to play again–not for me but for their teammates’ sake and for the love of the game.

As I try to banish my thoughts and find a restful state, I kick aside the cliché “Nobody’s perfect”. Instead, I look to my favorite author/activist/poet Maya Angelou for wisdom and strive to do better tomorrow.

“You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.”

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

Hi guys!

This is my first of many post that will be on this page. I just want to introduce myself to all the fans, supporters, and anyone associated with USNI. My name is Darryl Shazier and I am from Newport News, Virginia. It is an honor to be part of this wonderful program that will allow me to receive my masters in business studies while playing basketball, and most importantly helping youth in the community.

I received my bachelor’s degree in Economics at Bucknell University, which is located in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. I was also part of the men’s basketball team, which most recently won the Patriot League Championship.

While I am still getting settled in here on the Jordanstown campus, I have been quite busy. Gareth and Deirdre have been great in helping me get acquainted with Belfast and the surrounding area. I started off my first morning here enjoying a Large Fry (fried eggs, fried sausage, fried potato bread, and some more fried things!). Since I am playing basketball and trying to keep my figure, I am going to stay away from the Large Fry. I was also fortunate enough to visit Deirdre’s family farm. To keep it short, it was an experience, and as you can tell by the pics so nicely posted by Gareth, I was not too keen of the animals. Nonetheless, it was a great experience and next time we visit I will be a top notch farmer!

We have also had our first practice with the Junior Ulster Elks which went great. I got to meet all the kids and it seems like they are eager to get better. Coaching these kids will be a great chance to share my experience with them, but I will also learn a lot from these kids.

The opportunity to be part of this scholarship program is an honor. I look forward to the great year ahead and I will keep you posted on my experience here in Northern Ireland! Talk soon!

Even since I arrived in Ireland, I have gotten quite the ear for accents. No matter where I am, whether it’s in class, around campus, or in the City Centre, I pay close attention to people passing by. I want to pick up on their accents because they are all so different and unique.

Being at the University of Limerick, a hot spot for international students, as well as being so close to central Europe has exposed me to so many different types of people. All of which, have very unique accents and dialects. With that being said, I love listening to people and guessing where they are from based on their accent or language. I admit I also do love hearing another fellow American as I walk around campus. But regardless, a person’s accent or dialect tells a lot about himself or herself.

The accent I picked up on while I was sitting in class the other day held a different meaning to me. We had a guest lecturer in class and my teacher warned us that he was from Belfast, and that his accent might be a bit difficult for the foreigners in class to understand. I laughed to myself because I knew all too well how hard that Belfast accent could be.

However, this time around, the accent wasn’t difficult to understand, it instead brought back memories of the first two weeks I spent in Northern Ireland. From the very first ‘wee’ to the overall tone of the guest speaker, it reminded me of the Sport Changes Life family that spoke with that same accent to make myself, and the other 12 American scholars feel welcome in an unfamiliar place.

From that point on, I realized accents are useful for a lot more than an indicator of a person’s native land. In fact, that might be the least interesting thing an accent can tell you about a person. The memories and experiences tied to a particular accent mean so much more.   

It’s safe to say that the notorious Belfast accent will always make me think of the Sport Changes Life crew and the amazing opportunity they have provided me. 

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’ve gotten a chance to scope out the town for the next year and it has a lot to offer. I was under the impression that it would be smaller and less to do. There are a lot of store fronts and restaurants in the downtown area, right where we reside.

Lil got me to try fish and chips for the first time on our restaurant hops. I always wanted to try them but never had the push to order them. They were all they’re hyped up to be and will order them again. We also had a cafe for lunch one day that had the feel of a Panera Bread.

We went walking after lunch and found the Carlow Castle. It was a huge structure that only had one wall still intact. The history behind these castles is fascinating. After, we came across a large stream with waterfalls and wildlife all throughout. It was during sunset so of course the best pictures were taken.

Day after day, Ireland’s scenic views are hard to top and continue to amaze.

