Christmas Traditions - Part III

Today concludes our program’s three-part series on our Christmas Traditions. Each member of our program – players and coaches – was asked to describe the special or unique traditions they experience with their families this time of year. Feel free to let us know some of yours. We would love to hear from YOU!

 

A Tradition that my family and I do for Christmas is that we celebrate with my mom’s side of the family, then travel to my dad’s side of the family. I love it so much, because I get to spend my Christmas with all of my family. We all eat, open gifts together and play games. Before we eat our Christmas meal, my grandfather always says the prayer. Our Christmas tradition is something that I will make sure stays around for when I get older. -- #13 Mariah Powell

Mariah (on right) with teammate Sarafina Arthuer-Williams

During the holidays, my family gathers at my grandmother's house in Virginia. On Christmas Eve we have dinner, followed by a rather competitive game of Scrabble, usually always ending with a victory for my grandma. Later that evening, we watch Christmas movies and relax. The next morning we sprint downstairs to rip open Santa’s presents. To top off the lovely morning we have a big breakfast, then, spend the rest of the day enjoying each other’s company. Being able to spend quality time with my family is definitely the best time of the year. -- #21 Jody Chickey

 

Every year for Christmas I, my sister and my mother all go to Culpeper and spend time with my mom’s side of the family, and eat a big Christmas dinner at my uncle’s home. My sister and I also go to my father’s house and spend time with him and my grandparents. I wouldn't say that it's necessarily a tradition, but coming together with my family every year is always special. Although, there is a favorite dish that my mother makes called Trifle -- which is a dessert! I get so excited whenever she makes it! -- #22 Sydney Henderson

It's a throwback! But there's nothing more important than looking to your left & right and having your family right by your side!

My favorite family tradition is to go Christmas tree shopping. We always go to a Christmas tree farm and chop down our tree. Even though it's cold and takes us all a while to agree on the perfect tree, we enjoy bickering and the occasional snow ball fight. When the tree is all packed and ready to go, we thaw our bodies by a fire with hot chocolate and popcorn.  -- #14 Ashley Christie

Ashley (on left) with siblings.

 
Christmas Eve has always been a bigger deal at our household compared to Christmas. It starts midday when we get all dressed up for church. Then after church in the big downtown cathedral, we all go to Maggiano's (which is an Italian restaurant), and we enjoy the big family-style dinner together. Afterwards, we go back to my house and change out of our church clothes, and we all put on our pj’s. The adults make "adult beverages" for themselves and hot cocoa for the kids. Afterwards, we all sort the presents under the tree and take turns opening them. -- #2 Rachel Mathews

Annual Christmas pic with my sis!

Every December 23rd, for the past 15 years, my family and I go to my parents’ house in Delaware and celebrate with my parents, my two sisters, and their families.  We open presents and go out to dinner at Mrs. Robino's, a great Italian restaurant.  Now that I have my own family, we have developed some of our own traditions.  My sons, Jamie (5) & Brayden (3) are really into trains.  For the past 3 years we have ridden the Polar Express.  They love it.  In the 1^st picture below, we are on the train.  The 2^nd picture below is from last year.  We were staying in a hotel, and this gentleman walked in and the kids went crazy.  They thought it was really Santa.  He was a guy who traveled around and was "Santa" for local events.  We just happened to be at the right place at the right time.  With my schedule I can't always do this next one, but every year my wife Angie takes the boys to her hometown in Lewes, Del., and they go to the local Christmas parade.  Lastly, for the last few years, we have gone to a local festival in Frederick to see a tree-lighting, drink hot chocolate and do crafts.  These traditions are great for now, but I'm sure as the boys get older, our traditions will change a little.  The most important tradition to me is being with my amazing family who I love tremendously and see the smile on their face!!!

On the Polar Express

With Santa!

I hope you have a very Merry Christmas, enjoy your own traditions, and spend some quality time with your loved ones!!! -- Coach Whit

Christmas Traditions - Part II

Today is Part II of our program’s three-part series on our Christmas Traditions. Each member of our program – players and coaches – was asked to describe the special or unique traditions they experience this time of year. Part III will be published on December 25. From our family to yours, we wish you a special time of holiday tradition! Feel free to let us know some of yours. We would love to hear from YOU!

