This Saturday, I head-coached my first basketball game. Harrison was playing in Cork that day, robbing me of any crutch I might have (such as arguing that his voice carries better than mine, hence he should yell the play calls instead of me).

It was a team of U18s that Harrison and I have been coaching every week. My time in the gym with them has been some of the most enjoyable I’ve spent here in Ireland. These girls work so hard and are so eager to learn. I always look forward to their practice, but my nerves made me slightly dread the game on Saturday.

I think I was more nervous about the game than any of the players were.

One particularly rattling moment was when the opposing coach called a time out in the first quarter. As the girls jogged over to the bench and took their seats, turning towards me with expectancy, the realization hit me: Oh my God, I have to give a time out speech.

As I said, the other coach had called the time out, so I didn’t have anything specific in mind to say to the girls. And improvisation is absolutely not one of my strengths. I prefer structure and following patterns, so I tried to ease the stress of improvising by coming up with a loose structure to follow in these time-outs and breaks between quarters: the coaching sandwich.

The sandwich places a critique or suggested improvement in the middle of two positive remarks. My goal was that the players would be greeted with positivity and could return to the court with confidence, while also taking away something that they could try to improve. I really value positivity, and I know from experience that negative energy usually does more harm than good for a player’s performance.  

It was easy to make a sandwich in this game, the girls were playing great and ended up winning by more than 20 points. Being positive in more adverse situations, when the bread thins and the meaty filling expands, is a challenge I am excited to face.  

I hope I get another opportunity to coach these girls in a game again soon!

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

Last weekend, my 14u team and 18u team both had a game on the same day but I had about an hour break between the games. Like I said in one of my previous blogs, I am always hungry and always eating, so I packed a peanut butter and jelly sandwich to eat during my break; however, there was no need. After the 14u game, one of the moms came up to me and said to follow her to concessions stand and she will give me a Lucozade and make me a toastie. I had never heard of these terms before so I quietly watched to see what she was making.  A “toastie” is like a grilled cheese sandwich and the Lucozade is a sports drink like Gatorade. The toastie she made was ham and cheese with pineapple and it was absolutely amazing. It tasted just like a Hawaiian pizza and she ended up making me another one without me even asking because she could tell I liked it so much. I had been searching for Gatorade since I got over here in Ireland and have not had any luck but now I am all set with the discovery of Lucozade Sport. This snack definitely gets a two thumbs up from me. 

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 haven’t been to church in a while but this past Sunday I found myself at mass, seated beside my teammates. I would like to say that we decided to go together, to grow as a team or for the experience itself on the chilly October morning. But our attendance was prompted by a much more solemn occasion; the mass was to the celebrate the life of one of our teammate’s father who had recently passed.  I won’t go into any further detail here out of respect to their privacy except to say the service was lovely and that during which time Father Barry said something that resonated quite strongly with me. As he gestured toward us, huddled together, he said, “This is why we play basketball, to be a part of a community bigger than ourselves”. He’s absolutely right.

But that’s easy to forget during pre-season when you’re all dog-tired. It’s easy to forget when you’re boarding the bus for another away game. It’s even easy to forget when you are winning because ‘staying on top’ becomes the focus. But it’s moments like those where we remember to put the X’s and O’s aside–because there’s more to life than wins and losses– and to love every teammate, every coach like the family that we are, while we can.

Victory Scholar: Marritta Gillcrease

Present University: NUI Galway

US League: MAAC

Club/Community Partner: Galway Titans

Alma Mater: Rider University

Sponsored by: Teamwear Ireland

As Katie Fox’s birthday was approaching, I contemplated on what gift to give her for a while. Katie and I just met each other officially when we landed in Ireland. Even though it feels like we have known each other forever, I didn’t know her well enough to know what would be a meaningful present. After a while, I thought….cake and ice cream of course!

Growing up, I always looked forward to one of my family member’s birthdays because Mama Boone made the best homemade cakes. It was never about presents or people telling me “Happy Birthday!” on my birthday, it was the way Mama Boone would personalize each cake for each of us on our birthday’s. On my 16^th birthday, she baked me a vanilla cake (because I love vanilla) and iced it with purple (my favourite colour) frosting with beautiful decorations; this past July, she made my youngest sister a Frozen cake from the infamous Disney Movie. Over the years, a little thing of having your own personal, homemade cake brought me so much happiness on my birthday and this was something I wanted to share with Katie for hers.