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

Last week I started to look for a few different ways to increase my physical fitness.  I found a spin class to attend three days a week to add to my fitness regimen at the Ulster sports centre.  Spin class is an indoor cycling class that focuses on endurance and strength.  The classes usually last about 45min – 60 min depending on the instructor.   The spin class is just what I need since it focuses on endurance and leg strength with low impact on my joints.  A good spin instructor with some good music will make 60 min feel like 15 min.  I encourage anyone who is looking to increase his or her physical fitness to attend a spin session.  “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 

As I complete my assignment in my room, I hear the song Hallelujah being played by the trumpet. I walk out of my flat and out the front gate of Trinity, intending on going for a run. Turning left, I walk towards Grafton Street to get to St. Stephen’s Green, a beautiful park and one of my favorite places in the city. For those who don’t know, Grafton Street is pretty famous here in Dublin. It’s full of shops, food, and entertainers looking to catch the attention of the countless tourists walking along it. It’s always full of people and it is always loud. Trust me, Emily and I can hear it from our window! Needless to say, I’ve kind of stopped paying attention to some of the crazy things on this street as I walk along it from day to day to go for a run or just to hit the grocery store.

This past Monday was registration for my classes.  I was able to meet my course Director Dr. Fred Morrison.  Dr. Morrison was very welcoming and provided me with lots of insight on what to expect in my classes.  I have often thought about how my educational experience here at Ulster University would differ from what I have grown accustomed to in America.  So far I get the feeling that I will learn a lot more since there will be less than 20 people in some of my classes.  The registration process just made me excited for school all over again as if I was in elementary school and was anticipating my first day.  I look forward to meeting as many people as possible in all of my classes since I don’t know anyone as of yet.  I truly believe my educational experience will be one that I will never forget.  “To God Be The Glory”  

Victory Scholar: Jonathan McNair

Present University: Ulster University

US League: East Coast Conference

Club/Community Partner: Ulster Elks

Alma Mater: St. Thomas Aquinas College

Sponsored by: Teamwear Ireland

Coming to Ireland has provided me with the unique opportunity to broaden my experience of the world in so many different ways. One of the reasons that I was attracted to the Sport Changes Life program is that I have a passion for traveling. I want to see what the world has to offer. I want to experience the other ways that people live. I want to immerse myself in other cultures. I have heard that choosing not to travel is like choosing to read only one chapter out of an entire book. Well, I’d say it’s more like deciding to only read one sentence; that’s how big the world is. There is so much out there to see, hear, feel, do, so much to taste and smell, so much that it would be impossible for any one person to experience everything the world has to offer even if he or she dedicated his or her lifetime to it. So if you have the chance, travel. The experiences and the memories you’ll take away from your travels will far surpass the burdens of time or money that it may cost you.

My attitude coming to Ireland was that I would try to see as much as Ireland as possible, but also as much as Europe as I could. It is far cheaper and easier for me to get to European countries from Ireland than from Cleveland, Ohio, where I’m from. Sport Changes Life is all about broadening our life experiences and has encouraged us Victory Scholars to travel when we are free from our coaching, playing, and academic commitments. I am so thankful for their attitude because it allowed me the chance to fulfill my wanderlust last weekend when I traveled to Spain for a few days.

My experience in Spain was incredible. I was visiting one of my best friends from college, Eilidh, who is playing professionally in a small town called Zamora. The town that isn’t touristy at all, so I was able to experience the way that Spanish people actually live rather than merely going to see the biggest tourist attractions. For instance, the Spanish live on a different time schedule than anything I have ever experienced before. When I arrived in Zamora late on Thursday night, the city center was absolutely buzzing. People of all ages were out and about, from small children to elderly couples. Zamora was alive. The next morning, Eilidh and I got up early so she could show me the castle and cathedral in Zamora. I would swear on my life that we were no longer in the same town as last night. It was absolutely dead. As Eilidh and I walked through the ghost town, she explained to me that it is always like that in Zamora. The people there stay out late at night and sleep in late the next day. They get moving again around 11 in the morning, but not for long. By 2 in the afternoon it is time for them to have a siesta, or a nap. You think I’m kidding? Nope. Literally everything closes in Zamora from 2 ‘til 5 so that everyone can go home and take a nap. Eilidh said that sometimes she forgets about siesta and comes home from practice in the early afternoon, starving, to find everything shut until 5. Then once Zamora wakes up once again, the town is humming until late into the night.

