2011 Women's Basketball Spain Tour
August 22, 2011
6:20 p.m.
Depart Boston (via overnight flight)
August 23, 2011
9:45 a.m.
Arrive in Barcelona
Barceolona City Walk
Sights: Mercat de la Boqueria
Monument a Colom
Welcome Dinner & Reception
August 24, 2011
Barcelona Sightseeing
La Sagrada Familia
Montjuic
August 25, 2011
Gaudi Barcelona - Sagrada Familia
Game vs. Uni Girona in Sant Julia Villatorte (8 p.m. local time)
August 26, 2001
Free time to explore the city
August 27, 2011
Sant Julia Tournament
Game vs. Reus Deportiu (7 p.m. local time)
August 28, 2011
Game vs. Igualada in Torello, Spain (5:30 p.m. local time)
August 29, 2011
Depart for Madrid
August 30, 2011
Madrid Sightseeing
Royal Palace
Prado Museum
Puerta de Alcala
August 31, 2011
Madrid City Walk
Puerta del Sol
Plaza Mayor
Plaza de Espana
Game vs. Estudiantes (7:30 p.m. local time)
September 1, 2011
Madrid & Farewell Tapas Dinner
September 2, 2011
1:45 p.m.
Depart Madrid
3:40 p.m.
Arrive in Boston
| SEPT. 2, 2011 | Trip to Spain Comes to an End
Team tours Madrid and holds final tapas dinner
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On our last full day in Madrid, the team was given some free time to explore the city on their own. Many went to the Prado museum and saw the beautiful paintings, while others walked around the city to shop in the boutiques or visit the city gardens.
While there is no place like home, all of us are sad to leave Spain, which has been so good to us these last two weeks. At our last tapas dinner in Madrid, many different people stood up to give a toast and everyone expressed their gratitude. Without this opportunity, many of us would never have had the chance to come here and we made sure to enjoy every moment of this amazing experience.
A special thank you to our tour guides, Alissa, Leo and Riina and everyone else who made this trip possible!
Adios from Espana!
| AUG. 31, 2011 | Terriers Take Down Estudiantes, 79-71
Alex Young led with 19 points; BU will have tomorrow as a free day before heading back to Boston on Sept. 2
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The Boston University women's basketball team defeated Estudiantes, 79-71, on Wednesday evening.
Senior Alex You led with 19 points, while senior Caroline Stewart and sophomore Whitney Turner tallied 13 points apiece. Junior Kristen Sims added 11 points.
BU went wire-to-wire to improve to 3-1 in Spain. Estudiantes came back to draw as close as eight points in the final minute but the Terriers' defense bore down and kept Estudiantes scoreless on its final two possessions.
BU has one more day in Spain before heading back to Boston on Friday (Sept. 2). Tomorrow the Terriers will have some free time before heading to their send-off tapas dinner in Madrid.
| AUG. 30, 2011 | Spain's Royal Palace
The team went on a bus tour of Madrid before seeing the Royal Palace
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Now that we are settled into Madrid, we've had a chance to explore the city some, and while it's a modern, bustling metropolis, it has managed to maintain its old-world charm. People are very content with life in Madrid and take things at a slow pace.
They have lunch around 2 p.m. and don't eat dinner until at least 9 p.m. Waiters never bring the check unless you ask for it, and people sit in the restaurants and cafes for hours sharing stories. It is definitely a welcome change of pace for us as we are so accustomed to running from point A to point B.
Today, we took a bus tour of Madrid and saw La Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas, the city's main bullfighting arena. Our tour guide for the day, Christina, gave us an informed history of bullfighting in Spain and then we were off to the Royal Palace!
The Palace was so extravagant and the rooms were lavishly painted. Christina told us how the Palace was built over 26 years, beginning in 1738. Designed by Italian architect Filippo Juvarra, each room has a distinct baroque and classicism style. Walls have velvet fabric covering them, and the ceiling murals are extravagantly painted in rich colors. The chandeliers were also simply amazing. Unfortunately, I couldn't take any pictures after we left the first floor, but trust me when I say the palace was gorgeous.
After the tour of the palace, the team was given free time and some took a siesta while others went to shop in the many boutiques Madrid has to offer. The restaurants are also outstanding, and we've been getting our fill of tapas while in Spain.