Since we were hosting a birthday bash for Katie the night of October 25^th, I asked Katie’s college teammate and friend of four years, who is a Victory Scholar as well, Sarah Benedetti, what are Katie’s favourite things, like her favourite colour, cookies, icing flavour, and kind of cake. By the time the bash started, I was dishing out slices of chocolate cake with vanilla frosting consisting of crushed pieces of Oreos to all of our friends and teammates. And what’s cake without ice cream? Trust me, I completely agree so I bought three tubs of chocolate fudge ice cream to go along with Katie’s cake.  

Eating cake and ice cream wasn’t the only best part about the bash. Having all sorts of our friends mingle amongst each other for the first time and willingly come together to celebrate someone they cared about was the “icing on the cake” at the bash. There were friends from our club team and their friends, our college friend, Stanka, brought her Croatian friends, and our lovely Trinity Victory Scholars, Emily and Meg, added to the excitement. Coming in to the Sport Changes Life program, it was expected that I would have opportunity to continue to coach, study and play basketball; however, I did not expect to get the opportunity bring people from different backgrounds and cultures into one setting, a setting that entailed so much fun. By the end of the night, I think it’s safe to say that Katie had a great, unforgettable 23^rd birthday.

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

In honor of reaching October 21, 2015, as highlighted in the Back to the Future movie, I thought it was a fitting title for this blog. Although this blog will not exactly have the same story line, you’ll see what I am getting at.   

This weekend, I finally got to meet last year’s Limerick Victory Scholar, Kelsey Harris, whom I have heard so much about! (Only good things of course). After many conversations through Facebook seeking advice, while asking a million questions, it was finally nice to meet her in person!

For those who haven’t quite caught on yet… the past scholar met the future (present) scholar. Maybe I am trying to stretch this one a bit, but regardless it’s a cool concept!

Anyway, it was so awesome to finally meet her in person. Even though we didn’t know each other previous to this, we instantly connected, like we had been friends forever. It was so cool to have not only a fellow American next to me, but also one that was in my exact place just a year ago.

I met Kelsey at one of the UL Huskies youth practices that I was coaching at. It was so awesome to watch all the little girls run up to her so excited to see her again. Seeing their facial expressions and reactions made me realize how much of an impact she left on them. I can only hope that I can do the same after my year here in Limerick.  

Sport really does change life. Through this program and the sport of basketball, I was able to create an instant friendship with someone I had just met. I am yet again so thankful for all the opportunties and experiences Sport Changes Life has given 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

My family and friends are the reason for all my success and they have made me the person I am today. They will continue to greatly impact my life in the most positive way.

My family deserves a lot of credit for my success in life as a whole. They have forced me to work hard to gain all the best qualities in life and I am doing my best to emulate their ways. They have given me a great faith that gets me through tough times and for this I’m very thankful.

My girlfriend, Ashley, helps me get through everything because she is a great listener and knows how to manage my emotions. We made it through all of college and a lot of rough times so she knows me in and out and how to keep me the happiest. She is incredibly intelligent and hardworking and shows me anything is possible even when I’m overwhelmed with work. She pushes me to be my best at all times.

My friends are the world to me because they relate so well to everything I’m going through. Jake, Jamie, and Steve are brothers to me and constantly making me a better person. Jake is extremely smart, genuine, and selfless. He has shown me how to live life in a respectable way and we pick up right where we left off when we’re back together. Jamie supports, protects, and defends my every move. He always has my back and teaches me so much about life. He will always have the dream of me making it to the NBA and he’s truly my number one fan. Steve keeps me in constant laughter whenever he’s around. He has instilled the mindset of “crush” everything that comes my way. Semmy always keep my spirits high and gets me out of my slumps. Daniel P. holds all responsibility for me furthering my education. He gave me the utmost confidence to pursue a degree beyond my B.A. and pushes me to be great in school and athletically. Young Joey is kind of weird but has a good heart and has helped me relax and take life slower.

I know I didn’t cover all my friends and did this purposely because of my blogs to come. They all know who they are and have a huge impact on the person I am. I think the quote, “I am a product of everyone I’ve met”, is very accurate in my life. I will continue to work hard and strive for greatness with all of these people in mind and will not let them down.

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

Like clock work, at about 6:00 am every morning, my next door neighbors wake me up! No matter the day, or how hard I try to ignore them, I still always manage to hear them. But for some reason I can’t be too mad about it.

But let me pause for a minute before you start thinking I’m using this blog to complain about my housemates… Because I’m not. Who could possibly be my loud next-door neighbors then? Prepare yourself for this one… It’s definitely someone you’d never expect.

My noisy next-door neighbors are COWS. Yup, about 40 cows grazing in a field no more than 30 feet from my bedroom window.

I’m definitely not in Brooklyn anymore, that’s for sure.