Every year, my father buys my whole family tickets to go see the Nutcracker from les Grands Ballets Canadiens. My siblings and I are pretty tired of watching it and know it by heart, but my dad falls asleep every year at different moments during the show, so he has never actually seen it all. He thinks it’s a new show every year! Another tradition we have is to open our gifts at midnight on the 24th. I also usually end up doing the dishes alone with my mom since I am the youngest! That sums up the Bélanger-Finn Christmas traditions, Joyeux Noël! -- #3 Kathleen Belanger-Finn

In the picture from left to right: Richard, me, Melanie, Eric and Brian

Every year my family does something different. I cannot really say we have a tradition; we have more of a spontaneous get-together at someone's house. The time we are together we laugh, talk, eat and pray. Traditionally Christmas for me is a time to reflect about all that has happened in my life, and see where I would like to be when I am here next year. I also hope that when I have a family of my own we are able to have traditions that last a life time. Happy holiday from my family to yours! -- #44 Sarafina Arthur-Williams
 
Our Christmas traditions are changing and growing as our family changes and grows.  We always go to church on Christmas Eve.  This year my niece, Everly, will be singing with the cherub choir at the early service. My dad also plays in the church band.  After church, we normally get sushi and go to my sister’s house to wrap my niece and nephew’s presents!  Sometimes we have brunch on Christmas morning, and sometimes we have Christmas dinner. This year we will be having brunch at my parents’ house, then my fiancé and I will drive to Philadelphia to have dinner with his family. -- Assistant Coach/Recruiting Coordinator Brianna Gauthier

My dad & Everly at church two years ago.  John & my nephew opening presents at Christmas last year, & John & I on Christmas Eve last year.

One tradition that my family has is getting our Chriatmas tree every year.  We go out in the snow and cut one down ourselves.  We then bring it home and decorate it as a whole family. Another family tradition we have is making my grandparents’ famous Chistmas cookies! My brother and I go to their house every year to help them make the cookies.   My poppop cuts out the cookies, my mommom bakes them, and my brother and I decorate them. -- #45 Kaitlyn Eisenhard

My brother, Colin, and I getting our tree.

For as long as I can remember, no matter where we are or how early we open presents on Christmas morning, my family always pauses to read the Christmas story from the Bible, Luke 2:1-20. Unbeknownst to me until we were married, my wife Christy’s family has always done the same. It is a beautiful and simple way to keep the reason for the holiday at the forefront of our minds. On Christmas Eve, my extended family always gathers for a Chinese Gift Exchange, which may not be the best way to spread holiday cheer. – Assistant Coach Josh Keys


Christmas 2011 at football stadium where my dad works: me, wife Christy, mom Lori, sister Jamie and dad Kevin

My family always makes Christmas cookies for the holidays. It's really nice to decorate and bake and share stories with my family by a toasty fire. We end the holidays with a very competitive game of Family Feud. My team always wins of course. But the Leftwich family always knows how to enjoy the time we have together. -- #5 Jayla Leftwich

My favorite Christmas tradition is the joy of spending Christmas with family and extended family that I only get to see over the holidays. Christmas Eve usually consists of cooking, baking, and watching Christmas movies all day long, and that night my family will attend a Christmas Eve church service. My family has a Christmas Eve get-together at my aunt’s house every year. The day after Christmas, we have another get-together but with my dad’s side of the family. I'm really looking forward to spending time with family who will be traveling a long way to visit! -- #12 Kayla Bates


Last Christmas with the seniors from my high school team

Christmas Traditions - Part I

Today is Part I of our program’s three-part series on our Christmas Traditions. Each member of our program – players and coaches – was asked to describe the special or unique traditions they experience this time of year. Parts II and III will be published on December 18 and 25, respectively. From our family to yours, we wish you a special time of holiday tradition! Feel free to let us know some of yours. We would love to hear from YOU!