That's all for now. Tomorrow is gameday, so we'll have a lot to report on tomorrow!
Adios.
| AUG. 29, 2011 | Barcelona to Madrid Road Trip
In all, we drove for eight hours to get to Madrid, but it was worth it!
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On the seventh day of our journey through Spain, we traveled from Barcelona to Madrid with a quick stop in Zaragoza - the capital of Aragon, a Spanish autonomous community. So we drove west for about three hours to the city. Wikipedia tells me Zaragoza is putting a bid for the 2022 Winter Olympics and is a big skiing destination for Spaniards because of its proximity to the Pyrenees Mountains.
Again, the countryside is beautiful, with miles and miles in between villages. There were a lot of vineyards and farmland in between towering mountainous regions. The homes look like they are built into the landscape rather than on top of it and all are in neutral colors. Much like the countryside of Vic and Torello, the houses are made of stucco or stone. It's hard to explain, but it feels like this region is frozen in time.
The occasional factory or gas station reminds you that you are in 2011. Even though I was tired, I barely slept because I didn't want to miss one sight of this vast landscape. Once we got into town, we visited the Basílica del Pilar, which is a beautiful cathedral right in the heart of Zaragoza and the first church dedicated to Mary in Europe.
After Zaragoza it was still about four hours south before we reached Madrid and that part of the drive was very arid and sparse. There were large open fields and plateaus that dotted the landscape. The red rocks reminded me of the American Southwest - only on a much larger, vast scale.
Once we arrived in Madrid we immediately went to the hotel to get settled. After this brief free time, we are off on a city walk of Madrid! For now though, there's not too much else to report on at the moment. I'll be sure to post photos tomorrow!
Adios!
| AUG. 28, 2011 | Staff Diary: Howie Landau
Team manager Howie Landau recounts his time in Barcelona and how he's been able to work on his Spanish
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¡Hola! ¿Qué tal? Saludos desde Barcelona, que es un ciudad muy fantástico, increíble y divertido. (Hello. What's up? Greetings from Barcelona, which is a fantastic, incredible and fun city.)
Today is our last day in Barca, and we are currently heading to the city of Torello to play Iguadala in our final game of the Sant Julia tournament. The basketball here is exciting and competitive, and this tournament - the largest in Europe - brings in teams of varied ages from all across the continent. While waiting for the main court yesterday, we even got to watch an under-16 game that included a wonderful cheering section from Scotland, along with local supporters as well.
Aside from the basketball, the city has afforded us some unforgettable opportunities. Two nights ago, we got to see a flamenco show, a true display of art and athleticism. The dancers were unbelievably talented, and their emotions matched that of the passionate musicians. We've also gotten to experience local flavors in restaurants, which combine together with cool shops and enthusiastic street performers to create a great walking tour of the city in itself. Traveling outside into the countryside has been equally as amazing, with picturesque mountains and foliage. The weather has also been sensational, and for us, there's been no rain, even on the plane. (When heading out of Boston we were slightly delayed because the plane had been struck by lightning.)
Along with the great city architecture, culture and history, probably my favorite thing about Barca is the opportunity to interact with people, while also working on my Spanish. I've befriended the hotel staff, discussed show sizes with an employee in a trendy clothing store and found out ingredients in tapas from waiters. The best interactions, however, have been with the shopkeepers. I've become the team's resident bargainer. Avoiding the tourist trap prices, I've gotten a soccer jersey down from 39 euros (the Spanish form of currency) to 23,50 and a collared shirt to 20 euros from 60.
We've been told that Madrid has some really cool sights and more great people to interact with, but it will be tough to live up to the time that Barcelona has show us thus far. We even got the chance to witness an FC Barca victory and experienced the chants and elation from the people hanging out on La Rambla, a great place to walk around and get a feel for the rich culture of the city.
Okay, we're arriving in Torello now. For all those back on the east coast, we hope that you are all safe and sound, and we'll see you soon. But first, it's gametime!!! ¡Adios! ¡Hasta luego!
| AUG. 28, 2011 | Terriers Hold on for 62-58 Victory over Igualada
Alex Young led with 14 points
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The Boston University women's basketball team held on for a 62-58 victory over Igualada on Sunday evening at the Sant Julia Tournament. Senior Alex Young led BU with 14 points, followed by freshman Nicole Tamanosky with 13 and sophomore Whitney Turner with 12.