In addition to the unique time schedule I witnessed, I was also forced to try to communicate completely in Spanish. Almost no one spoke English in Zamora, and if they did, it was very limited. Together Eilidh and I attempted to communicate the simplest things to people in Zamora with mixed results. For instance, whenever we ordered food at a restaurant we were always pleasantly surprised when the right dish actually came out. Once I got orange Fanta instead of orange juice—which was strange with breakfast—and another time Eilidh got a pork chop instead of steak, but otherwise we actually did quite well! By the way, the food in Spain was absolutely amazing and I’m really glad I only stayed for a few days because I would be obese off of churros otherwise.

I did get the chance to visit one really touristy area while I was in Spain. I drove to San Sebastian, a beautiful Spanish town on the northern coast. When I got there I found a free map printer so I printed out a map and then completely disregarded it because I decided I just wanted to wander around on my own. I walked around the city and found a giant hill so naturally I wanted to climb it. When I got to the top, I had the most beautiful view. Elegant buildings lined the coastline, where the sun-kissed sand met the vast blue expanse of the sea. It might just be the prettiest place I have ever seen.

When I left Spain, I was sad to say goodbye to the culture that I had enjoyed so much, and to my friend. But I found comfort in the saying that it’s not goodbye; it’s hasta luego!

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

The one thing that stood out more than anything about the Sport Changes Life Foundation was the foundation’s goal of giving back to the Ireland community.  I know the importance of giving back and the impact that it can have on the lives of young people.  I am here in Ireland today because of all the people who have helped me along the way.  I now have the opportunity to give back some of the things that I have been blessed with. 

My blogs have been reaching and encouraging people in ways that I never would have thought.  I have received so many messages from people saying how they have been following my blog post every Wednesday and I am truly thankful that I have been able to use my blogs as a way to have a positive impact.  Just recently I found out that my church family in Washington DC will be reading my blogs during the weekly bible study session.  Knowing that I have people reading and being impacted by my blogs keeps me encouraged.  The Sports Changes Life Foundation created a way for me to give back what was given to me through sport as well as life.

The more we give the more we are able to receive.  We cannot be blessed with more if our hands are full holding onto the things that have already been given to us.  We gain God’s trust by giving back what we have been blessed with.  If we cannot be trusted to give back in the areas that we have already been blessed we cannot expect to be given more.  This week lets focus on giving something back that we have received.  It can be money, time, encouragement, words of wisdom, or empathy. “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

For the last two weeks, Katie and I haven’t quite figured out when and where to do our laundry. On campus, laundry costs 8 euros, which is somewhat expensive in our opinion. Our community partner, Jillian Hayes, offered to do our wash for us considering Katie and I had piles of dirty clothes sitting in our dorm room. Now in America, there are washers and dryers able to fit loads as large as an adult, if not bigger. When we arrived at Jillian’s house I noticed two things immediately: the washer was teeeeeennny tiny and there wasn’t a dryer. In Ireland, dryers are either pricey, combined with the washer in to one machine, or they have condenser dryers.

So after my first load was done, Jillian started to hang my clothes up on a clothesline. Although it was quite embarrassing to watch your “knickers” blow in the wind publicly, I was quite marveled by the Irish culture. Immediately I started to assist Jillian and roar with laughter at the same time. On rainy days, Irish people use a drying rack, known as a “clothes horse”, or a hair dryer to dry their clothes. I think it’s safe to say I’m an expert at washing my clothes the proper way in Ireland and that Americans are a tad spoiled 🙂

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

Last week Lil and I started learning wheelchair basketball for the first time.  We are being taught by a group of about 10 young people age 5-15.  It is far different from what I’m used to because height doesn’t play much of an advantage.  The whole group is much faster and more co-ordinated with the ball than I am. They have been teaching us the basic rules of the game and the tricks they’ve picked up over the years.