Hey all, the Grossett Family doesn't do anything different from most families: we go to Christmas eve church service and we wake up on Christmas day and open gifts. However, this year I thought it would be fun to start a new tradition. I'm having my family do an ugly sweater theme for Christmas. Also my grandmother cherishes this old school picture of the whole family, so we're gonna get a modern day pic of all of us older. I think it will be super special present! -- #20 Kayla Grossett

Kayla with her family.

 

One tradition that still goes on is we still wake up at 6am to open presents. When I was younger, I would go in my mother’s room wake her up, because I was sooooo anxious to open up my gifts. Now at age 28, my mother is the one who comes into my room and wakes me up. Another tradition we do every year is host a Christmas party at the house. We do activities like play dancing games on the Wii for the kids, playing taboo for the adults. -- Assistant Coach Brittany Pinkney



Brittany with her cousin Ava

Every year during this time, I always love relaxing with my family and just enjoying time with them. On Christmas Eve, we always go to mass and then go over my cousins’ house after for dinner and gifts. Before mass, we always take our family Christmas photo. My Christmas break is a time with family and just enjoying the memories and time we get to spend together. -- #42 Jenn Carney

Jenn is back right. She and all her sisters are obviously thrilled to be taking this pic!

Growing up, I remember going on those tacky light tours. Christmas was a special time for my grandmother and myself. When my grandfather passed while I was still in high school, I would go pick up and deliver a Christmas tree to her house and help her decorate it. Then on Christmas Eve, I'd be front and center at church to watch her sing in the choir. Value the time you spend with people this holiday season, and take the time to reach out to that old friend you haven't talked to in a while. Have a blessed holiday, and.... GO MOUNT! -- Director of Basketball Operations Travis Ponton

Every year, my family does a gift exchange called Secret Santa. Since there are 6 of us kids, this makes it exciting to get each other gifts.  At Thanksgiving, we each draw someone else’s name from a hat. Being a college kid on a very tight budget, it would be difficult to get all my siblings a gift! After Christmas Eve Mass, we all sit down in our family room and exchange the gifts.  Its exciting getting to see who had you as their secret Santa, and also its rewarding to see your sibling open the gift you got them. – #32 Jessie Kaufman

Jessie (front left) with her siblings

Christmas is my favorite time of year because I get to spend it with my family! Every year, I go to my grandparents’ house on Christmas Eve. We have a family dinner, which is what I look forward to the most and afterwards we open gifts and do Secret Santa. On Christmas day, my family and I make a big breakfast and open gifts from Santa! -- #24 Jackie Brewer

"O Captain, My Captain" -- Sydney Henderson

Part 3 in our three-part Captain's series about their expectations for the year and what it means to be a captain of the Mount women's basketball team:

   Being a team captain is definitely an honor. Knowing that my teammates can look to me to lead and to be a positive person on and off the court means a lot to me. Being a team captain, you are thrown into a role and have certain responsibilities that you ultimately have to fulfill. It's not about having "power" or "authority" over your teammates. Leading your team is about being that person they can talk to or look to when they need something. Ultimately, as a team captain, personally, I can also go to the girls on the team and ask them for help or specific advice. Everyone on the team is wanted and needed in their own special way and I try to make sure they know that in different ways. 



   Individually this year I want to do better than what I did last year. It has been a huge accomplishment to join the 1000 point club and it's been a wonderful journey so far. Being better than what I was the day before is what I want. Knowing that I improved from yesterday puts a smile on my face. It was also an honor to be chosen a pre-season first team pick. But it's pre-season rankings; that doesn't mean anything to me. I have to continue to stay humble and continue to work hard on and off the court to better myself.

 



My Team, My Family: it takes a lot of personalities to make up a family



   As a team, we have set our standards high this year. Last year we made it to the semi-finals and ended up losing that game, but it was a great accomplishment for us. However, we know as a team that we have to work ten times harder than what we did last year in order to get where we want to be at the end of this season. Making it to the NEC tournament, NEC championship game and winning the championship is our ultimate goal.

   I plan to continue to lead the team the same way I have been this season so far. I will continue to support them and be that positive influence as well. I will continue to make everyone around me better as they continue to help me improve everyday as well.

