Everything is "Bigger" in Texas

PostGrad life is approaching and its safe to say i'm somewhat in panic mode trying to figure out my next move. I've never really been able to imagine my life without basketball so it's pretty overwhelming at times. I was presented an opportunity during the women's final four to attend a convention hosted by the WBCA (Women's Basketball Coaches Association) called "So You Think You Want to Be A Coach." When I originally heard about this I thought hmm that would be perfect because I knew once my playing days were over that I wanted to possibly stay amongst the game. Plus a free trip to Dallas while being able to enjoy the final four games? There was no way I could pass this up.


There were about 60 participants that were accepted into the program from all across the country and I was fortunate enough to be one of them. & one thing I respected most about the program is that there was so much variety. Amongst these 60 were players from high major D1 teams all the way down to NAIA schools. Everyone was really friendly and I even exchanged a few numbers and caught up with some players I competed against night in and night out within our conference. It's funny how we were all able to separate competition on the court from networking with one another during the convention, cause I know I was one of those players who they probably hated going against because I liked to talk trash lol, plus we were THE CHAMPIONS!...But I received nothing but well wishes and polite conversation. It was also good to compare experiences and see that although we all chose different schools and paths, we all ended up relating in one way or another. I think this ultimately created a bond that we will never forget. 

I was also able to hear from some amazing and successful coaches in the game and understanding what it takes to coach at the college level & how the road to getting there won't always be easy but in the end seemed to be well worth it. Being able to gain knowledge that applies not only to the basketball world but life in general was special. Especially because it was coming from those who have paved the way for me to be where I am. 

Now me being me and always having to keep busy of course I didn't just come out to Dallas for a convention! I also participated in a ProHoops Combine hosted at SMU. You see I recently decided that I would like to continue my career if the opportunity presents itself. I was amongst some of the top athletes in women's college hoops. There were also basketball Hall of Fame members who were working the camp which was another way for me to soak in knowledge on the game. During our Q&A session with them they kept it all the way real about what it's like being a professional on the women's side. Everything about it ain't (yes I know AIN'T isn't a word) pretty but well worth it if you have a passion for what you do!....I guess you could say I have some decisions to make.

Now stay with me here cause this last part is where it really gets good!!! I've often wondered why I cant just live a normal life and why I seem to always end up in crazy or "unique" situations. Lol....But I've learned that average and normal lives are for average and normal people and that just isn't me.....But anyway, so while I was out in Dallas my father came a few days before the combine to support me. He told me he was going to be staying with someone he knew out there named Mike (Oh the irony because my father's name is Mike for those who didn't know that), now if you know my dad you know he always has random friends or people in his life that he never really talks about. So fast forward to the day the convention ended and my dad was picking me up to go and stay with him and this "someone" named Mike. I had never met him before so you could imagine my face as they were picking me up. We went and grabbed some lunch and as we were sitting down talking I find out the guy I'm sitting across from happens to my uncle....YES you heard correctly...MY UNCLE A.K.A. My dad's brother.....Now why I never knew this is just as strange to me as it is to those of you reading this. When I'm hearing this information you can imagine the disbelief on my face. I look at my dad like "WOW!! No way you knew this and didn't ever bother to mention it." Well apparently this information was relatively new for everyone so I guess this made it a little better to be somewhat out of the loop. And of course my pops was full of excuses about why he waited a while to reveal this information to me, but I'm just glad I happened to be in the right place at the right time! What are the odds of me flying out to Dallas for the women's final four and meeting my uncle and ultimately discovering that I have other members of my family that I've never met living right up the street from my home in Charlotte!!! 

I'm a very family oriented person so although this information came as a shock to me, I was excited to develop a new relationship with this new found family member. And how funny is it that both of their names are MIKE?!?! Haha crazy right? Now I'm sure you all have a ton questions about this "family mystery" as I like to call it but I'll spare the details because yall really dont need to know all that, plus I'm still figuring this whole thing out myself. Lol. But needless to say my time in Dallas was well worth it and extremely beneficial. Its funny how God will place you in uncomfortable situations to help grow you and better you. How you might ask?! During the convention I was by myself so I was forced outside of my comfort zone to meet and mingle with complete strangers, I took the next step in my career all on a leap of faith by completing a ProHoops Combine with players who competed at a higher level than I did, & I opened up to a complete stranger (who happens to be my uncle) and even staying in his home which I'm pretty glad I did, he doesn't seem to be half bad. He showed up to my combine to support, his wife was extremely nice, and we were even able to share a couple laughs and talk about things we had in common. I obviously had NO IDEA that all this would happen during my trip. I kind of understand what they mean when they say "expect the unexpected." As I was on the plane headed back to NC, I realized I was coming back with more knowledge, more insight on life but still many unanswered questions. I still don't have it all figured and I can't tell you where I'll be a year from now but I'm trying my best to pray more and worry less. One thing that really stuck with me during my trip and experiences in Dallas is "What is for you, will NOT pass you."

....Oh and honestly, everything really is bigger in Texas!! I'll definitely be back!!!

Thank You Dallas!

-EBHoops #2