If anyone else were to wake me up at 6:00 am on a consistent basis I would be pretty mad… But when I wake up to cows mooing outside my window I can’t help but laugh.

Not only are they great alarm clocks, but they’re so interesting to watch. I constantly catch myself looking out the window looking at them.

There are black cows, brown cows, little baby calves… they’re all there, doing their thing in my backyard.

The funny thing is you’d think I would have noticed them prior to week 7 of my semester… I swear I’m not that oblivious.

The cows magically appeared one day and haven’t left ever since. After speaking to my roommate who knows a little bit more about farming than I do, told me that the farmer constantly changes the fenced in area for the cows. Who knows how long they’ll remain this close to my building.

But for the time being, I will enjoy the 6:00 am wake up call from my mooing alarm clocks.

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’ll admit I was feeling a bit stressed out as I woke up this morning. My school workload has begun piling up and I have a lot of projects to get done. The only thing I wanted to do was sleep for another few hours. But, rise and grind!! I had three sessions of coaching to do. Don’t get me wrong, I always look forward to coaching. I just had a lot of things running through my mind in the morning that were distracting me.

One of the best parts about coaching for the Titans is that you really get a sense of how strong community pride is around these parts. Furthermore, you get to experience the bitter taste of rivalry among the clubs first hand. While this is true of any match within the league, tonight was special. We played the almighty Claregalway – apparently the bane of existence for the Titans for a few years running. And on their bench? Not only were there teammates of mine (Mystics) but also Mike, my head coach, as well.  But we were hopeful, focused and ready to go. I don’t know if it’s Mike’s easy demeanor but I found it surprisingly pleasant and enjoyable going head-to-head with him. Something about it inspired a Karate Kid-type fantasy; Master Splinter had thrown the gauntlet and my league of Ninja Turtles were ready to engage. ( I’m mixing analogies here but you get the point LOL)

It was a duel for the ages as we battled back-and-forth, neither team getting too far out in front. I’ll spare you all the gruesome details of the thriller but eventually, they edged us out by one possession. As always, I couldn’t be more proud of how my ladies defended and competed despite falling short. I definitely think I grew as a coach today (I even remembered that I had timeouts lol)  but it is with nothing but humble grace that I bow to Master Mike Splinter.

Sensei

1

Young Grasshopper

0

Victory Scholar: Marritta Gillcrease

Present University: NUI Galway

US League: MAAC

Club/Community Partner: Galway Titans

Alma Mater: Rider University

Sponsored by: Teamwear Ireland

Student athletes in America quickly learn ways to manage their time with all of the responsibilities that come along with being on scholarship. Managing my time was mandatory but it was often already scheduled. My practices, games, workouts, study sessions, classes, and even when I ate my breakfast, lunch, and dinner was already planned out for me. My new experience here in Northern Ireland with the Sport Changes Life Foundation and the Ulster Elks men’s basketball club has pushed me to find ways to manage my time better. My practices, games, classes, and community work are already scheduled everything else I manage myself.

A few things I am managing right now are:

1. Studying for my master’s classes

2. My daily workout routine

3. Cooking and grocery shopping since there is no cafeteria

4. Calling my family and friends who are hours behind.

5. My daily Prayer and meditation

6. Social time to go out and experience Northern Ireland

Having all of these responsibilities has really gotten me to focus even more on how I spend my time. I have been focusing on balancing my time to the best of my ability. A few things I have started doing to help make sure everything gets done is scheduling my days within my phone and making daily reminders. Focusing on getting enough sleep and waking up early to maximize my time since nothing can get done while I am sleeping. I have even chosen to start using the sleep feature on my iPhone so that the calls and messages won’t interrupt my sleep.

A key component to my time managing strategy is not spending too much time on one thing. I realize that everything cannot be done in a day but if I spend time completing a few tasks each day then everything will see progress. I never want to spend so much time on one thing that three of my other responsibilities suffer or do not get done as a consequence. Last thing I have placed more emphasis on this year is prioritizing. There are a number of responsibilities that must get done so I make sure I start with those and let everything else fall in place where I have them best scheduled. I am sure as the year goes on I will find more ways to better maximize my time and become more efficient. “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

The summer going into my junior year of college I had spent a large amount of time thinking about what I wanted to study in school.  When it came time to register for classes I still didn’t have one subject area that I was in love with or a dream job outside of professional basketball that required a degree in a particular concentration.  I decided to just take a look at my strengths and all of the things in life that I was passionate about. 

After much thought I decided that whatever degree I choose I wanted it to help bring me closer to my passion while allowing me to showcase my personal skills.  I thought a law degree would be perfect since I have a passion to help others and  since some of my stronger skills are critical thinking and communication.  With philosophy being a good undergraduate major for anyone looking to attend law school I chose philosophy as my major.  Although I am not studying law at the moment my philosophy degree has helped me tremendously here in Northern Ireland with my masters of communication studies. 

