As I begin my final season of collegiate basketball career at Le Moyne, I find myself looking back on the experiences that have shaped me leading up to this point. From the challenges and growth of last season to representing Team USA on an international stage, it’s been a journey filled with unforgettable moments. One of the most exciting highlights of this past summer was my time with the USA Travel Team in Melilla, Spain, competing in the U23 Pre-Olympics Tournament.
Our journey kicked off with a training camp at Fordham University on June 21, 2024, where we got the chance to work with our coach, Utah Jazz Assistant Coach Mike Williams. He brought a whole new level of expertise to our preparation, with his fast-paced offensive strategies and defensive concepts. Coach Williams was more than just a coach—his ability to connect with us as players and break down the game made a lasting impression on all of us.
When we arrived in Spain the next day, we knew we were stepping into something special. The warmth of the Melilla community was felt immediately. Whether we were on the court or walking through the city, the locals made us feel right at home, showing up to all our games and cheering us on with a lot of energy.
Before each game, we exchanged gifts with the other teams, swapping pins with the flags of our countries. It was a tradition that felt both respectful and exciting, bringing a sense of camaraderie even before the first tip-off. Competing against some of the best young players from Spain, Germany, and the Czech Republic was an experience I’ll never forget. Our team, made up of division one collegiate players from all over the East Coast, put in the work and earned a third-place finish, with our victory against the Czech Republic for the bronze.
We also had the chance to meet Melilla’s president, Juan José Imbroda, during the tournament. It was a great moment, where we exchanged gifts and spoke about how sports can connect cultures and bring people together.
What really stood out to me, though, was embracing the culture and being with the people of Melilla. Playing high-level international basketball in such a welcoming environment felt like a true exchange of not just skills, but of values and experiences. The heat in the gym was intense— especially without air conditioning— but that only brought us closer as a team. We pushed through, and by the end of the tournament, we weren’t just teammates, we were family.
The differences in the game, like the European basketball rules and the use of a different style of ball, added to the challenge, but I had trained for that. I was no stranger to the European ball. It’s moments like these that remind me why I love this game—the challenges, the camaraderie, and the chance to represent something bigger than yourself.
I’m incredibly grateful for this experience and the memories we made on and off the court. It’s moments like this that push me to grow as a player and a person.