CUA Women's Hoops

Grabiak's Game Winning Three!!

2012-01-29T13:00:00.000-08:00

The Cardinals had a HUGE 3-0 week, defeating perennial power TCNJ on Tuesday before upending conference rivals Scranton and Moravian this weekend. In a battle against the Royals Friday night, Emily Grabiak hit six consecutive free throws to ice the game for the Cards. The following day, Grabiak hit a three-pointer with six seconds left to give CUA a one point victory over the Greyhounds. Check out the video of her game winning shot!

The Melodious Voices of the Lady Cards!

2012-01-24T16:43:00.000-08:00

'Twas the Night Before Finals...

2011-12-11T07:32:00.000-08:00

Twas the night before finals, and all through the place,
The hoopsters were studying, with a great deal of haste.
When all of a sudden, a flash mob appeared,
Four priests and their vocals to spread Christmas cheer...

(I guess that's what you get when you go to a Catholic school!)

Pumpkin Palooza and October Dance-Off

2011-10-31T13:40:00.000-07:00

Last week, members of the CUA Women's Basketball team celebrated the fall season by holding the 2nd Annual Pumpkin Palooza Carving Contest. This year, the winning pumpkin was a Jax-O-Lantern in a wedding dress (representing what the girls believe Coach Jax will look like in her wedding next year). Afterward, the ladies held a Wii dance contest to showcase their awesome dancing skills. We were especially impressed with the Beyonce Twins, Karlyn and Kat. Check out the pics below!

Not Out Best Show of Athleticism...

2011-10-16T07:02:00.000-07:00

Post-practice kickball game.

10.15.11: Let the Work Begin.

2011-10-12T08:55:00.001-07:00

PB Drive!!!

2011-09-22T07:02:00.000-07:00

Smooth, chunky, natural, reduced fat, swirled with jelly, Smuckers, Jif, Planters, or even Smart Balance. What’s your preference? What if it was your way to survive? Many people in the DC area and beyond are hungry, homeless, and are in need of our help!

CUA women’s basketball has been collecting any types of peanut butter to donate to a local homeless shelter. Kat Jax has connections with the Cheesecake factory restaurant in Arlington. They’ve been running a Peanut Butter drive to help those less fortunate. They challenged our team to collect 200 pounds of Peanut Butter. It’s been quite the race! Let me toot my own horn by saying I’m in the lead with 29 lbs of peanut butter!! Someone even asked if I own a peanut butter factory. One of these days, Donohue will probably top all of us, but I'll enjoy the lead until then.

Our team has taken on this challenge with vengeance. Being athletes, competition is what we are good at. It sure helps that were doing it for a good cause. It’s second nature for those at Catholic University to answer the call to serve those in need. As the University celebrates its 125th anniversary, President Garvey calls for the community to perform 125,000 hours of charitable service by next Founders Day, April 10, 2012. Our team is taking on this challenge by the horns and we hope to donate as much peanut butter as possible!

CUA Staff Mingles with Golf Pros at US Open

2011-06-30T09:25:00.000-07:00

Last week, 156 of the world's greatest golfers and fans flocked to Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland for the 113th U.S. Open. The CUA Women's Basketball staff joined forces with the CUA Men's Soccer team to help fund raise for each of their respective programs.

"We worked the concessions stand on the third green," reported assistant coach Katrina Jax. "Coach Donohue was flipping burgers, while Coach Sullivan and I worked the registers. It was quite a scene."

CUA team members Brielle Crites and Mary Hagaman, along with student assistant Tommy Berry, also made appearances at the event. "Brielle and Hags made the best looking chicken sandwiches I've ever seen," noted Coach Donohue.

After eight long hours of selling refreshments to the masses, the group was able to watch golf for the remainder of the day. "We were literally ten feet away from people like Rory McIlroy, Phil Mickelson, and K.J. Choi," said Coach Donohue. "It was pretty sick."

Coaches Sullivan and Jax also had a close encounter with Hall of Fame golfer Curtis Strange. Jax remembers, "We were laying on the grass during our break and this guy came up to us and said he wished he had our job. Not knowing who he was, I told him to grab a visor and meet us in the concessions stand....I got an earful from Coach D. later."