Learning along side people from different cultures was something studying philosophy prepared me for.  Through my study of philosophy I was exposed to different ways of thinking and viewpoints so I am aware of how people can be so similar and different at the same time.  I appreciate the beauty in comparing differences and similarities and gaining the opportunity to learn from each other.  As I wrote about in my blog “Being Open” on how I have been trying to meet as many people as possible while I am here in Northern Ireland. The study of philosophy showed me the value of studying and understanding differences.  So much thanks goes to the faculty and staff at St Thomas Aquinas College.  “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 used to always joke with my friends about living a lavish lifestyle in a big city similar to Gossip Girl (an American TV show I religiously watched in high school), but the more I am exposed to the city life the less I actually like it. Katie and I’s recent visit to Dublin made me appreciate my life in Waterford. I am not saying Dublin is not a lovely city but I would prefer to be in Dublin strictly for visiting purposes.

Dublin is a baby New York City filled with numerous people occupying its streets surrounded by Ireland’s main attractions and best shopping stores. Endless pubs and clubs make the nightlife incredibly fun. The buildings in the city are breathe-taking with its vintage stone appeal and rugged antique personality, despite the fact that the little patch of grass in Trinity College is the only green I saw throughout the entire city.

If you are someone who enjoys the fast life occupied by so many events at every second during the day (good luck with trying to sleep at night) then Dublin is the city for you. Personally, I love visiting the city life for the craic but I enjoy my peace even more. For those who have never visited Waterford, it is a beautiful city that is surrounded by the countryside. Waterford has a city centre that is quite small but is perfect enough for a girl like me even if everything closes around 6 p.m.  The live entertainment contributes to Waterford’s vibrant atmosphere where taking a small stroll or grabbing a cup of tea/coffee in the city is just as satisfying as you wanting to do some shopping.

Right outside of Waterford’s city centre is a beautiful bridge exiting the city leading you to fields full of green grass and farm animals such as cows and sheep. Sometimes, I will unconsciously inhale the fresh air in Waterford and gaze at its features. On the other side of the city centre a few miles up is my university where Waterford’s public transportation system helps getting to and from city easy.  The campus, which is currently covered in Fall leaves, my favorite season, is quiet and a great place to go for casual walks for study breaks or to free up your mind. Thanks to my trip to Dublin, I will cherish Waterford even more because “you don’t know what you have until it’s gone”.

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

Sport has a unique way of bringing people together. Of course, this is one of the premises behind Sport Changes Life and is a phenomena that is played out (pun intended) every week at ehoops. But after ehoops this past Wednesday in particular, I was reminded of just how powerful this notion can be.

The first group of ehoopers we spent time with last Wednesday was a group from New Moseley. We got a chance to discuss the recent success of the Northern Irish soccer team. Over the past couple of weeks, NI has earned a place in the 2016 Euros in France by winning against the likes of larger countries like Greece.  The discussion bore a common consensus that the success of the national team has been met with support throughout the country, regardless of one’s background. Through common support for their national team, sport brought about an opportunity to celebrate what the Northern Irish people have in common by getting behind their home country.

Later that evening, a shehoops group from Short Strand played host to The George Sports Academy Tigers, a football team from South Africa who were visiting Belfast. The two groups of kids immediately hit it off between games of ultimate Frisbee and basketball. Again, Sport proved to be a medium through which two groups can bond over what they have in common: a passion for football and the novelty of basketball.

Last Wednesday, Sport proved to be a way to bridge gaps that may not otherwise be met. In many cases, sport can join people together based on their similarities while allowing them the opportunity to forget their differences, at least for a little while. It was cool to see this effect on people from two countries with histories of conflict over their differences. Sport might not be a solution, but it’s at least a step in the right direction.

As a basketball player and an all around competitive person, I think a bit of healthy rivalry on the court is a natural thing. Until the clock runs down to zero, the opponent is the enemy and you must do everything you can–within the boundaries of good sportsmanship–to be successful. But when that clock does run out, it is important to remember that the players in the other jerseys are people too. Sometimes as athletes we can get too competitive to the point that we forget that we are all just people playing the game we love. That’s why I have come to really appreciate the fact that in Ireland, both teams come together and have tea and sandwiches after the games. 

