The End of the Chapter

FIBA Americas Championship 

 

After a year of anticipation, we finally competed in the FIBA Americas Championship, where 1st place would qualify for the Olympics, and 2nd-5th would classify for another Olympic qualifying tournament. The tournament was split into two groups of 5 countries. We were in Group A, along with the Dominican Republic, Canada, Cuba, and Puerto Rico. We opened the tournament against the Dominican Republic. It was a strong and dominating start for us. For the first time this summer, I witnessed all 12 of us

Friends and family were the BEST fan crew, and they were highlighted
by the media each game!

play with enthusiasm for all 40 minutes (the length of a game). We ended up winning the game by 32 points. We couldn’t have asked for a better start.

With a dominating performance out of the gates, we had great momentum going into game 2 against Canada. The Saville Community Sports Centre was filled with the home team fans. Excitement was building for tip off. Even though Canada was ranked 5th in the world, had recently won the Pan Am Games, and was the favorite to win the tournament (which they did), we came ready to compete and make the most of the opportunity to play

Team huddle after our 88-56 win over the Dominican Republic

against a top team. But less than a minute into the game, our tournament run took a turn for the worst. Ziomara, our 6'4" super star, had to sub out because of a back injury. Ziomara was arguably the best post of the tournament, and she is the best post player I have ever played with or against. On offense she has quick moves, consistently finishes, and has a great outside shot. On defense she is a beast on the boards and blocks or intimidates players that drive to the hoop. Stats don't lie--her 30 points, 15 rebounds, and 5 blocks a game is a rock our team relies on, and created very big shoes to fill without her on the court. Also, when you look at the age of our

Thank you to my college friends, Kaley and Kat,
for coming to cheer me on!!

top players and exclude Ziomara and myself (both 26), the average is about 19. Collectively we are a young team! With Ziomara out and our morale shaken, Canada controlled the game. They passed through our defense, nailed open shots, and owned the glass on offense and defense. The final score was 93-36.

In our next game against Cuba, the team morale was mixed. Some believed we could win, and some didn’t. We started strong, and we were down by 7 at half. But a 9 and 11 point difference in the 3rd and 4th quarters allowed Cuba to pull away and secure a 88-61 win.

Despite loses against Canada and Cuba, we were still in the hunt to finish 3rd in our pool, but needed to defeat Puerto Rico in our last pool play game. A win over Puerto Rico would have meant a spot in the 5th place game for the tournament against the 3rd place team from the other pool (Venezuela, a team we have historically beaten). We started strong, and were within 5 at halftime. But as a deja vous to the Cuba game, in the 3rd quarter we lost steam and Puerto Rico got hot from the 3-point line, scoring 31 points to our 19. The final score of 92-66 reflected a relentless team effort by Puerto Rico.

Game Highlight Videos

• Dominican Republic
• Canada
• Cuba
• Puerto Rico (best personal game)

Reflecting on the Journey

*Warning, my true colors are in the text below. If you were looking for purely a basketball update, you should stop here. If you’re looking for encouragement, keep reading!

Losing to Puerto Rico and ending our dreams of qualifying for Rio was a tough pill to swallow. I gave everything I had until the final buzzer. The past year of my life was dedicated to winning these four games. I did countless early morning and late evening workouts by myself, drove to and from Denver to play pick-up, said no to alcohol, desserts, and unhealthy food, sacrificed time and fun with my husband and friends, paid for bi-weekly active release therapy, and pulled back from the full-time job I love. All this made the disappointment even deeper. A quote above the water fountain in the high school gym where I coach says: “The harder you work, the harder it is to surrender.” It was so hard to surrender the dream of qualifying for the Olympics, and many tears were shed. I put my heart on the line like I never have before in sports.

What made it even harder is I confidently believe at full-strength with Ziomara we would have at least qualified for one of the 4 spots (2nd-5th at this tournament) to go to the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament next summer (where 5 out of the 12 countries will earn the final spots for Rio), if not medaled at this tournament. BUT, I also believe with all my heart and soul that when things don’t turn out as we hope and we face profound disappointed, we can always come back to God’s foundation: His plan rocks, and He has something even better in store. He works for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). I’m not just trying to paint a rosy picture and be optimistic. It’s honestly what I believe, and where I find unexplainable rest and joy. I’ve seen this truth in action in my life, and in the lives of others. It is through the hardest situations in life where we are then able to see God’s goodness and sovereignty like never before. As an athlete, it’s hard to imagine what could be greater than being an Olympian. However, my core identity is not an athlete; it’s a redeemed daughter of Jesus. The God I serve is beyond my imagination (Isaiah 55:8-9 & Proverbs 3:5). This opportunity itself was beyond my understanding and was not in my plans! As I’ve walked through this season, I can already see some of its fruit. There have been many situations where I can see God using the struggles and joys to encourage and relate to others, especially as a basketball coach and mentor with teens. As crazy as it sounds, coaching and mentoring teens sparks a fire in my soul more than playing! I’m so pumped to love this hurting world better because of this experience!!

Before the tournament and before each game, I promised to give my best, never quit, and release the outcomes to God. And that’s the Rock I stand on. Olympian or not, God continues to paint a picture each day, using different gifts and opportunities as colors. No one can understand when and why he uses certain paints, brushes, and strokes. But if someone greater than Picasso is given control to paint your picture, get excited for the masterpiece that will be unveiled at just the right time.

Lastly, through this journey I hope you can hear this: Believe God’s voice above anyone else’s. It doesn’t get old for me; I was repeatedly told by doctors I would not be able to play competitive basketball again. God did a miracle in my knee, He opened the doors, He guided me, He made it happen. No matter what others say, God has the final word. If God has planted something in your heart, don’t stop believing, no matter what you’re going through!

So with that, I make my last entry to this blog for now. Thank you for reading, following, and cheering this summer! I hope this adventure has blessed you.

For His glory,

#15