Hurry Up for Health 8K

2011-04-11T09:57:00.000-07:00

Relay for Life

2011-04-02T09:06:00.000-07:00

Walking into the Great Room was like walking into a concert. With the live band playing its music, there were people everywhere; some on the floor huddled together, some walking the track, some goofing around, others dancing, and others running their station.

I immediately spotted the girls on the floor spread out on blankets surrounding, well I would say campfire but in this case, a ton of food piled up. My basketball family was ready for the long haul tonight.

We laughed and joked around, telling each other stories about the week and occasionally throwing a little food at one another. We got up and supported one another during specific events like when Kirby tried to imitate Snookie from Jersey Shore, when Hagaman tried to stack awkwardly shaped red delicious apples, and when Jessie rocked out and sang “Jar of Hearts.” (On a side note, Jessie won! She won a year supply of bagels from Panera Bread and I am sure that if she is reading this she may consider sharing with the team.  ) When things started to get a little tough because it was almost 2’oclock in the morning, I decided to liven things up by silly stringing Tommy Berry in the face. It definitely caused some laughs and revved us up for the next 5 or so more hours.

But underneath all of the excitement, the fun and games, and the quality time we were all sharing, we were here in support of Relay for Life. This was an important event that fundraised for people struggling with caner, surviving cancer, or passed on because of cancer. Every minute of every part of the fundraiser, we were reminded of those who have either won or lost their fight with cancer. Walking the track lined with lights dedicated to those we have loved and lost was what the fundraiser was all about. Although one of us was always walking the track at all times, there was a moment when every one of us walked the track. Every one of us have either lost or known of a family member or friend from cancer.

It was during that walk of silence to honor all those that we love, that my little basketball family once again united and shared another common bond.
- Rachel Ferri :)

ECAC's

2011-03-09T12:07:00.000-08:00

It was a season of firsts. The first time in the history of the program that the women's team won a post season contest, the first time the women's team won a game in the ECAC tournament, which then led to the first ever appearance in the ECAC championship game. Though the season ended with a runner up trophy, the heart and effort that this team put forth all season was nothing short of first place worthy.

After a win against Wesley at home last Wednesday,the team was headed for Waynesburg, PA to test their efforts in the semi-finals. Alvernia University was the first hurdle for our girls. They battled a tough opponent and it was true team effort that gave them a 64-52 win over the #6 team in the tournament. Next up for the Lady Cardinals would be #1 seeded Waynesburg University in the championship game.

The girls geared up for Sunday's championship game by bonding in the hotel Saturday night. Whether it was watching the always exciting Duke vs UNC game or just relaxing and enjoying the last few days of the season, they spent it together.

In the lockerroom Sunday afternoon, the coaching staff had one final request for the 2010-2011 team: Leave it all on the court. Fight for every rebound, go after every loose ball, and hustle every time you step on the floor. Until the very last second of the game the girls did just that. They played for each other and left everything they had on the court last weekend.

Looking forward, it is exciting to know that we will be returning most of this team next season. Though the leadership of our seniors will be truly missed, we know that the impact that they have made on this young group of girls is permanent. While this has been a season of firsts, we hope to make the next another one for the books.

Senior Night

2011-02-22T12:16:00.000-08:00

It's been a memorable year for the CUA women's basketball team, and none of our successes would have been possible without the leadership, time, and energy of our two seniors, Kerri "Kace" Confrey, and Kelly "Lil' Babe" Ryan. These two brought so much to our team, and will be sorely missed when they graduate in the spring. Best of luck to you, girls!!

Th!nk P!nk Week!

2011-02-12T23:37:00.000-08:00

This weekend, the CUA Women's Basketball Team participated in the WBCA's Think Pink Week to support breast cancer awareness. The Cardinals sported pink t-shirts, socks, and shoelaces. They also teamed up with members of SAAC to sell pink t-shirts to fans, raising money for the Kay Yow Cancer Fund. For more information on this worthwhile cause, please click here.

We're Playin' Ba-sket-ballllllll

2011-01-15T20:09:00.000-08:00

Don't be too jealous of our talents.