It may seem strange to my American readers that we join the opposing team for a cup of tea after we fight our hearts out to defeat them, but I actually quite enjoy it. After our first game, the other team’s players asked me how I was coming along with my knee recovery. After the second game, I saw an opposing player hugging and kissing her adorable little daughter. And after the third game, Jazmen actually asked one of the other team’s players what type of hair products she uses because she liked her hair so much. Each of these encounters has helped me take a step back and look at the other players as people rather than merely a faceless opposition.

In a sport where it is easy to get so wrapped up in one’s competitive nature, having tea and sandwiches after matches is the perfect way to bring a little bit of perspective back into everyone’s minds.

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

I don’t really know what came over me, but when Jazmen was fouled as she scored in our game against the Liffey Celtics last Saturday night, I just sort of exploded,

“AND ONE!!!!” 

It was a critical moment towards the end of the game, and I was a little too excited about Jazmen’s basket. Players here don’t normally have outbursts like that, so I’m pretty sure that I looked pretty silly. Jazmen even giggled at me as I high-fived her, and I realized that I had just gotten a little too pumped. After the game, Helena–who I had teased about her fist pumping during the previous week’s game–was sure to point out that my outburst was a lot worse than her fist pumps and I couldn’t even argue with her. 

Even though it was slightly embarrassing, it was also pretty funny. I guess I was just too into the game for my own good. I told my teammates that I would try to tone it down for next week, but knowing me that might be easier said than done. What can I say, I’m a diehard Wildcat now and I can’t help but get a little too excited when my teammates make great plays, especially when the game is on the line. 

Who knows, maybe I’ll rub off on my teammates and we’ll all end up yelling “And one!” together next time. If not, I’ll probably just keep making a fool of myself. I don’t really mind; it’s worth it for the love of the game and for the love of the Wildcats!

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

From when we all first arrived from the states back in August, just to pick up and go our separate ways after only a week, I’ve been looking forward to when I could see my fellow scholars again. A couple of us were finally able to have ourselves a Scholar Holler ™ (Sarah B), or in other words, a wee reunion.

This past weekend Jazmen, Katie, Sarah and I had a great time staying with the Trinity girls, who just happen to have the whole city of Dublin at their doorstep. Being in the midst of Rugby World Cup fever, we started off our day watching the Argentina vs. Ireland rugby match. I’ve never seen a rugby game before, so from our standing-room only view I couldn’t really tell what was happening beyond what looked to be a cross between a football and a marshmallow being spewed out of a pig pile of guys. However the game’s resemblance to American football meant that I wasn’t completely lost, and I enjoyed watching Ireland’s little comeback run after starting down early.

However, we couldn’t stay to watch the end of the game because we had to catch the last Viking Splash tour of the day, an impromptu decision we made after seeing a few of them pass us by on the street. Just by the sight of the plastic Viking hats everyone gets on the boat, I was sold on the idea. I am also a fan of the Duck Tours at home and appreciate that it’s a great way to learn about a city, that is, if you can embrace being shamelessly tourist. Needless to say, we were all about it.

Shout out to Mary (also known as Emily) and Meg for being such great hosts! I plan on returning the favor once we have our first true Scholar Holler for Thanksgiving up here in Belfast.

Food. That universal substance alone can spark conversation and bond strangers into friends. There is no cultural barrier with food and its existence is a simple way to bring people together. Why? Because who doesn’t LOVE food.

My roommates and I are located directly across an all guys apartment and one of the guys, Fergal, is a chef who loves inviting us girls over to eat a hearty meal. Fergal is a culinary student at WIT but to be honest, he should just quit school and open up his own restaurant because his food is OFF THE WALL. All of us are usually too busy with our full schedule for us to come over as much as Fergal invites us, yet that doesn’t stop him from dropping it off at our apartment for us to devour later.

So far, Fergal has made crème brûlée, chocolate fondant and sticky toffee pudding and each time Katie, Maidy and I jokingly faint in awe at the delicious flavors mixed up into a bowl of heaven. For all my males out there, take notes from Fergal because it is food, not roses, that keep girls stupefied by your charm.

This time, Fergal decided to cook us a real dinner aside from his dessert dishes. Thanksgiving, an American Holiday of appreciation celebrated in November, came a little early for Katie and I. Fergal chefed up a turkey with stuffing, cheesy cauliflower, baked parsnip, roasted potatoes, and a creamy mushroomed gravy poured on top for Katie, Maidy and I along with his roommates Mo and Adrian. The dinner was absolutely incredible and we all were completely stuffed. However, Adrian baked Fergal’s sticky toffee pudding recipe so not making room for dessert was not an option (not that any of us were complaining). By far, Fergal’s invitation was the best meal and dessert I have had by far in Ireland and can’t wait to see what he will cook for us next time…

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 last wednesday was an unexpected eye opener as we got to work with an all boys football team from South Africa. With our Short Strand girls EHOOPS group we played ultimate frisbee and basketball with them to help give them a break from their 23 day football tour of Northern Ireland. 

