University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Lady Eagles Back Home in Hattiesburg
8/16/2018 11:30:00 AM | Women's Basketball
The team reflects on their trip to Costa Rica in their own words.
HATTIESBURG, Miss. – The Lady Eagles Basketball team is back home in Hattiesburg after a week of games, firsts and fun.
Coach McNelis Wraps it Up
"'Amazing' is the word that comes to mind when I reflect on these past seven days. We spent seven days surrounded by the Costa Ricans and competed against the Cost Rican National team, Guatemalan National team and the Mexican Professional team. We integrated ourselves in their culture and had many experiences that created memories of a lifetime. We became so thankful we were born and raised in the United States. In America, we sometimes forget there are countries much less fortunate than we are. We tend to think about selfish things we want and not be grateful for what we have. During our daily wrap ups, we discussed these experiences and how they have impacted our lives. We are thankful for how blessed we are to be a part of this program and of our great University.
There were so many firsts for many of us. They are as follows: flying on an airplane, riding a charter bus, seeing animals up close in a jungle, riding ATVs, riding horses, zip lining, seeing water falls, hiking through the jungle up the mountains, sitting in a hot spring, seeing black sand beaches and the Pacific Ocean, sleeping in hotels, eating black beans and rice every meal and much more. This was an opportunity of a lifetime. This educational and social experience allows us all to be thankful we were born in the United States, being a part of The Lady Eagle program and The University of Southern Mississippi."
Destiny Smith
"It was a life-changing experience to be able to travel outside of the country. Not all freshmen get this opportunity. The trip helped the team by us getting to know everyone personally. We are building a puzzle to put the pieces together to get the conference championships."
Kennedy Gavin
"Besides being able to play internationally, a highlight of the trip for me was the ATV riding. I am from the country and go ATV riding with my boy cousins. I enjoyed being able to bond with my teammates in that way. We all have different personalities and when we all come together there is never a dull moment. Our team-building activities showed us our weaknesses and strengths. Although we struggled in some areas individually, we were able to make up for it because of the support from others. This trip helped with team chemistry. If you don't have chemistry, you will struggle. It allowed us to figure each other out on and off the court."
Kelsey Jones
"My favorite part was the ATV riding because I always wanted to experience it and I finally got the chance to. I thought the team-building activities were fun. We never really get to get together and experience something like that often. I think we grew closer and we know each other more now because of it."
Camille Anderson
"My favorite part was riding the ATV in the rain forest, but the kids camp was the best. I think with the team building activities we realized we have different strengths, and when we bring those strengths together we can have great team success. I feel like we all bonded on this trip. Even though we were already close, this trip brought us closer together as a group and it will really help us in the long tough parts of the season."
Shonte Hailes
"The ATVing was my favorite part; it was just fun. In the mud, going fast, and watching teammates ATV for the first time. The team-building activities were good because we learned how to work together and figure things out without coach. The trip helped with team bonding. Being able to talk to different teammates and hang out with them on and off the court. We saw what we need to work on while on the court and individually."
Wings President Donna Stewart
"I was pleased with the schedule, it seemed well planned. The long bus trips were challenging, though. I'm sure this trip was a once in a lifetime experience for many of them and it will be something they will never forget. I loved, first of all, seeing the games and seeing the obvious potential of this team. I can't wait for the season to start! I also loved the hot springs and the opportunity to see the Costa Rican countryside; however, some of the evident poverty saddened me. We are SO blessed to live in America! We were so blessed to be able to go and experience this with the Lady Eagles and coaches."
Coach McNelis Wraps it Up
"'Amazing' is the word that comes to mind when I reflect on these past seven days. We spent seven days surrounded by the Costa Ricans and competed against the Cost Rican National team, Guatemalan National team and the Mexican Professional team. We integrated ourselves in their culture and had many experiences that created memories of a lifetime. We became so thankful we were born and raised in the United States. In America, we sometimes forget there are countries much less fortunate than we are. We tend to think about selfish things we want and not be grateful for what we have. During our daily wrap ups, we discussed these experiences and how they have impacted our lives. We are thankful for how blessed we are to be a part of this program and of our great University.
There were so many firsts for many of us. They are as follows: flying on an airplane, riding a charter bus, seeing animals up close in a jungle, riding ATVs, riding horses, zip lining, seeing water falls, hiking through the jungle up the mountains, sitting in a hot spring, seeing black sand beaches and the Pacific Ocean, sleeping in hotels, eating black beans and rice every meal and much more. This was an opportunity of a lifetime. This educational and social experience allows us all to be thankful we were born in the United States, being a part of The Lady Eagle program and The University of Southern Mississippi."
Destiny Smith
"It was a life-changing experience to be able to travel outside of the country. Not all freshmen get this opportunity. The trip helped the team by us getting to know everyone personally. We are building a puzzle to put the pieces together to get the conference championships."
Kennedy Gavin
"Besides being able to play internationally, a highlight of the trip for me was the ATV riding. I am from the country and go ATV riding with my boy cousins. I enjoyed being able to bond with my teammates in that way. We all have different personalities and when we all come together there is never a dull moment. Our team-building activities showed us our weaknesses and strengths. Although we struggled in some areas individually, we were able to make up for it because of the support from others. This trip helped with team chemistry. If you don't have chemistry, you will struggle. It allowed us to figure each other out on and off the court."
Kelsey Jones
"My favorite part was the ATV riding because I always wanted to experience it and I finally got the chance to. I thought the team-building activities were fun. We never really get to get together and experience something like that often. I think we grew closer and we know each other more now because of it."
Camille Anderson
"My favorite part was riding the ATV in the rain forest, but the kids camp was the best. I think with the team building activities we realized we have different strengths, and when we bring those strengths together we can have great team success. I feel like we all bonded on this trip. Even though we were already close, this trip brought us closer together as a group and it will really help us in the long tough parts of the season."
Shonte Hailes
"The ATVing was my favorite part; it was just fun. In the mud, going fast, and watching teammates ATV for the first time. The team-building activities were good because we learned how to work together and figure things out without coach. The trip helped with team bonding. Being able to talk to different teammates and hang out with them on and off the court. We saw what we need to work on while on the court and individually."
Wings President Donna Stewart
"I was pleased with the schedule, it seemed well planned. The long bus trips were challenging, though. I'm sure this trip was a once in a lifetime experience for many of them and it will be something they will never forget. I loved, first of all, seeing the games and seeing the obvious potential of this team. I can't wait for the season to start! I also loved the hot springs and the opportunity to see the Costa Rican countryside; however, some of the evident poverty saddened me. We are SO blessed to live in America! We were so blessed to be able to go and experience this with the Lady Eagles and coaches."
The Lady Eagles are home from Costa Rica, but are still reminiscing about their trip abroad! #SMTTT 🌴🏀 pic.twitter.com/x4hXETGBwF
— Lady Eagle WBB (@SouthernMissWBB) August 16, 2018
Players Mentioned
Guard
/ Women's Basketball
Forward
/ Women's Basketball
Guard
/ Women's Basketball
Center
/ Women's Basketball
Guard
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