That is SO CUTE

2010-12-23T21:59:00.000-08:00

What a sweet trip to FLORIDA!! After winning a game on our home court Saturday evening, we were all up bright and early on Sunday to practice and head to the airport to catch our flight to Orlando. Upon arrival, we drove to our resort in Daytona (it was literally ON the beach), and headed to bed in preparation for our game the next day. We went 1-1 in the tournament, and Liz earned a spot on the All-Tournament Team! Afterward, we had some serious team bonding time (i.e. Secret Santa Swap, Underclassmen Talent Show, playing Shipwreck and tag, dance parties, a hang out sesh at the "Arcade," etc.). And then we finished the trip by driving to Orlando and spending a day at Disney's Magic Kingdom!! Jill even almost snagged Prince Charming during the parade...too bad he's already G-in with Cinderella :\ All in all, the trip was great...but we can't wait to get home to spend time with our family and friends for Christmas :) Check out pics and our team video below!

Oh Yeah, Scavenger Hunt, Yeah

2010-11-02T09:18:00.000-07:00

Members of the CUA women's hoops team celebrated Halloween in two ways this year: with a pumpkin carving contest (the sophomores won, obvi), and with a team scavenger hunt throughout D.C. Here are some of the photographed highlights of our adventures!

My Fast and Furious Dream

2010-10-18T09:41:00.000-07:00

I love the Fast and the Furious movies. You know, the ones with the gorgeous Paul Walker? So when Coach Jax emailed the team for a couple of volunteers to drive fancy cars for money, I was like sign me up. I mean, what else would I want to be doing on a Wednesday night?

At first I was all for it, until Coach Jax said that the required uniform would be a white button up… which I actually had for catering this summer, but decided not to bring with me to school. So as I was in class, I desperately asked my friends if they had a white button up shirt. NO ONE DID. I guess it’s not part of today's fashion scene. So in my desperate panic not to let Coach Jax down, I asked my best friend if her boyfriend had one. Luckily, he did have a white polo, which was acceptable. Close call Margaret.

So when I was finally ready, the girls picked me up and the experience of a life time began. There were two groups: one went to a different function at the Phillips Collection, and my group, Holly Janicki, Kerri Confrey, Karlyn Dixon, and Claire McEvily, went to the National Building Museum. The function there had to do with hotel donors or something. When we arrived around 5:30, we weren’t really sure who we were looking for. The first man we met was J.P. At first it seemed he didn’t really want us there, however, later we found out that was pretty much his personality. J.P. was the person who gave us our delightful outfits: beautiful blue and black vests with adorable black ties. Thank God the ties were already tied because really how many teenager girls know how to secure ties.

After we transformed into little valets, J.P. showed us where the lot was where we would be parking the cars- about eight blocks away in a very busy area. My biggest fear was getting lost in a very expensive car. Well, that and crashing a car or having to parallel park. However, J.P. ensured me that it was the easiest place to find, and that I would be a complete idiot if I got lost. Don’t worry I didn’t get lost. From the parking lot, the valets were to take a shuttle back to the event.

So as we were the first people there and knew where the lot was, we got to drive the first batch of cars. Within this batch of cars was a B-E-A-T-I-F-U-L, black jaguar, which I got to drive. Oh wait no….. I didn’t…because I had no idea where the stick shift was. How was I supposed to know that cars were able to hide their stick shifts in the dashboard? So that was the first fail of the night for me. Besides that one gorgeous car, there weren’t any outrageously expensive cars, there were lots of BMW’s, Mercedes and others like that. Sickkkkk.

After about an hour and a half of driving cars, it was break time. We had a break for about almost two hours. This is when we went to go get food at Chipolte and Chop’t, because we were right by Chinatown. Some of us even bravely attempted to do homework.

At about 9:00 we headed back to the function. Here Holly, Kerri, and I were assigned to collect the guests’ tickets (J.P. explained that the guests would rather see young, smiling, girl basketball players’ faces than old, grumpy men’s faces coming out of the function). Since there were almost 200 cars and only about 25 valets, the wait for a car was quite long. Many of the people complained, however, others decided to talk to us and see why such young girls were working as valets. After all the cars were returned to their owner, and the rest of the guests were safely placed in cabs, it was time to receive our TIPS. Don’t get to excited, we only made eight dollars a person, unlike the other group who made twenty bucks apiece. They also the Real Housewives of D.C. at their function!!