One trick they showed me is how to pick up the ball off the ground.  The trick is to ride beside the ball and pin the ball with your hand to the bottom of your wheel.  The wheel will do all the work as you continue to ride and a second later the ball is at the top of the wheel.  It’s little things like this, that they so easily pick up on and they are very creative while playing the game.

Soon Lil and I will be coming up with a warm up game that we can all do together.  This will be challenging. To think outside the box and come up with something they’ve never seen before while improving their skills at the same time.

I am learning so much about myself and the world just by watching and interacting with them. I learn to be creative, patient, confident, and caring.  They all have a sense of love and care for each other in their own ways.  You can see the passion. You can see the drive to interact and have fun with each other. I look forward to these sessions every week and learning more from these young people.

Victory Scholar: Harrison Deyo

Present University: IT Carlow

US League: MAC

Club/Community Partner: IT Carlow Basketball

Alma Mater: Alvernia University

Sponsored by: Teamwear Ireland

I returned home from London Sunday night and thought the Halloween celebration was over. Maidy, who goes home to Cork every weekend, came back and surprised me with Barmbrack. It is an Irish Halloween custom to eat Barmbrack, a loaf full of raisins, as some sort of fortune-telling game to get in the Halloween-y spirit. I am extremely lucky to live with Maidy because whenever an Irish tradition turns up she makes sure her two American friends, Katie and I, and Stanka, our Croatian friend, are aware of it.

Stanka came over to join in on the fun and as Maidy is cutting us slices to go along with our tea, she explains the game of Barmbrack. This loaf does not only have raisins but other knick knacks of a stick, a ring, a pea, a cloth and a coin; however, the loaf of Barmbrack Maidy bought did not have the piece of cloth or coin. If your slice has one of these things, it means:

Pea: you will not get married in the year
Stick: you will have an unhappy marriage
Ring: you will marry in the year
Coin: you will be rich
Cloth: you will be poor

Us starving girls ate the entire loaf out of eagerness and deliciousness. Unfortunately, Stanka got the stick yet Maidy got the ring and I got the pea. I highly doubt a piece of loaf will tell us how our futures will turn out but it was all part of the fun. In America, I usually spend my Halloween nights watching horror movies, getting dressed up and eating large amounts of candy; so I’m happy this year was a complete mix up as well as learning a new Irish tradition. I’m excited for what Maidy will show us next as my Irish journey continues.

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’s midnight and I’m listening to old school hip hop looking at old pictures  in my dorm room. I am reflecting on experiences in my life as a kid and trying to figure out how that chubby kid from Brooklyn who loved eating cannoli’s made it to this point. 

Today was such a beautiful day.

Around 5 o’clock Kelly and I decided to go for a walk down by the water and watch the sunset. Sitting on a bench looking out across Belfast I did a double take at the way the light from the sun hit the city. It was breathtaking. Every Sunday we try to go for a walk by the water and every Sunday I love it but this Sunday was different. I was happier and more appreciative, I wasn’t stressed out about anything I did all my work and life at this moment was great. I was stress free so I appreciated the beauty.

This made me think about how you never really know what somebody is going through. Your perspective of something is always different based on what is most important to you at the time. Someone on the other side of that water might be having the hardest day of their life and I wouldn’t know it if I saw them. I wanna live so that I can make most of my interactions with people positive no matter what’s going on in my life or theirs. I guess it can all start with a simple smile and a “Hello”. Like Notorious B.I.G said “Spread Love It’s The Brooklyn Way” 

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

This past week was reading week at WIT, meaning a full week off from classes. I thought of this as a great opportunity to go visit an old friend, former William and Mary teammate, Taylor Hilton who is currently living in London to achieve her DJ’ing aspirations. Back in our William and Mary locker room days, Taylor was responsible for the music for game days, getting ready to leave for away trips or even when we were all relaxing we thrived for her playlists.