 

#22 Sydney Henderson

"O Captain, My Captain" -- Ashley Christie

I believe that in order to explain what being a team captain means to me, my roles and responsibilities, and my goals for the team you have to watch one of our games.

"I have always thought the actions of men the best interpreters of their thoughts." -John Locke.

Click HERE to see our schedule for when to come see a game!

#14 Ashley Christie

"O Captain, My Captain" -- Rachel Mathews

   Being a captain means so much more to me than just being a leader. In my eyes, a captain is someone who is the cohesive part of every team that keeps everyone together in good times and in bad. They are the people who give all they have on the court to set an example for her fellow teammates, but they are also the ones setting the standards off of the court as well. A captain is someone who looks out for what's best for the team before themselves because in her eyes, everyone is an equal since they are all family.

When a gifted team dedicates itself to unselfish trust and combines instinct with boldness and effort, it is ready to climb.
-Patajali

   This year we have 3 captains to help lead our team to success. It's great because each one of us is very different when it comes to personalities and leadership, so together we have the best of the best. As we begin our season, we look to play each non-conference game to win but to also learn something that we can take into conference play since we are working towards a conference championship. It is something that we can definitely do, and I am looking forward to watching it all unfold. GO MOUNT!

#2 Rachel Mathews

Starting College - Kayla Bates

My first months at college have definitely been a great experience so far. However, being a freshman doesn't come easy. I have put a lot of commitment and work into both school and basketball. College work requires more study time and overall has taught me responsibility rather quickly. The college level for basketball is a big adjustment and I have pushed myself to keep up and learn the pace of the game. Lifting early in the morning and conditioning everyday was difficult but by the end of preseason it was the norm.

Kayla (left) with teammate Jayla Leftwich

The college life in general is much different than high school. It's nice having class in the afternoon and being done the rest of the day. I've really enjoyed having the opportunity to spend more time with my new teammates. The girls have made us Freshman feel like part of the family and I love how all of our different personalities come together to make one awesome group of girls! 

Overall, my first month of college has been fantastic. I'm still learning a lot and will continue to do so the rest of the year, thankfully I have a great family at the Mount to help me along the journey.

#12 Kayla Bates

Starting College - Kaitlyn Eisenhard

So far my college experience has been going great!  I am taking four classes here at The Mount, Symposium, French, Intro to Criminal Justice, and Math 111.  I really enjoy the Symposium class, because I have an awesome teacher, and we always have great discussions in the class.  I also enjoy my math class because it is a lot of logical thinking, and it is a bit of a challenge.  I live on the second floor of Sheridan Hall, and my roommate’s name is Rebecca.  I’ve become very close friends with a group of kids that are from New Jersey.  I usually hangout with them in my free time, and we either go to dinner or go shopping.

Basketball has also been going great.  It’s awesome to be part of a team at The Mount ,and it has definitely made my first month at The Mount a lot easier.  I have a few classes with some of my teammates.  Practices are a lot different from high school, but I am enjoying the changes.  I like all the new information I am receiving from the coaches and the players.  I am learning a lot of new things.  I am very excited for our first game!  It has been a great start to college!

#45 Kaitlyn Eisenhard

Starting College - Kathleen Belanger-Finn

This weeks begins a three-part series by each of our freshman, detailing the experiences of their first couple of months here at The Mount ... ENJOY!

My start of college has been hectic to say the least. The hardest part is getting into a routine and getting organized in order to balance school work and basketball practices. Especially being a biology major, keeping up with 18 hours of classes per week, 7 am lifting every day, conditioning in the afternoon, basketball individuals some days - it leaves little room for distractions! However, by the third week I got into a pretty good routine and free time on the weekends was great to sleep and recover.

Jackie, Rachel, Me, Kaitlyn and Jenn

 

The first months of college are a great time to make new friends outside of the basketball team. I met a lot of new friendly people to hang out with other than my teammates. However, at the end of the day we always go back to hanging out with our team, because we are like a family going through the same crazy schedule and basketball experience.