All the workers were really nice and we were known as “The Basketball Team.” Every time there was a moment of rest, the people would ask about our team, our positions, and are opponents. It was really fun to be the center of attention.

Although I didn’t get to drive that black sleek Jaguar or get to see the Real Desperate Housewives of D.C., I still had a wicked good time driving cars for money!

Crunches and Ladders and Sprints- Oh My!

2010-10-15T12:19:00.000-07:00

It’s the morning of October 17^th, the first day of basketball season. Our “fitness test” starts at 2:00 and I find myself awake and ready to go at 7:30 in the morning. I can’t wake up for my 9:30 class, yet I am awake at 7:30 and I’m freaking out!!

Today is the first day of our try-outs or fitness test. We never had a “fitness test” before so no one knows what to expect. We all had to run the mile before but after that we usually end up going into the gym, but coach informed us that “we should leave our basketball shoes in our lockers” aka we would be running for the full 2 hours today.

Never in a million years, would we imagine, that we would not only be running ladders, shuttle runs, doing what felt like an hour worth of abs but we would be on all fours barking like dogs in a game of capture the flag.

So its now 1:45 and we are all stretching thinking about other things we would rather be doing besides getting ready to go through our worst nightmare, the mile. Some of us preferred plucking our eyes out, taking multiple tests, even hanging out with Kat Jax for a whole entire day! (WOOF!) But 15 minutes later we all sucked it up and ran it, and man did we run it well. I have to say, Margaret and Katarina looked like they needed a trashcan, but hey they made it.. and that’s what matters.

Next on the agenda was every type of ab work you can possibly think of followed by ladders, cones and shuttle runs.

We finished off with the competitive game of capture the flag, and not to brag but my team (dream team) took the win on that. Though we had the win and of course the good looks, the other team had great strategy that involved charging and at one point barking like dogs.

The next few days weren’t as rough, though our legs and abs probably wouldn’t agree. It was all worth it when I was sitting in my meeting with Coach Donohue and he told me that I made the team. I was so happy that I went sprinting through the Dufour center screaming with joy.

-Mary Hagaman

"Backpack crisis at Gate E? Copy that- I'm on my way."

2010-10-12T10:04:00.000-07:00

What are most college kids doing on a typical Sunday afternoon? Most people would suggest the following: spending time with roommates, relaxing, recovering, exploring the city, baking some cookies, possibly studying, maybe even going to church. You could guess all day if you wanted, but I’m pretty sure you would never come close to guessing what the women’s basketball team has been up to. Some girls describe it with an “Oh, Boy!”; others wonder in anticipation of what could happen that day.

At this point, you’re probably pretty curious as to what it could be. Well, it sure isn’t playing basketball or doing a full day workout to get in shape for the season. To make this a little more interesting, I'll give you some hints:

1. It actually has nothing to do with basketball at all.

2. When all standing together in a group, we could be mistaken for a dance team.

3. We have an incredible amount of authority and power over people who most likely have way more authority and power than us in the real world.

4. We come closer then we would like to thousands of strangers.

5. We get to wear hot shoes like this:

6. We get asked approximately 89 questions (per day) that we cannot answer correctly in any way, shape, or form.

7. Yellow shirts- complete with a serial number- are provided (fashionable ones, I may add).

8. We actually are technically “working” a job that other people take extremely seriously.

9. Not one of us fits in with the stereotypical person for this job.

10. One group of us were working under a man who’s name was John, but naturally told us that we could call him “Radio” (and when we asked where he got that nickname, he looked at us with that “You’ll find out when you’re older” look a parent gives a child when they ask where babies come from).

11. We did not fit in (see #8) but without bragging, I have to say this was because we were significantly more attractive than 95% of our co-workers.

12. We frequently find entertainment in the comments and actions of the strangers that we encounter.

Did my hints help? Any ideas? Probably not, so I guess I will let you in on the secret. On several Sunday’s during the fall, the women’s basketball team works as SECURITY GUARDS at Fed-Ex Field in Washington, DC (Redskins Stadium). Seems odd? Well, what other way would a group of college athletes come up with the funds for the sweet stuff that we have ahead of us (like bball gear, trips, and delicious Panera Bread on the road, etc.)?