I laughed as I watched boys who had little introduction to basketball try to make a layup, and they laughed at how silly I looked trying to dribble a soccer ball. 

Watching the children interact made me feel like a child again, it was beautiful. Two groups from across the world were unified and had an immediate connection through sport and they were being coached by coaches from a completely different hemisphere, but surprisingly not a whole lot was lost in translation. The night was loads of fun.  It amazed me how well we were all able to communicate. There were questions flying all night, we were all so curious of one another. Before the night ended I had to ask what kind of music was popular in South Africa. I’ll never forget the way one of the guys looked up and said “Rich Homie Baby”. I had to laugh. I listen to certain music to get me pumped for my game, but I never thought about a boy across the world listening to the same songs to get himself pumped up for a football game. The world really is small. 

It reminded me of why I loved basketball, and all sport in the way that it has the power to build relationships and force people to come together. I have already met so many people, traveled the world and formed relationships that will last forever, all through sport, and I will not forget the night I met the lads from George Sports Academy.

On Thursday, my Financial Services course put my class through a mock assessment center. When I first started at UL, I had no idea what people meant by an assessment center but I now know it is part of the hiring process when applying for a job in Ireland. The first step in the process is for the candidate to fill out the job application online for a particular company and attach a resume. Next, that employer reviews the applications and invites the top candidates to participate in their company’s assessment center. The employer then invites the top performers from the assessment center to an interview and then a job offer is made. So obviously the assessment center is major part of getting a job and we have been practicing for it in one of my classes for the past three weeks. 

The assessment center consists of four sections that include two sections performed in a group and two sections performed individually. In each of these sections, the employer will give the candidates 40 minutes to complete an assignment while the employer sits back to observe how the candidates interact to solve the problem.

For our mock assessment center, our professors served as the “employer” and they split us up into eight person groups. It was sort of an awkward feeling knowing that the 2 or 3 professors that were in the room were judging everything you said. For an example of one of the group sections, the professors gave us the scenario of 13 people stranded on a boat that was sinking in the middle of the ocean. There was only room for 7 people on the lifeboat and we had 30 minutes to decide as a group who was allowed on the lifeboat and who was left behind. The professors gave us a sheet of paper that provided a descriptive paragraph of each person on the boat and after the 30 minutes we had to give a 10-minute presentation to the professors of why we chose the certain people to survive. There was no right or wrong answer but the point was to see how well we could work in a group environment and to see who emerged as the leaders and who sat back and said nothing.

The mock assessment was a great experience that will help me when I apply for jobs when I get back to the United States. 

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: Team Ireland

During a recent coaching session with boys about the age of ten I had an eventful hour of coaching. After doing the typical ball handling and shooting drills the boys were begging me let them “play a match.” At the end of the session I decided I would let them play a game of 5 on 5. With some difficulty I explained to them that playing a game was the same as playing a match.  Eventually the kids were eagerly playing in the fashion anyone would expect ten year olds to play, ten guys swarming the ball. At one point a player tried to save a ball from going out of bounds on the side-line. As the ball hit the side-line I called it out of bounds, and gave the ball to the other team. The player then passionately argued the call telling me that he saved it because the ball was on the line. I couldn’t help but laugh as the player so passionately reinforced that I in fact made the correct call. I then had to explain to the group that basketball was unlike soccer in that on the line means out of bounds. In many years of coaching and playing in America this was not an issue even one time that I can think of. I guess that is what to expect when there are a lot more indoor soccer shoes being worn than basketball shoes.  This is just one of the issues that have arisen when playing and coaching in a country where basketball is not the most popular sport, or the second or third, or maybe even the fourth or fifth for that matter. 

Victory Scholar: Cory Starkey

Present University: NUI Galway

US League: Patriot League

Club/Community Partner: Galway Titans

Alma Mater: Bucknell University

Sponsored by: Teamwear Ireland

Spending every waking moment with the other twelve scholars and getting to know them on a personal level made my first two weeks in Ireland a tease. Now that we are all settled into our places all over Ireland, I hardly ever see or hear from them. Although I miss each and every one of them sincerely and think about them often, Katie and I’s day trip to Dublin helped alleviate some of the sadness. Katie, Sarah, Clare and I all decided to go visit the Trinity Scholars, Meg and Emily or “Mary”, in Dublin.

As soon as we saw the other scholars, my heart was filled with joy. Being able to hug and laugh with some friendly faces is ten times better than seldom speaking to them on social media or a fast pep talk in between a coaching session or a basketball game.