#3 Kathleen Belanger-Finn

How Was Your Summer? - Mariah Powell

My summer went by extremely fast but it was very eventful. I spent the months of June and July at the Mount. At The Mount I spent most of my days going to class, and doing basketball workouts. On the weekends were the most fun because I got to spend lots of time with my wonderful teammates outside of the court and classroom.

Me with Jackie and Jenn

In August when I got to go home for a couple weeks before school, I spent some time with my friends and family. I also got some shopping in, I absolutely love to shop. I also went to the beach with my family. We went to the ocean, went mini golfing, biked, played basketball and eat at amazing restaurants. I can truly say I had an all around amazing summer.

--#13 Mariah Powell

How Was Your Summer? - Coach Keys

This summer was an excellent time for our program, as well as an enjoyable one for me personally. The NCAA allowed us coaches to work two hours per week with those student-athletes who were on-campus for summer school - the first such time this was permitted in Division I women's basketball. So while our team was here in its entirety through June and Jly, we were able to get a great jump ahead on the upoming season. I also took recruiting trips to Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Tennessee, New Jersey and Washington, D.C. on the search for the next generation of Mountaineers. I saw some great basketball, and crossed paths with numerous coaching buddies along the way.

Jane Albright is the head coach at the Univ. of Nevada, and a good frined I caught up with in Kentucky.

My wife Christy became the Assistant Registrar here at Mount St. Mary's in July. The change allowed her to move here from the job she was leaving in Virginia, where we moved from before last season. We bought a new home here in Emmitsburg, and we recently found out we are expecting a baby girl in February. We also invited a new puppy into our family. "River" is a female, yellow American Labrador who is now about 18 weeks old.

Christy and I on the court holding our future Baby Girl's onesie! Go Mount!

I am looking forward with great anticiption to my second season with the Mount St. Mary's women's basketball program. The players here have welcomed and accepted me with open arms, and I truly love going to work every day with such happy and genuine coaching co-workers.

-Assistant Coach Josh Keys

How Was Your Summer? - Coach Whitten

My summer was pretty good, but went by much too fast.  Our season is so long, spending time with my wife Angie and our 2 boys, Jamie, 5, and Brayden, 3, is always a highlight.  One of my favorite things to do is take the kids to the pool.  We usually call it boys day/night and we always have a great time.  This year we took a few trips as well. We went to Hershey Park for 3 days, and to Dutch Wonderland for 2 days.  We’ve been going to Dutch Wonderland every year for 3 years now and the guys love it.  Now that they are a little older, for the 1st time ever, Angie and I took a vacation without the boys.  For her birthday, I surprised Angie with a long weekend in the Bahamas.  It was great to send time together with her!!

Basketball-wise, this summer was a little different because it was the 1st summer we could work out with our players.  As a coach, that is my favorite time, being on the court with our kids.  Summer is always busy with recruiting, and this summer was no different.  We graduate 5 seniors this year and our staff did a terrific job recruiting and we feel we’ve signed an super class.  I traveled to Ohio, Florida, Chicago, DC, and Georgia.  Chicago pizza is definitely all it’s cracked up to be and there is an amazing Mexican spot in Georgia!!  Seeing coaching friends you don’t get to see much is always a great part of July as well. 

I hope your summer was awesome and I hope you’ll be following us this season!!

#ExpectExcellence

Coach Whit

How Was Your Summer? - Rachel Mathews

          My summer was great! I was fortunate enough to hangout with good friends and family, while being able to earn some extra cash money. I worked for the school system back home subbing, and then when the school year was over, I worked in guidance with the counselors. Then I got to go to the beach 3 times this summer! Twice to Myrtle Beach in South Carolina, and once to Sea Isle in New Jersey. It was great being able to go with teammates, spend time with family, and see friends that I hadn't seen all summer. We had a BLAST on each trip! Like always though, I got sunburned every single time.

typical night of summer school with the girls

          Other than working and my beach trips, I was able to come to the good ol' Mount for summer school. It was great being with my teammates! We had many good times together and laughed A TON! There's nothing better than morning team workouts and then late night workouts just for fun. Oh yeah, and the constant trips to Chipotle! It was just a fun time being together and allowing for our team chemistry to continue to become stronger (if that's even possible since we are already so close). While I am going to miss my family and friends back home, it feels nice to be back here on the mountain with my second family.