So yes, we have been working as real life, all-black outfited security guards, telling people what to do and where to go and that they’re not allowed in...We sometimes even point people in directions (I say directions because I think it would be a lie if I said the RIGHT directions), and act as the typical crowd control in a gigantic football stadium.

Pretty funny huh? Yeah, we think so, and so do most of the people at the stadium. We always get comments like, “ARE YOU REALLY SECURITY GUARDS?" and "WHO IS GOING TO LISTEN TO YOU?” and my favorite, “YOU ARE WAY TOO HOT TO BE REAL SECURITY GUARDS.”

It is a once in a lifetime experience for sure; I mean come on! How many chicks can say they worked as a security guard during college? It definitely has its ups and its downs, and it's pretty funny to see the stupid things that people do/say (e.g. smuggling in illegal soda cans and hiding cookies in the hoods of their sweatshirts). Yet somehow, we have authority over whether or not these people are allowed into the stadium.

Sometimes (like for the Redskins vs. Cowboys game), we got to do crowd control before the game started and watched players like Tony Romo warm up like, 10 feet away. Also, we were kind of hanging out with Lebron James at the same game AND one of the girls got a picture with hottie Chace Crawford (aka Nate from GossipGirl).

The best part is that it's for a good cause: OUR TEAM! If this is your first time to our blog, you should scroll up and read about our adventures in Ireland in summer 2009. Doing these football fundraisers is helping us come up with some of the cash-money we need to take a trip this winter to Daytona Beach, Florida, and for future adventures abroad. Working as security guards is not our favorite thing to do on a Sunday, but when we have Karlyn dancing for us, Margaret providing constant entertainment, Mary sending people off in the wrong directions, Jenny and Jill sneaking in Pryz food, and Kerri staring down any person who tries to talk to her.. it’s just not so bad after all.

X-O, X-O,

Hollyyyyy

Last Call in the Emerald Isle

2009-08-11T14:02:00.000-07:00

The trip has unfortunately gone faster than we thought it would. To start our final day, we began with a tour of the famous Guinness Factory, which was very impressive. We started on the first floor and worked our way up to what seemed like the 100th floor, but I think it was actually the 7th. Our group broke up into about three smaller groups. Some went right to the snack bar (Lil' Babe), and the rest of us began touring. On about the 3rd floor a few of us practiced our bartending skills by learning how to pour the "perfect pint of Guinness", earning accomplished certificates obviously. After seeing every step in making the infamous Irish beer, we all made our way to the top of the factory for a complimentry Guiness. At the top of the factory was the gravity bar, surrounded by windows overlooking the entire city of Dublin, which was unreal. After the tour came to an end, we had free time for the rest of the day. For some of us that meant naptime, for others an opportunity to do last minute shopping. Then we headed to our farewell dinner at one of the local restaurants. Overall our trip to Ireland provided us with memories that will last a lifetime, from long bus rides, competitive games, and tours to learning some amazing Irish traditions. We will all miss Ireland, but I'm pretty sure we made an everlasting impression!

See everyone soon!!

-Brie and Kate

Flahoulachs, Woolly Puppies, and Bog Bodies

2009-08-10T05:43:00.000-07:00

Click here for a video message from your Lady Cards!

Today was probably our most educational day in Ireland. Now in Dublin, we started our day off just like every other: waking up early and eating a delicious hotel breakfast. After breakfast, we met up with our new bus driver and our tour guide for the day, Ann. Excited we each now had a seat to ourselves, we got comfrotable and awaited to hear what was ahead of us for the day. Ann informed us we would be driving through the city of Dublin and then on to one of the oldest monestaries in Ireland, called Glendalough. However, she left out the minor detail she would be speaking the ENTIRE ride through a microphone. We made our way through the city, passing many historical sites and hearing the names, dates and details of each one. After that, we headed about an hour south to Glendalough, while we all slept (while Ann continued to fill us in on the history of Ireland). There was a point in the ride where I woke up and looked around- afraid I was the only one who had fallen asleep- to find that the rest of my teammates had as well. Fortunetly, Ann did not realize this. Glendalough was beautiful. Sourrounded by mountains, the old monestary was barely standing. Old grave stones were fading and unevenly dispersed through out the area. We then headed back to the hotel. Our educational day was finished off with the lovely voice of Ann who sang Irish tunes most of the ride home.