We rushed up to Meg and Em’s apartment (by the way it is the cutest little studio apartment) to eat some breakfast and chat until Ireland’s rugby match against Argentina. Quickly after, the gang got ready and hit the nearest pub to watch the game. The start of the match was not looking pretty for Ireland and out of us six scholars, none of us had an actual clue on what was going on. Luckily, the Irish picked up the tempo where the score went from 3-14 to 20-23. Right when the match was getting interesting, we decided to head back to Meg and Em’s apartment to buy online tickets for Dublin’s Viking Splash tour.

As cheap college students, we were so down to buy tickets online since they were less expensive but the process took longer than expected. We were all so caught up in enjoying each other’s company we lost track of time. The Viking tour started at 3:30 p.m. and it was already 3:15 p.m. Instantly, we all grabbed our belongings and jetted out of the door and ran through Grafton Street like lunatics. You would think as athletes that we would be in tip top shape for a causal half a mile sprint….well you’re wrong. We were all so breathless and tired during the entire run; we all started giggling at how out-of-breath we were as athletes and how ridiculous we looked running through the streets of Dublin.

Fortunately, we caught the tour right on time but tardiness does have its cons. Seating on the bus was VERY slim and only five of us six girls could sit together and guess who had to sit next to strangers…..ME! Although I missed out on all of the jokes and fun going on in the back of the bus with the other girl scholars, sitting by myself in the front was just as fun! I asked for the other tourists who happened to be American to take a picture with me and they were so down. The Viking Splash tour was amazing and I learned some cool facts about the city of Dublin. The best part of the tour was when the bus turned into a boat and we were riding along the river.

Even though I was left behind on the tour, today marked one of my favorite days in my Irish journey. I love each and every one of the scholars and exploiting opportunities to spend any moment or second with them is my kind of fun. You can look at the Viking Splash tour as one scholar left behind or you can look at it as an unforgettable reunion.

To Emily (“Mary”) and Meg:

Thank you for your hospitality and can’t wait for you girls to come to Waterford <3

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

For this year to be a dream come true – living in Ireland, coaching, playing basketball, and going to school – I have recently survived a surprising number of my reoccurring nightmares in real life. That number is two.

I often have the dream that I am trying to play basketball under water. You can imagine how frustrating this might be. Basketballs just don’t bounce as well on the ocean floor, you know? In these dreams, I can barely move, let alone shoot the ball, I can hardly see my teammates through the murky setting, and I am overcome with the sharpest sense of frustration that I’ve ever experienced in dream world.

A few weeks ago, I walked into a gym with my ITC Basketball team and tried to wake myself up. I felt like I must have been dreaming. The walls were painted blue, and the muted yellow lights contributed to the under-water feel. I tried to mentally prepare myself for the frustration that I so strongly associate with those nightmares; I thought a setting so close to my dreams would surely conjure the same emotions. But the scrimmage was much better than my dream reality – the ball actually could bounce on the concrete floors, I actually could lift up my legs and run, and I definitely was able to see my teammates.

The other nightmare I survived happened in class the other day. It was an employment skills workshop, and the day’s topic was interviews. I cringed when I heard that we were going to do some practical application of the things we learned. I dream sometimes that I am sitting in front of a panel of people who are asking me questions I do not know the answers to, or I’m being forced to promote myself – something I really struggle to do.

We had to get up one at a time, sit in a desk facing the rest of the class, and give our “elevator pitch” (telling someone about yourself in less than a minute). As I walked to the front of the classroom, I asked, “Am I asleep? Because I’ve definitely had this nightmare before.” I was so nervous, even in this casual setting and in front of my classmates whom I am comfortable around. But this nightmare didn’t end the way it usually does when I’m asleep – i.e. in me being catatonic, unable to speak at all. I got through my pitch without stumbling, and I think I actually did it pretty well.

These two events have made me appreciate even more what I am doing here this year. Not only am I living a dream, I am overcoming my nightmares. I am challenged every day to face my fears and overcome them. I am so blessed to have such an opportunity for growth. 

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

Since my arrival, Ireland has done nothing but impress me. The people have been awesome, the food has been great, but one thing that continues to leave me in awe is its natural beauty. I constantly catch myself stopping to look around at the views and scenery, whether I am walking to class, on a bus going into the city, or in a car driving to a match in a city a couple of hours away. Although my schedule here in Ireland can be pretty busy and sometimes stressful, the Irish landscape and natural beauty remind me to stop and take everything in.