--Rachel Mathews

How Was Your Summer? - Jayla Leftwich

This summer was a very interesting summer for me personally. Even though I am sophomore it was my first summer having workouts due to my injuries. This summer taught me how to push my self in ways that I didn't think I knew how. It also made the bond with my teammates on the court a lot stronger. Learning each others strengths and weaknesses helps us learn how we can help each other grow.

My sisters and my future nephew.

When I returned home I enjoyed time with my family. I got to see my little brother for the first time in almost a year. I also was able to go to a couple of his football practices and games. Spending time with my family makes me understand how important they are. But not only my family at home but also my mount family. Overall I enjoyed my summer and the people I spent it with.

Family is important, because they are there when you need a shoulder to lean on.

#5 Jayla Leftwich

How Was Your Summer? - Coach Brittany Pinkney

          I spent my summer vacationing and moving. The first part of summer, I went to Miami, Fla., with one of my best friends and her mother. It just so happened that my other best friend whom I played college ball with, lives in Miami. So, it was a great week to spend time with two of my favorite people. We did the usual hung out, lay on the beach, just a great way to relax and enjoy each other’s company. During the middle of the summer I was very blessed to get the opportunity to move up in my career path by accepting the assistant coaching position here at Mount St. Mary’s. Everything happened so quickly, finding time to move everything from PA to MD was a pain. But, eventually it got done and was well worth it.
 

My two best friends Stacey and Sabra, and me

          The last part of the summer right before school started, I went to Jamaica – my first time ever going.  I went with my same best friend whom I went to Miami with and my mother. The trip was amazing! We went to Ocho Rios, which means “eight rivers” for all you non-Spanish speakers. I definitely recommend Ocho Rios, especially if you like to do excursions. I climbed Duns River Falls and went tubing down a river where we were also able to swing from a rope that was tied to a tree into the river. I did ATV (four-wheeler) driving thru a Safari, then jumped off of a cliff into the ocean. This was probably one of the most fun trips I have ever been on in my life, and would definitely go back again.

Assistant Coach Brittany Pinkney

How Was Your Summer? - Kaitlyn Eisenhard

            Overall I had a pretty good summer.  The very first night of summer after my graduation, my parents got engaged.  I then spent a week at the beach with my friends.  I had a great opportunity to come to The Mount for summer classes.  I enjoyed the time that I had to spend with my new teammates, and I got a head-start on college.  It was also nice that I got to go home on the weekends to spend time with my family.

My brother Colin and I on the Rehoboth Beach boardwalk

            When we had two weeks off between summer school and the first day of school, I went to the beach.  The first time I went with my Mom and brother we stayed at my Aunt’s place off the bay.  We went to Indian River every day.  The next time we went to the beach it was our family vacation.  We spent almost every day on the beach.  It was also my brother’s birthday while we were there.  I rode go-carts with him one day.  The beach is definitely my favorite place to spend time during the summer.

#45 Kaitlyn Eisenhard

How Was Your Summer? - Ashley Christie

The first couple months of summer I spent my most of my time on the couch.  After having foot surgery in May I wasn’t allowed to do any walking until almost July.  So to say that my summer started off with a whirlwind of excitement is an understatement. All my downtime allowed me to reread the Harry Potter series, watch NatGeo Wild, and refresh my math skills with time tests.

San Diego Zoo

After doing all of those fun activities I wasn’t sure how my summer could get any better.  Finally, by mid-July I was able to walk without crutches or a boot! So then I started walking everywhere.  I went to the grocery store, physical therapy, and the water tower at the end of my street.  Fortunately, by the end of July I was healthy enough to go on family vacation to San Diego.  It was in San Diego that I was able to do my favorite thing in the world, which is go to the zoo. 