London is a massive city comparable to the Big Apple, New York City. There are all sorts of transportation systems and tons of people swarming its streets. As soon as I arrived to Taylor’s house Thursday night, we left to catch one of her DJ’ing gigs at a club in Shoreditch and another one later that night. What I admire about Taylor the most is that she lives her life chasing her dreams of basketball and now DJ’ing. Her passion for music is incredible and she works extremely hard to create art through her music, she even taught me a few things about it. She had a gig every single night I was in London and it was pure bliss. The bliss of consuming herself into her own music and mixes. The bliss of watching people’s reactions to her mash up and how their faces lit up and body move to the vibrations of each song’s bass and beat.

At one of her night gigs, I got to meet up with another pal, former men’s basketball player, Andrew Pavloff, who is now working in London too. A small William and Mary reunion of with Taylor and Andrew, known as “Pavs”, was just the thing I needed on my getaway.

Enjoying London’s nightlife wasn’t the only thing I did. Taylor studies audio engineering and she has class every day from 2 pm – 5pm, so I went sight seeing in London during that time on Friday. The transport system made it easy to get around. With some help from British citizens, I found my way to the London Eye and Big Ben where I took nonstop pictures of evvvvvverything. I even took pictures with the telephone booths posted on the side of London’s streets because it reminded me of Superman and the scene where Clark Kent changes into a superhero.

After this trip I think I am doing well for myself as a girl who never left America until this year. Europe has so much to offer and I feel blessed that Sport Changes Life offered this great opportunity because without it, I would have probably never left America or begin traveling to other cultures for another five years.

p.s. I just want to thank Taylor and Shantel for taking such good care of me in London and introducing me to all of their fabulous friends.

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

The Irish culture has a refreshing scent to it for an American like myself. It has a way of grounding you and slowing things down to see the important things of life.

The people I’ve gotten to meet thus far are the reason my experience has been memorable. Out of the whole culture the perpetual friendliness, and sincere welcoming of everyone I’ve met are the standout qualities.

Sometimes we move so fast and continue to push forward through pressure situations when we can take some time to slow down and enjoy the beauty in the struggle. It’s refreshing to take it day by day and relieve some stress and business from my life.

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

Even though I turned 23 on October 26th, my birthday seemed to last for much longer than just that day. 

I got my first present from my roommate Maidy on Thursday, four days before my birthday because she was going home and I wouldn’t see her. Along with some Irish snacks and sweets, she got me an adorable personalized mug. I couldn’t believe how much thought she’d put into it.

Then on Saturday at Wildkittens coaching, all the little girls sang me happy birthday and Jillian even got me a cake! You wouldn’t believe how quickly a gym full of hungry girls can make a cake disappear.

By the time Sunday night rolled around, I had received another present in the form of a win for the Wildcats against Brunell. To top it all off, the Trinity scholars Meg and Emily made the trek to Waterford that evening for my birthday celebration. They fit right in with my teammates and friends in the Waterford area  and we had a great night. Boonie even made a giant Oreo cake for me, which we split up amongst our guests on the very limited dishes we had (when I got to the last person I ended up serving her cake in a wine glass with a whisk to eat with). 

When Monday came–my actual birthday–it was bizarre because it seemed like I’d been celebrating it for the entire weekend. We toured the Viking triangle and Waterford Crystal building, guided by Helena, before going to a nice lunch in Waterford city. It was the perfect way to end my longest birthday ever.

Even though I have not known anyone here for that long (my birthday probably lasted longer), so many of them went to great lengths to make sure I felt special. For that I owe them a thousand thank you’s. Because of them, I know I will remember my birthday in Ireland for years to come.

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

Have you ever been so nervous that you were calm? Well that’s how I felt when I left Waterford on Thursday morning for Zamora, Spain. I had decided to take advantage of my free weekend and travel to Spain to visit one of my best friends from college who is playing professionally there. But anyone who knows me knows that I am absolutely terrible with directions and basically with everything that has to do with public transport, hence why I was so incredibly nervous. 

