Ireland’s Under-18’s latest account on their trip to the USA features some of the fantastic experiences the team is enjoying.
The trip to Penn State is flying by but the saying ‘time flies when you are having fun” certainly applies to this whirlwind two weeks.
It has been an intense week but the fact that the accommodation is on campus has meant the players can get much needed rest between games.
We managed to get a much need break on Friday and we used the time to unwind with the host families and take in some of the sights and also get in some all important shopping. Some of the other players went on a personal tour (Courtesy of Lisas amazing cousins Noel and Tara) of New York City. The trip had everything from the tv scenes of gossip girl to the movies, bags and watches of china town :)
A trip wouldn't be complete without a quick way to lady gaga outside Madison square garden.
Saturday morning had the girls at a new state of the art venue of prep school Loomis Chaffe - an amazing place and with both basketball coaches to take the girls through their paces for an hour. This was followed by a tour of the school and a quick guide on how to approach the next step, for those interested.
American coach in training Holly Mirabella who worked with the 2009 team and visited Ireland this past May had everyone over to her house for food , drinks and a little bit of relaxing on the pool and team building :)
Tomorrow (sunday) the girls will go to support the boys in their first game of their AAU tournament and proceed onto St Josephs Collefe for their final two games of the trip. We are hoping for another two wins before we head with all the host familes to the Irish American Society where all teams are fed and some presentations will take place :)
Monday, July 12, 2010
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Day 3
We were all up once again at the crack of dawn as our bodies are still not used to the time change here in Connecticut.
Bill took us through plays to prepare us for our games that day.
With our loss behind us we kept our heads up and spirits high the teams prepared mentally for the games ahead of them that day against North Star and ____________.
The first team came out on top after very intense game.
Bill had a few words after the game - " The girls played well but there were a few mistakes but I hope that they will learn from them and take it to the next few games".
The team then went to the cinema to see "Eclipse".
In the car ride home Jenny asked the girls did that like it?
" OH MY GOD JENNY" was their reply. :)
We then went to bed- knowing that tomorrow was America's birthday and they had a long day ahead of them :)
Bill took us through plays to prepare us for our games that day.
With our loss behind us we kept our heads up and spirits high the teams prepared mentally for the games ahead of them that day against North Star and ____________.
The first team came out on top after very intense game.
Bill had a few words after the game - " The girls played well but there were a few mistakes but I hope that they will learn from them and take it to the next few games".
The team then went to the cinema to see "Eclipse".
In the car ride home Jenny asked the girls did that like it?
" OH MY GOD JENNY" was their reply. :)
We then went to bed- knowing that tomorrow was America's birthday and they had a long day ahead of them :)
Day 2
With a little light sleep behind us we were up early and at the University for our first full day of training and games. Strength and conditioning coaches Pete and Nick took us on the track and in the weights room for a workout. After the mornings session we were introduced to St.Joesph's College Campers.
We then went shopping in Buckland Hills Mall. $$$$$$
After our quick shop we returned back to St. Joe's for our first of many matches.
Team one (greens) played against The Shamrocks where they were beaten but they played well and showed a lot of spirit.
The second team (white) then played against Connecticut Spirit where they were also beaten but showed great team work and enthusiasm.
Coach Jenny Coady had this to say "After the second day of competitive matches we are continuing to learn more about the players as we try to find the right balance within the teams."
We then went shopping in Buckland Hills Mall. $$$$$$
After our quick shop we returned back to St. Joe's for our first of many matches.
Team one (greens) played against The Shamrocks where they were beaten but they played well and showed a lot of spirit.
The second team (white) then played against Connecticut Spirit where they were also beaten but showed great team work and enthusiasm.
Coach Jenny Coady had this to say "After the second day of competitive matches we are continuing to learn more about the players as we try to find the right balance within the teams."
Day 1
We all decided that some team bonding was in order before we set off on our trip! In order for the “special” bond to form we need to have a team night in ! So all the girls came up and stayed in a few of the girls houses in Dublin where the bonding began......
It was an early start.... 5am! Make up, straightning of the hair and last minute packing had to be done! We caught the 6 o clock bus to the airport and we were bang on time for our 7am meeting at A.I.B. Huge smiles acorss all 18 girls ... including coach Lisa and Jenny! With all money exchanged to dollars and everyone ready to go we check in. A few team members decided to start the trip off on a exciting note. Siobhan and Karen’s passports did not read on the computers. Karen pawned a few pins and tshirts off and before you know it both of them were through customs.
34 bodies later and the Irish delegation had cleared customs and were USA bound. Both teams then went through security and got a bite to eat on duty free. Once again ,meeting at gate 307 to catch our 10.30 flight to JFK. Everyone getting more and more excited as the time went by.
The flight took off on time at 10.30 with EVERYONE on it. A very important, competitive game of battle ship took place shortly after between the guys and the girls. It was an intense and challenging game but thankfully the girls came out on top....this was followed shortly by some fab plane food and our own personal home theatre, all it was missing was the popcorn for desert.
It was an early start.... 5am! Make up, straightning of the hair and last minute packing had to be done! We caught the 6 o clock bus to the airport and we were bang on time for our 7am meeting at A.I.B. Huge smiles acorss all 18 girls ... including coach Lisa and Jenny! With all money exchanged to dollars and everyone ready to go we check in. A few team members decided to start the trip off on a exciting note. Siobhan and Karen’s passports did not read on the computers. Karen pawned a few pins and tshirts off and before you know it both of them were through customs.
34 bodies later and the Irish delegation had cleared customs and were USA bound. Both teams then went through security and got a bite to eat on duty free. Once again ,meeting at gate 307 to catch our 10.30 flight to JFK. Everyone getting more and more excited as the time went by.
The flight took off on time at 10.30 with EVERYONE on it. A very important, competitive game of battle ship took place shortly after between the guys and the girls. It was an intense and challenging game but thankfully the girls came out on top....this was followed shortly by some fab plane food and our own personal home theatre, all it was missing was the popcorn for desert.
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