Who Said Size Matters? HEART over HEIGHT

Below is the link for a blog post about college basketball's leading scoring who is only 5'9.

http://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/2017/2/24/14573010/marcus-keene-scoring-central-michigan-records

Italy

This past Summer, the women's basketball team was fortunate enough to be able to study abroad in Italy while also competing in games against pro teams throughout different parts of Italy. This blog post is a reflection of my experiences and some things that i learned while partaking in this trip. 

When I first found out about our opportunity to study abroad in Italy for 10 days, I was filled with an array of emotions. Although this would be my second time traveling out of the country, I felt this trip would be more significant because I am of age to understand the value of such a great opportunity. Being able to learn and share experiences of a different culture from that of my own gave me a different perspective. I know that this opportunity is something I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life. Some of the things I’ve taken away from this experience that will have a long lasting impact are; the importance of having people in your life to care for and look out for you, really understanding what it means to be grateful for the life you live, and the importance of effective communication with other languages.

The JFK airport experience is the event that really made me reflect on the importance of family and looking out and caring for others. Before we even made it to our destination, while waiting for our flight there was an alleged gunman within our terminal. Although it was a false alarm, in the midst of everything happening it was one of the most frightening moments of my life. But in the midst of the madness there was a genuine concern for one another. We are all truly blessed that the situation was not worse than it actually was. But I’m also thankful to go through something like that with that particular group of people. In life I think we often take for granted the importance of family. 

For example, when one of my teammates was away from the group for an extended period of time, imagine if she had been in that situation and had no one to call. It is just essential to surround yourself with people who really care about you and your well-being. Finding out who you can count on is often tested during a time of duress. I think the JFK event made us stronger as a team and created a higher level of trust for one another which will ultimately help us throughout our season. Coming together the next day to discuss what happened in the previous night was really special. Being able to have a safe space where everyone could express their thoughts and feelings was also something that helped us grow together. The sincerity and raw emotions that everyone felt was something no one can ever take away from us and I think we as a group are forever bonded by that. Although it is something I would not want to go through again, I do believe everything happens for a reason and that we were in the right place at the right time.

Growing up, my parents always stressed to me the idea of being grateful and appreciative for the things you have and the life you live. As a kid I don’t think I ever fully understood what they meant by that. As I got older I started to understand them a little better based on experiences in my life. After this study abroad trip I’ve become more aware of what that means, I’ve almost finally understood that statement in its entirety. This trip made me really grateful for the simple things I’m afforded in the US. For example, every gym we played in had no air conditioning. Growing up in America as an athlete that’s just something you kind of expect to have in gyms that you play in. Whereas in Italy, it seemed to be the complete opposite. 

Some of the other things I’ve become more appreciative of are cold water, having easy access to ice, and not having to pay to use the restroom. This was yet another thing that I would not think twice about if I were in the U.S. It is just automatically assumed that something as simple as a public restroom is free. Until you see another side of how others live, you tend to believe that it would be pretty similar to your own life. Once you are able to see another side it makes you cherish every detail of your own life and your own culture. Even down to wearing clean clothes and deodorant, I’ve learned to appreciate having access to those items. But not only did I gain appreciation for my own life and culture but I also gained respect and understanding for another way of living.

The last major impact that this study abroad trip had on me was understanding the depths of effective communication. Going into the trip I knew that the language barrier would be one of the hardest things to deal with while in Italy. I experienced some difficulties ordering food and trying to purchase items while gift shopping. These experiences created frustration from me as well as the people working at the establishments. Another example of communication presenting challenges was at our hotel in Como. About 5 of my teammates got stuck on the elevator and our tour guide Elena was not around at the time. I tried my best to communicate what was going on to the hotel staff but obviously it was extremely difficult because neither side was fluent in the other’s language. The situation escalated quickly and the maintenance guy began to raise his voice and became panicked which also made my teammates panic on the inside of the elevator. Elena finally arrives but there was still some tension as her and the maintenance staff were conversing in loud voices. 

We eventually got them out of the elevator but I do think the situation could’ve been resolved quicker if there was some way to communicate more effectively. This is one area I wish I would have committed myself to a little more during the classes. Although we reviewed phrases and words in Italian, I think if I would’ve made a little more effort to expound on that outside of class it could’ve had a positive effect on my trip. Something that I also think would’ve helped was carrying the booklet that we received with phrases in it into restaurants and stores with me. Needless to say, I think it is important to make an effort to try and understand different languages or at least be familiar with basic phrases. Because I noticed that other countries are often way more familiar with the English language than we are as Americans with other languages.

Overall, I would say this trip was amazing while also creating a broader lens of the world for myself. I had a lot of takeaways that I think will ultimately have a positive impact on me for the rest of my life. I would encourage that everyone experiences a different country from their own at least once in their life. It is something that is unmatched and it just gives you an overall different perspective on life and the world. It’s way bigger than the U.S. and definitely way bigger than myself.

Ciao!

-EbHoops

Dear Candice

Here's a link to a blog post about a controversial topic about comments made from a former WNBA player and her experience while playing professionally.

http://www.imaniboyette.com/dear-candice/

PLAY4VAN: Cancer Sucks

For any of my blog readers that might not know me personally, I'll give you a brief introduction.

My name is Essence Baucom and I am a senior (boy does the time fly!!) at Elon University and I am also a member of the women's basketball team. I started this blog as a class project but to also discuss topics involving something I'm VERY passionate about....BASKETBALL!! I've been playing this game since I was about 5 years old and it has impacted my life in so many ways. 

So for my first post, because we are in the month of February, which in women's college basketball is very significant because its the month where we recognize victims of breast cancer in the "Play4Kay" games. These games are always very special to me because I have a personal connection with a breast cancer survivor who happens to be my grandmother. The Play4Kay games always remind me that the game of basketball is so much bigger than myself. I thank God every day that she still has the opportunity to come & cheer me on. I'll never forget the feeling when I heard she had breast cancer! But because God has his hands on her, she's still here! She is the true definition of strength & with the help of God, she was able to defeat cancer! Basketball is more than just a game & my grandma has always taught me to never take it for granted & I know there is no way possible I could play this game the same way without seeing her smiling face in the stands! She keeps me going & will forever be motivation and a driving force behind everything I do. When these type of situations occur you never really consider the idea that it could effect you or someone you love. As a college basketball player the month of February is very personal for me & I'm proud that this platform is used to continue to raise awareness for this disease as well as raise money in hopes of finding a cure and helping those who are battling with sickness everyday! I'm proud to be able to say that every time I lace up and step foot on the court, I Play4Van. 

-EbHoops