coming at ya live

G!
(aka Ryann)

Don't Thump the Tin (Translation: "Don't Pound on the Bleachers")

2009-08-09T15:36:00.001-07:00

Today started off a bit later than originally planned, which was not opposed by any of the girls....it was more so applauded. This morning we checked out of our awesome hotel room, packed our bags (hoping not to accidently leave anything behind) and headed off to Dublin around 10am. We traveled for about an hour out of Belfast and soon reached Kilkeel Kingdom Galeic Club. Once the bus stopped, we all awoke from our naps and got ready to play a game of Hurling against the Kilkell Intermediate club. Hurling is an Irish game that is extremely popular and has been played for hundreds of years. It is pretty much a combination of field hockey and lacrosse. Each player has a wooden stick shaped like a canoe paddle, and the object is to get a baseball-like object into a soccer-like goal. We were handed our sticks, told the rules and sent on the field to begin the game. Emily quickly volunteered to play the goalie position, but after a few shots traveling extremely fast at her head, she quickly regretted her decision. We played against a very talented group of girls who have been playing ever since they were young. We were a bit hesitant at first, not having played before, but after a while we were able to catch on (a few of the girls on the opposing team also joined our side, which may have helped a LITTLE). Overall it was a great experience to take part in an authentic Irish game that not one of us had the opportunity to play before. After the end of the game we headed toward Dublin. On our way, we stopped again for a great catered lunch and were sent on our way. After a little more time in the bus we finally made it to the city of Dublin. We unloaded the bus and got to our rooms eager to explore a new city and area. There is so much to see!
-Lauren

Prom Night at the Belfast Castle

2009-08-08T13:24:00.000-07:00

With our alarms set for 11 am, today was the first day no one seemed tempted to press the snooze button. Relaxed and rejuvenated, the CUA Women’s Basketball team left the hotel and boarded the bus with excitement and enthusiasm for our second game against some of the best players in Northern Ireland- the Ulster Select. They proved to be an outstanding opponent and and excellent challenge, but we pulled together in the fourth quarter to prevail by twenty tree (23) points. The best way to celebrate this win, along with a new friend’s 21st birthday, was a delicious three course meal at the Belfast Castle. The food was lovely and the desserts were consumed at a rapid pace. Afterward, we enjoyed the lovely flower gardens, views of the Irish Sea, and team pictures in front of the breath taking scenery. Although today we enjoyed the laid back itinerary, we are looking forward to keeping busy with a hurling match tomorrow. Should be fun!

Cheers,
Aja Crites

Hobbits and Archery and Boats, Oh My!

2009-08-07T15:18:00.000-07:00

Asking our basketball team to be productive at 8am is never going to be a success. Asking our basketball team to shoot bow and arrows at 8am is just asking for bad news, and possibly a trip to the hospital. Our first stop today was at the North Coast where we learned the art of archery (which really wasn't an art for most of us, except Hill who was scarily good at it.) We also took a boat ride in the Irish Sea. Everyone picked their own seats on the boat, and just as we were about to take off, a man had to share a seat with me.... Lets just say that a 40 year old man sitting on my lap is as awkward as it sounds. But despite the awkwardness we were still able to see the strong current that created whirl pools in the ocean, as well as seals poking their little heads out of the water. Just when we thought we were being captavated by Irish culture, we walked a half hour out of our way we to see American actors Natalie Portman and James Franco because their set for a film was at the same place we were touring. After we got our boxed lunches of fish and chips, we all boarded back on the bus to take a "splendid" two hour ride to get to the Rope Bridge. We all agreed that since we had to sit through another two hour bus ride, it had better be the best bridge we ever saw, and well...it was. We took a scenic hike along the edge of beautiful cliffs and at the end of the trail was a VERY steap staircase leading to a very wobbly rope bridge that led us to more cliffs and the best view of the ocean that I have ever seen. Everyone was off, taking their own pictures when Kate asked me to take a picture so that it looked like she was falling off the cliff. Apparently, Kate is a better actress than we thought because she slipped and nearly took a tumble in to the rocky water as I stood pondering if i should dive in after her. We climbed our way back to the bus and made our way to Giant's Causeway, which was yet again another beautiful site. The Causeway was at the bottom of a very big steap hill, so there are shuttles that take you back and forth but only until a certain time. So we shuttled down, took some amazing pictures, and walked back to the shuttle stop. The last one was about to go back up the hill, and I let people borrow a some of my pounds to get on the bus because everyone had left their wallets at the top. After I waited for almost half the team get on the bus before me, it was my turn to pay and climb aboard...Just then the driver said that the bus was full and I was going to have to climb my way to the top. It was a great walk....After I American gladiatored my way up the hill with a few of the others, we all boarded the bus and made our way home (obviously stopping for food on the way). Now we are all relaxing in our rooms, excited to have our first day to sleep in tomorrow.