 

#14 Ashley Christie

How Was Your Summer? - Coach Bri Gauthier

This summer went by way too fast!  This was the first summer we were able to work with the girls on the court with a ball.  It was great to be able to work on basketball skills and not just their physical conditioning. It was also nice to have all the girls here for both sessions.  It gets way too lonely without them!  July is always difficult because we are on the road recruiting so we don’t get to spend much time with the new freshmen who are on campus for the first time. 

 Along with basketball, I did a lot of fun things!   I went to California for a weekend to visit one of my best friends and her husband who live in San Diego.  It was a short trip for such a long distance!  Next time I am definitely going to go for longer!!  I also visited my Nana in Spring Hill, Florida, and one of my old teammates from The Mount in Daytona Beach, Florida.  

Dad : art , Mom: sue , Me, fiance : John, sister : missy, brother in law :Artie, sister in law : Amanda , brother : Scott

The best day of my summer was August 10th.  This is the day that my fiancé and I got engaged!!  He proposed on the dock near my parents’ house after waiting there for 45 minutes.  I obviously did not know what was going on! After the proposal we went to dinner, and my whole family was there to surprise us!  Let the wedding planning begin!!

Assistant Coach & Recruiting Coordinator Brianna Gauthier

How Was Your Summer? - Jody Chickey

          This summer I spent my time here at The Mount. We had workouts daily, and I also took summer classes. It was great spending time with the team and being able to get to know Finn, Kayla, and Kaitlyn - our freshies! However, we missed having our lovely senior Ashley Christie not being able to be with us.

 

            On our free time, I did some fun activities with my good pal Kessie Jaufman, aka Jessie Kaufman the outstanding 3-point shooter. We went to a Nationals game, the J.Cole concert, and the Zac Brown Band concert. It was nice to have a productive summer with the team but, to also have good times and become closer as a team. All in all, this was a FABULOUS summer!

#21 Jody Chickey

How Was Your Summer? - Kathleen Belanger-Finn

The first part of my summer, I spent getting ready to move to the States, playing ball every day and working out. Other days I'd be packing and organizing last minute details. Then once I got to The Mount, the first week was the hardest getting up at 7am every day for lifting and then getting used to going to class right after and sometimes playing ball in the afternoon. But I got into a routine and finished school with "A"s and got stronger from lifting so much!

My view from the beach at Prince Edouard Island

After the 3 weeks of summer school I got to go to Canada, but not home in Montreal. I went to Prince Edouard Island, where my parents have a beach house. I had no internet access and no phone over there, so I felt pretty secluded from the outside world, which feels good sometimes. While I was there, I spent most my days at the beach making bracelets or reading books. I got lucky enough to find a local gym to workout in also to stay in shape. After two weeks, however, I was anxious to get back to The Mount and play ball and see my teammates again!

That sums up my summer!

#3 Kathleen Belanger-Finn

How Was Your Summer? - Sarafina Arthur-Williams

The summer of 2013 went by very fast – some say for the better some, say for the worse! For me, it was for just the right things! This summer was full of basketball – something I absolutely love - hanging out with friends, and realizing how much my life had changed over the years.

To start about basketball, I began to get excited that I was finally going to be able to play, work hard and get better at this phenomenal game! Then I got hurt. It really set me back, and I was out for a while. My summer consisted of me meeting doctors left and right, going to rehab and attempting to eat healthy, since I wouldn’t be in the best shape. Sticking with rehab and just trying to stay positive was the majority of summer.

Next, along with staying positive, I got a great opportunity to get closer to my team. Having transferred mid-semester, I was put in an awkward position because the team was already in full-swing. Since we were all in summer school together, we became close, and these girls became my family instead of just teammates. Being with my team was a lot of fun, which made me even more excited for the season.

That's me on the left!

Adding along to that, when I got my two weeks off, I got to see my best friend in Ocean City. I could not even to begin to express how great it was to see him! Being far apart at different colleges made it hard, so I was ecstatic when I got this opportunity! The last few days I stayed with my sisters and brother. That’s always a good time! They are three of the most influential people in my life, and it was a great way to end summer.