For instance, even though I went to school in Brooklyn, New York for the past four years, I was never able to fully master how to use the subway system. For my senior night last year, about 20 of my family members came to watch me suit up on my home court at St. Francis College one last time. After the game, I decided to take them to Times Square since some of them had never even been to New York City before. Unfortunately, there was work being done on the subway line that I normally take; I managed to get us there but then couldn’t figure out which line to take home. We ended up getting off at a random stop and walking the Brooklyn Bridge home in the freezing cold through the slush and snow. My family has never let me live it down since! 

With my track record, I’m still a little shocked that I actually made it to Zamora on my own. I had to take two buses to Dublin airport, where I caught my flight to Madrid. Then I had to take a shuttle bus from the airport to a car rental place where I rented a car and drove three hours through Spain to get to Zamora. And I only had one or two near death experiences on the way! I found out that you’re always supposed to yield for buses (oops). I’m not quite sure how but I ended up at an automated toll booth asking me to insert some card I didn’t have, so I had to call someone on the intercom and explain to them in very poor Spanish that I wanted to pay my toll but didn’t know how. Then when I finally got to Zamora I only got honked at once for improperly using one of the more confusing roundabouts I have come across.

Let’s just say I thought it was very fitting that the first English song I found on the radio about halfway through my drive was Living on a Prayer. 

Needless to say, I was extremely relieved when I parked the car in Zamora. I could have kissed the ground I was walking on. I’d made 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

Although everything about Ireland is awesome, there are two things that Ireland does infinitely better than the United States: sweets (chocolate and candy for all the Americans) and sweet chilli flavoring!

I probably sound so strange talking about a particular flavoring. But I am not kidding when I say that I am absolutely obsessed with sweet chilli flavoring! I realized I had a slight addiction when I bought lunch one day and realized I ordered a sweet chilli chicken wrap, with a side of sweet chilli crisps (chips). My obsession doesn’t stop there though, in my kitchen, there will always be at least one bottle of sweet chilli sauce to flavor every dinner I have. To say the least, Ireland has opened my eyes to the best flavoring I have ever had in my life!

Although the sweet chilli flavoring was something completely new to me, I thought when I bought a pack of Starbursts it would be very similar to the American candy. I was wrong, but in the best way possible. Starbursts here are a thousand times better than in the States!

Initially upon opening one of the candies, I was a little bit skeptical because Irish Starbursts don’t have the best flavor… the pink one of course! I got over that slight issue when I tasted one and realized how juicy and flavorful the candy was! It was incomparable to the United States version.

To add, the Starbursts were not florescent colors like they are in the United States. The candies had a slight shade of color to them but nothing more. Although colors do make them more fun, the fact that there were no artificial colors in the Irish version made it an added plus. I am not a health freak, but it’s nice to know that I am not eating ‘red dye number 5…’ whatever that even is.

Moral of the story is… America is doing “sweets” wrong. We need to switch over to the good stuff; otherwise I will have to find a way to smuggle over sweet chilli chips and all my favorite “sweets.” 

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’ve always loved Halloween. It’s great to dress up, have some fun, and of course eat lots of candy! Luckily, I not only got to do that on October 31^st, but for the days leading up to Halloween as well.

To have some fun with my teams that I coach, I decided to have a Halloween training session. With that being said, I had all sorts of creatures showing up to practice. It was absolutely hilarious watching witches, zombies, princesses, and of course, NBA basketball players run up and down the court. The best part was after the girls began to sweat, the face paint began to run down their faces; which honestly made their costumers even better. Regardless, it was awesome to be able to pair basketball with such a fun festivity that the girls really looked forward to.

As I mentioned earlier, what would Halloween be without a little candy? So of course, the girls all left with candy at the end of the session as well. But they only got it after they made fun of me for calling it candy instead of sweets… 2 months in and I still haven’t picked up on the lingo.  

The festivities didn’t end there though. My teammates and I carved pumpkins and dressed up to get into the spirit as well.

Since I still watch the occasional episode of SpongeBob (yes I am a fan and I’m not afraid to admit it), Lorna and I dressed up as Mermaidman and Barnacle Boy. It was a genius costume, one that I have never seen done before!