Until Next Time,

Emily "Snake" Brauer

Kentucky Fried Chicken...and a Pizza Hut

2009-08-06T14:29:00.000-07:00

Today was our first full day in Belfast. Against our will, we woke up much earlier than we would of liked, but were able to enjoy our first Irish breakfast. No one had the nerve to order oak smoked kippers but everyone enjoyed it. Next we went to the clinic where we did some community service to help out an Irish basketball camp that ranged from age 5-17. Here we learned a lot about the culture and our different traditions, how we are diverse yet similar. When Kat challenged a young boy to a race, he claimed he was unable to compete because of how awesome Americans are at basketball, adding a little side note about how much we love donuts. (which is actually true for Kat). While playing against the older kids, one of the boys shouted out at Kate “Who's your daddy>! I’m your daddy!” ...............Needless to say we let him score. During the afternoon, we took a tour of Belfast. We were warned not to sport our Catholic gear so as to avoid triggering a national crisis. It was really interesting to see the different views and demonstrations of the Protestants and Catholics. But on a lighter note we got to see where the Titanic was built. Everyone got a ton of laughs watching Adran do his best impression of Kate Winslet. While we were shopping, Kate decided to give her thoughts on the use of Euros and Pounds and how they should just pick one. The cashier's response was, “It's a touchy subject” and that was our cue to leave. We went shopping and got a couple souveniors, but weren’t AIS in a timely manner because of our lack of technology (no one has clocks or phones). From there we went to our first game vs. the Lisbon Rockets Irish National team. Only a minute into the game I almost stepped on one girls head when she hit the floor- unfortunately she fainted twice so that delayed the game a bit. We ended up winning (46-25) and celebrated the good ol’ fashion American way at Pizza Hut. Simon will be showing us our first night out in Ireland so cheers!

p.s. my roomie Kelly Ryan wants a shout out so holllla and lovin’ & missin’ J - 845!

Comin’ at you live from Belfast,
Kacey Confrey

HIGH NIGH BRINE CAI

2009-08-05T14:26:00.000-07:00

As I peel back my eyelids after being awake for 30+ hours I will begin to try and explain what we have been through thus far. We started off with a long 7 hour plane ride from the U.S. to France, followed by a four hour layover which led into a two hour plane ride from France to Dublin. Just when we thought we were done traveling we had to get into a charter bus that will be touring us through Ireland. On this two hour bus ride from Dublin to Belfast I nearly fainted, Kat took pictures of almost everyone sleeping and Kat and Bridget tried singing ridiculous songs from their glorious college days. Along the way, we stopped on the north shore, and walked along the beach. We then stopped in a little restaurant to have some delicious Irish food. We asked Sara, our tour guide, if she could teach us to speak with an Irish brogue, and after many failed attempts, Kat and her friends are still walking around talking in British accents. After dinner, we were walking toward the bus when Kat had a moment of............…"blindness"….............. and walked into a poll, which projectiled her into the road. She and her wallet had to be rescued by Kate Robinson (who then almost got hit by a car). We then boarded the bus and took a ride to see the beautiful site of St. Patrick’s grave where he and two other saints were buried. We are now resting in our stunning two bedroom apartment-style housing. Lord knows what we are in for tomorrow!