This summer was very expected and since it was not anything new or novel it made me look back and reflect on past summers. I know that basketball takes up the majority of my time, but every encounter I have with this sport teaches me something new about myself. This summer, my overall view was that even though life may throw rocks at you, there is always something wonderful to rejoice about! So if you would like to know, my summer 2013 was great!

#44 Sarafina Arthur-Williams

How Was Your Summer? - Jessie Kaufman

            Reflecting back on summer 2013, there were many memorable things that I did this break.  Even though I was at The Mount for most of the summer for classes and workouts, I did still in fact partake in many fun activities with my friends and family.  I traveled to Colorado, went to the beach, spent many days at my family's lake house, saw many artists in concert, went to multiple Nationals and Orioles baseball games, spent some time fishing with my brothers, and countless hours of quality time with friends, teammates and my family.

Me, Jenna, Jamie

            My favorite memory of the summer was going to Colorado for a week with my two sisters, Jamie and Jenna and my mother, Linda.  We stayed in Durango, Col., and spent every day enjoying the beautiful, breathtaking scenery and weather.  We went to many national parks, including Mesa Verde, and hiked scenic trails through the mountains, rivers and valleys.  One day, we went to Soaring Zip-Lining Course and spent all day on the country’s largest and longest zip-lining course.  This was my favorite day of the summer by far! It was so much fun, and thrilling soaring on a zip-line through the beautiful forests and mountains of Colorado.  This was a trip, and a summer that I will definitely never forget! 

Jenna, Me, Jamie and Mom being silly before the largest zip lining course

 

#32 JessieKaufman

How Was Your Summer? - Sydney Henderson

Know what's on your mind...

     This summer I began a new experience. I continued with my MBA courses that were eight weeks long for both sessions, and I began a job at Under Armour. Taking MBA courses was very time-consuming, but I'm learning a lot through this experience, and it is also preparing me for my future. Working at Under Armour has been a great experience as well. I have met many new people and have also made new friends. Working with other people as a team other than on the basketball court helps me develop my teamwork skills. Learning how to get along with different people has been fun, too.

...embrace it, do not fake it.

     This summer I also went to see J.Cole twice! If you don't know he's currently my favorite artist. It was absolutely amazing, and I was able to share that experience with amazing people. I saw him perform in Baltimore and in Washington, DC, and I fell in love with him every single time I saw him. I also shared an experience with those same people at an Ultra Bar in DC. Words can't describe that night, but it is certainly one for the books. I also went down to North Carolina to visit Josh at Gardner-Webb. It was a nice little vacation before coming back to school. This summer has been long - only because of MBA classes, but fun as well. I mean, who doesn't love the summer time?

#22 Sydney Henderson

How Was Your Summer? - Jacqueline Brewer

    This summer I spent the majority of my time here at The Mount taking summer classes and doing workouts for basketball. My focus this summer was to bring up my GPA and to get better in every way that I could basketball-wise. I also got to spend a lot of time with my teammates (old and new), which is always a good time. 

At the beach after shoving our faces at a seafood buffet

    Even though I was away from home most of the summer, I was still able to go back for a few weeks for a little R&R. I went to the beach with one of my teammates Rachel who is also my best friend, and enjoyed a little trip to Kings Dominion with the fam! Other then that I just stayed home, worked out, relaxed, and prepared for the upcoming year, which I know is going to be a good one!

 

#24 Jacqueline Brewer

How Was Your Summer? - Kayla Bates

       My summer was definitely a new experience. After graduation at the end of May I spent most of the month of June relaxing with friends and family. I went to the beach in the beginning of June with friends and throughout the month I worked on basketball and lifted. When the first of July hit I came to the Mount for the second summer session and my first time as a college student.

Finn, me, Jayla, Mariah and Jenn on the Fourth of July!

      Summer school was a great transition for me. The early morning workouts were hard to adjust to the first two weeks but by the end of the month I was used to it. The girls on the team were all so helpful with basketball and helping me feel at home with them. After summer school I went to North Carolina with my family to visit my brother, sister-in-law and baby niece. I had quite a short break before coming back to the Mount. However, it was a great summer!

#12 Kayla Bates