Marquette University Athletics
Golden Eagles Embark on European Tour
5/24/2007 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
May 24, 2007
MILWAUKEE - While many Marquette University students and student-athletes alike are enjoying their first weeks of summer vacation, starting summer jobs or internships, the women's basketball team is preparing for international competition. The Golden Eagles will embark on an 11-day European tour of Spain and Portugal where they will play four games along with enjoying the many beautiful sites of the two countries beginning May 27.
"This trip really couldn't have come at a more perfect time," said head coach Terri Mitchell. "We are so thankful for Marquette University to allowing us to have this opportunity. It comes at a perfect time as we are transitioning from what we did last season and now looking forward to the next. I am very confident this trip will help us focus on what's to come."
Before the Golden Eagles head on their voyage overseas, the NCAA allows 10 days of practice leading up to the trip. The team began its training sessions Thursday, May 17. Mitchell and her staff has taken full advantage of the allotted practice time, which she says has been very beneficial for the team as they look not only toward the four games in Spain and Portugal, but also the 2007-08 season.
"There has been a change in leadership since our seniors have graduated," said Mitchell. "Now that the seniors who the underclassmen have looked up to will not be there they have realized in the last couple practices that people need to step up. The returnees have been communicating and have really evolved. These practices haven't been easy, but have been so beneficial to us because not only are we trying new things and working on plays, but everyone is encouraging one another. It's been tough at times, but I am proud of the ladies' hard work "
Aside for the great cultural experience the team will get, more than anything Mitchell wants her players to step up and take ownership of playing in these four games and carry it over to the upcoming season. Even though graduating seniors Danielle Kamm and Jasmine McCullough will be playing in all four games - due to Christina Quaye's professional status, she is not eligible to play - Mitchell is looking to the Golden Eagles seven returnees to carry the team now as they will do next season.
"Based on the other two trips we have taken, this trip will help us on so many levels. For one thing, it builds unity. We are going to be immersed in a culture that we have never experienced before. The players will learn a lot on this trip, not only about the international game of basketball, but also about life outside the U.S. and Marquette. Basically, it will be a new team. It is time for the seven returnees to take ownership and maintain the winning attitude that we have instilled in them. The goals of the program haven't changed. This is their time now to step up."
The team understands that not every school gets the opportunity to travel and play overseas, and is thankful for Mitchell allowing them to have an experience like this.
"I am really happy that Terri basically just throws us into this and we have no choice," said junior to be Erin Monfre. "We are thrown into a different culture and will be immersed in everything that Spain and Portugal have to offer. It is a great opportunity for all of us to experience this seeing as may of us have never been outside the United States."
Freshman redshirt Jocelyn Mellen is especially excited for the opportunity to play four games in Spain and Portugal. Mellen took a red shirt last season due to recovering from knee surgery. Mellen is also one of two players on the team that knows Spanish.
"This trip means a lot to me," said Mellen. "Not only will it be a great experience for our entire team, but I am just looking forward to playing. It will be my first real game. I have played in practice and game-like situations during training, but I will finally be able to check in for the first time. That is exciting."
During the Golden Eagles 11-day excursion in Spain and Portugal MU will play four games against two Spainish teams, Fundal Alcobendas, and Club Deportivo Hercesa, and will play the Portugal National Team twice.
"Aside from everything we will get to see and do, the games are an added bonus," added Monfre.
The extra time site seeing will give the Golden Eagles many opportunities to experience the culture of Spain and Portugal. Along with Madrid, Marquette will along make stops in a handful of cities in Spain including Madrid, Toledo, Consuegra and Salamanca. While in Portugal, the Golden Eagles will travel to Porto, Lisbon, Sintra, Cascais and Obidos.
"This trip will educate our players in so many ways. They will grow on the court They will grow in life.
The NCAA allows teams to do foreign tours every four years. The last time the Golden Eagles took a foreign tour they traveled to Italy where they went to Rome, Venice, Florernce, Verona, Como, Milan and San Giovanni. Prior to the Italy trip, Marquette went to Sweden in 1999.
Stay tuned for daily thoughts from the players, photo galleries and game recaps as each day of the tour rolls on.
Schedule
May 27: Flight to Madrid, Spain
May 28: Arrive in Madrid, Spain
May 29: Toledo and Consuegra - Game vs Fundal Alcobendas
May 30: Game vs Club Deportivo Hercesa
May 31: Salamanca, Spain
June 1: Bus to Porto, Portugal
June 2: Porto, Portugal
June 3: Bus to Lisbon, Portugal
June 4: Sintra and Cascais, Portugal - Game vs Portugal National Team
June 5: Obidos, Portugal - Game vs Portugal National Team
June 6: Flight back to Milwaukee