XOXO Emily Brauer

Puddle Jumpin'

2009-08-05T14:17:00.000-07:00

It’s about 4:30am US time and everyone is suffering from sleep deprivation. Everyone is also suffering from starvation because we all are too cheap to buy anything over 5 Euros (which is like 10 in American dollars). But let’s go back to the beginning of our lovely adventure… Our 7 hour plane ride on Air France was a success. While making our departure from DC, Kelly made friends with a 5 year old boy that was about the same size as her, Brie took notes on all the lives of the Elmira girls to distract her from the plane taking off (coach claims to have seen Anne chasing our plane down the runway) while the rest of the team was occupied by the personal touch screen TV’s, complimentary eye masks, ear phones, and when we were going to be fed our next meal. For food there were two choices, salmon or chicken… but the microwavable plane food was not as bad as we thought. Brauer and Ryann were not as fortunate as us though because by the time the stewardess got to them, they didn’t have any food left even though the flight was obviously not full. They did get some breadsticks though so they were all set. Coach is now Tommy’s legal guardian while we are in Ireland and is overly psyched about it… I think Ryan might have an older brother by the time we get back. As we walked out of the plane we had to take a super shuttle to the actual airport. We stood packed like sardines for about 30 minutes before the driver decided he was ready. Brauer decided to meet up with Holly’s school teacher from 2nd grade on the plane… pretty crazy right Hol!? Hope your enjoying Florida! Its not the same without you!! And now as we sit in the Paris Airport listening to announcements that we don’t understand at all, Coach Hill is trying to work off her sugar rush by tormenting Coach, Haley, and Sully who are trying to take a nap and drawing on their eye masks. I think a fight might break out between the coaches before we make it over to Dublin. Everyone continues to ask when we will be fed next and what we will be having… obviously the most important part of our trip… Our next flight is at 12pm Paris time and we should arrive in Dublin around 1:30pm. We will be posting again later tonight or tomorrow =)

Love, Rogers

Leavin on a jet planneee...

2009-08-04T14:11:00.000-07:00

The trip to Dulles was interesting (choosing Aja for our video spokeswoman was a terrible idea). The girls tried singing "Leavin on a Jet Plane" in four-part harmony, but their efforts were quickly derailed by the general lack of talent on the team. Jenn Canale had a difficult time miandering about the terminal, because her large boot ...ouch she just hit me. She doesn't think I'm very funny, but everyone else is laughing so it's ok. We're boarding the plane in about thirty minutes, and everyone is taking bets on whether or not Emily Brauer will faint (again) during the six and a half hour flight. The next time we write, we'll be wearing berets and munching on delicious croissants with Jean-Paul and Pierre...Don't be too jealous.

Au revior!

Kat Jax

Let the Countdown Begin

2009-07-29T12:25:00.000-07:00

With the August 4th trip to Ireland right around the corner, members of the CUA Women's Basketball team are gearing up for what is sure to be a memorable, once-in-a-lifetime experience. After arriving in Dublin on August 5th at 1:35, the group will enjoy a walk on the beach in Newcastle before settling into their hotel rooms in Mourne. On Thursday, the team will head to Belfast to tour Harland, the Falls, and Shankhill Road. They'll then begin their community service project by holding a youth clinic for the Lisburn Rockets, followed by a 5 p.m., contest against the Lisburn Select. The next day, the group will depart for the North Coast, stopping at Dunluce Castle and Giant’s Causeway, and finishing with a trip to the famous Strand Beach. They'll then have an opportunity to explore on Saturday until game two at 7 p.m. Sunday, the team will attend a Hurling Clinic at Kingdom Gaelic Club before departing for the Paramount Hotel in Dublin. On Monday, the young women will spend the day sight seeing in Dublin, with visits to Trinity College, St. Patrick’s cathedral, and Gaiety Theatre to watch Riverdance. They will then spend their final day touring the beautiful Wicklow Mountains before a 5:30 game against Killester. After departing for the USA at 10 a.m., we will arrive home at 6:55! Be sure to stay tuned to cuawomenshoops.blogspot.com for updates and photos from the team- GO CARDS!

Across the Pond We Go!

2009-07-29T08:44:00.000-07:00

Stay tuned for exciting updates and blog reports from CUA Women's

Basketball team members traveling to Ireland August 4th to participate

in Peace Players International!