Regardless of how busy my day is, if I have an opportunity to explore a new place, or to just take advantage of the gorgeous, infrequent sun, I take it. The other day, it was absolutely beautiful outside. The sun was out, there wasn’t a cloud in the sky, and there shockingly wasn’t any rain! With such a lovely day, my two teammates, Lorna and Leslie took me to explore Adare Manor, an 840 acre-estate, consisting of a castle hotel and golf course. I was not sure what to expect. But immediately after arriving, I realized Adare Manor looked like something out of a movie.

Although the castle hotel was amazing, the grounds and area surrounding it were what really caught my eye. To me, the best part was the small river running through the Manor. It had a pretty little bridge to get from one side to the other. The water was so still that it created a perfect reflection of the area above the water. It looked like a painting you’d see hanging up in a museum. I had never seen something like this in person. The stillness of the water, and the silence that surrounded us was so serene. It truly was, picture perfect. It’s views and atmospheres like this that remind me to appreciate the little things, and enjoy every second of this amazing experience and all that this incredible country has to offer.

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

On Wednesday this week Jazmen and I took on some extra coaching responsibilities at the Presentation Secondary School outside of our usual coaching hours. Most of the girls at Presentation hadn’t had a session with us yet. As such, we were treated with a semi-celebrity status throughout the day. When we arrived at the school, we didn’t even know where the gym was—but upon just walking through the main entrance, one girl froze and said in disbelief, “Are you the Americans?” The school was buzzing because all the girls had heard that two Americans were coming to coach them that day.

We told her that we were indeed the Americans, so she and a friend offered to lead us to the gym. It was full of wide-eyed and excited young girls of about 11 to 13 years of age. Jazmen and I introduced ourselves in front of the sea of shining faces and explained the first warm-up drill. As soon as we finished, the girls jumped up to get started. While everyone ran out onto the court, two girls stopped quickly to say to Jazmen and I: “I love your accents!” and, “Can you talk more?” We assured them that we would be talking plenty throughout the session, and off they went too.

All of the girls were so excited that Jazmen and I were there that they were a pleasure to work with. They followed all of our instructions as best they could. I could see the determination in their eyes when we gave them something more challenging to try; they wanted to show us that they could do it.

Best of all, at the end of the session when I asked the girls if they wanted to take a picture with Jazmen and I, I heard a few screams of “SELFIE!!!!” and was immediately crowded by all the girls jumping to get in the picture. By the time I snapped the picture, there were so many people surrounding me that I couldn’t even fit them all in the shot! So after the big group photo, a number of girls came up to Jazmen and I and begged us to take a picture with them individually, which we happily obliged.

Our second session of the day went much the same way. The girls in this session were a bit older than the previous group, but equally excited for our hour and a half together. We even gathered a decent crowd of girls who came in simply to watch since they had a free period from class. During one of the girls’ drink breaks, I casually shot a three-pointer and there was a murmur of excitement from players and observers alike when it went in. I was mildly surprised because I have come to take the ability to shoot threes for granted, but the 14, 15, and 16 year olds in the gym seemed to think it was impressive. At the end of this session, Jazmen and I got another photo with all the girls, but this time we had someone else take it so that we could fit everyone in. As the girls left the gym they shouted behind them, “Add me on Instagram!” and, “Are you going to put that picture on Facebook?!”

My experiences on that Wednesday highlighted for me the impact that bringing Americans into the Sport Changes Life program has on young children. Some people might have wondered why Sport Changes Life brings Americans all the way to Ireland to inspire its youth rather than turning to equally qualified Irish coaches. I myself have already met a number of extremely qualified and engaging Irish coaches and players who would be well up to the task of working with young people in the community to better their lives. Yet I think Sport Changes Life has recruited Americans for the job simply for the pseudo celebrity status that was displayed in Presentation Secondary School on Wednesday.

When kids hear that Americans are coming to coach them, they buzz. They are excited that we talk in funny accents, that we come from a strong basketball country, that we give them drills to try that they perhaps have never heard of. They are always itching to tell us about that time they went to America, or that cousin or aunt that lives in the U.S., or simply to find out more about where we’re from. Bringing in people who are unique from those that the children interact with on a day-to-day basis makes them that much more excited to participate in sport. That is the goal of Sport Changes Life—to bring in people who are different, who can get children excited about sport, who can inspire children to lead better lives by sharing their own stories about how sport brought them all the way to Ireland. And when the kids at Presentation gawked at our accents, set their hearts on success in our drills, and crowded around us for selfies, I couldn’t help but think that Sport Changes Life was well on its way to achieving its goal.

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

Today being my lovely parents’ 26th wedding anniversary, the least I can do is write a blog about them, right?!

Today being my lovely parents’ 26th wedding anniversary, the least I can do is write a blog about them, right?!