My friend Gillian’s costume took the cake though. She dressed up as Dobby from Harry Potter, and absolutely killed it! Although I am not a Harry Potter fan, even I couldn’t help but admit that her costume was great.

The best part was that when we were walking around Limerick City Centre, people actually recognized her as Dobby. I thought this was awesome! I don’t think people in the States would have been able to pick up on what her costume was.   

Halloween is such a fun time of year that it should be more than just one day… so that’s exactly what I did this year. Halloween truly was a weekend long thing and I couldn’t have been happier about it. It’s safe to say I don’t need any more candy for a while though. 🙂 

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

My teammate Mark Galway and his brother Ian have just invested into a gym here in Belfast.  They just started Cryo Spa therapy treatment room at the BFIT gym located at 453 Ormeau Road Belfast, United Kingdom.  I went down to check it out and just give the guys some support and encouragement as they start their new business venture.  The gym is in a great location and has everything a top gym should have.  I have seen all of the work Mark has been putting in promoting the gym and it really shows how dedicated he and his brother are to making the gym an absolute success. 

It really means a lot to have the people around you support and encourage the things you are doing in life.  The right encouragement at the right time can be that extra push that is needed to make it through a tough day.  We all know that everyday won’t be full of happy moments and set backs are bound to happen.  One of the best ways to handle adversity is to focus on all of the positive things that are happening in our lives and remain faithful that God is in control.  I encourage everyone to support their family and friends; they can use it more than you know.  Thanks to everyone who supports me, I truly appreciate you.     “To God Be The Glory”

Victory Scholar: Jonathan McNair

Present University: Ulster University

US League: East Coast Conference

Club/Community Partner Ulster Elks/ Anderson Town Tigers

Alma Mater: St Thomas Aquinas College

Sponsored By:  Teamwear Ireland

I have had the pleasure to be a part of the Andersontown Tigers club as a coach of the 16U boy’s team. Once a week I travel to De LaSalle College for Tigers practice. Mr. John Hegarty and the entire Andersontown Tigers club have been very welcoming. So welcoming that I have had the opportunity as of recently to meet Mr. Hegarty’s father Mr. Jackie Hegarty. After practice two weeks ago I told John about my grandfather and my early mornings in my grandfather’s garden. John decided to take me to his father Jackie’s home where I was able to meet him and was able to take a look at the garden that Jackie had at his home. Jackie reminded me so much of my grandfather with his welcoming spirit and care for his family.

Once I left and got home that day I thought a lot about my grandfather and the relationship we had as I was growing up and the importance it has had on my personal development as a man. Seeing Jackie’s relationship with his son John in person was a wonderful living example of how things look when a man has properly raised his son. John who is now raising his own son Odharan is setting an awesome example for how to be a man.

My grandfather was the active male role model in my life since I was an infant. I think about all that he has taught me about being a man by just being himself. How he woke me up at six in the morning to work in the garden in the summer time. I couldn’t see it then but now I understand that he was showing me what hard work was and instilling a work ethic within me that would last a lifetime. He showed me how important it was for a man to provide for his family since much of what was grown in his garden was not only for his house but also for different family members who needed it. I never saw him ask for anything in return for the things he gave in life whether it was money, time, a place to stay, or food from the garden. He was showing me that it was just as it should always be that a man provides for his family.

That is just a glimpse of all that I have learned from my grandfather about being a man. What I love now about all of the things that my grandfather showed me was that it was never a lecture from him it was always my grandfather exemplifying the characteristics of a man. He knew that boys follow the example of the men that are actively in their lives. I am blessed to have been given his example for twenty-four of my years on earth. Rest In Peace POPS “To God Be The Glory”

Victory Scholar: Jonathan McNair

Present University: Ulster University

US League: East Coast Conference

Club/Community Partner Ulster Elks/ Anderson Town Tigers

Alma Mater: St Thomas Aquinas College

Sponsored By:  Teamwear Ireland