BU led by as much as 21 points before Igualada rallied in the fourth quarter to cut the deficit to four points. On the final two Igualada possessions, BU did not allow it to score as it earned its second victory of the Sant Julia Tournament.
To begin the game, the Terriers opened on an 11-1 run and held Igualada without a field goal five minutes into contest.
BU's stifling defense continued to force Igualada to turn the ball over and shoot just 2-of-11 from the field in the second quarter. However, a resilient Igualada side began to make a comeback late in the third quarter and heading into the fourth it was within 13 points of the Terriers.
In the final stanza, BU struggled from the field, allowing Igualada to to make it a four-point game with just over two minutes remaining in regulation. In the final moments of the game, Igualada had two chances to draw even closer, however, BU's pressure forced it to miss on its final two possessions.
The Terriers are now off to Madrid for the second leg of their trip, where they will play Estudiantes on Wednesday (Aug. 31).
| AUG. 27, 2011 | Time to Shop, Karaoke and More
BU is enjoying its last few days in Barcelona
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Player Diary: Kristen Sims
Our time is winding down in Barcelona, but we're trying to fit as much in as possible before we take off for Madrid on Monday morning. Today, we had lots of free time to shop at the little boutiques and explore more of this beautiful city.
But first things first. I need to update you on last night's flamenco show! The entire team had a great time. It's incredible how quickly those dancers can move their legs and feet, and the band plays with so much passion. We may not understand the words the singers are singing, but the meaning of the songs definitely come across loud and clear.
After our shopping excursions, we left for the town of Vic, which in the past few years became famous because a second-century roman temple was excavated there. There we had our second game of the Sant Lucia Tournament and we defeated Reus Deportiu, 70-49! Kristen Sims led the way with 14 points.
After our win, the tournament organizes a dinner for the participating teams, so we went back to the tent and chowed down. The tournament directors also set up entertainment for the participants, so Melissa Gallo and Troi Melton serenaded everyone at karaoke with some Bruno Mars tunes.
On the hour-long ride back to Barcelona, everyone on the bus was in good spirits and the team sang in unison for the staff and parents sitting up front. The songs ran the gamut from Ain't No Mountain High Enough to the theme song from the Fresh Prince of Bel Air. The team even sang the Star-Spangled Banner to teach our resident Aussie Mollie McKendrick all the words.
Tonight everyone is relaxing and preparing for our last day in Barcelona tomorrow. Madrid has a lot to live up as everyone has really loved it here. But, before we leave we have some unfinished business to attend to as we have one more game against Igualada in our final game of the Sant Julia Tournament. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m.
| AUG. 27, 2011 | Terriers Defeat Reus Deportiu, 70-49
Kristen Sims led with 14 points
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The Boston University women's basketball team defeated Reus Deportiu, 70-49, in a wire-to-wire victory on Friday night in its second game of the Sant Julia Tournament.
Junior Kristen Sims led the way offensively with 14 points, while junior Mo Moran and sophomore Whitney Turner added 12 points and freshman Nicole Tamanosky chipped in 11. Turner also recorded three blocks.
BU shot 43.1 percent from the field and 29.4 percent from behind the arc. From the charity stripe the Terriers were 15-of-25 (.600).
They also won the battle of the boards with 53 rebounds, led by senior Caroline Stewart with nine. Tamanosky hauled in six and freshman Mollie McKendrick brought down five. BU never trailed in the contest and defensively held Reus Deportiu to just one field goal in the fourth quarter. The Terriers have one more contest in Barcelona before heading off to Madrid.
Tomorrow night they face Igualada at 5:30 p.m. in their final game at the Sant Julia Tournament.
| AUG. 26, 2011 | Relaxing time in Sitges, Flamenco Shows
The team took time to relax on the Mediterranean before heading to a flamenca show
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We had a nice change of pace today, going to a beach about 30 minutes southwest of Barcelona in a small seaside town called Sitges. Everyone got the chance to relax, lay on the beach and swim in Mediterranean! Some read, while other took a siesta, but most of us were fishes, staying in the warm water of the Mediterranean for as long as possible.
Since we were in Sitges for so long, many of us also strolled through the narrow roads for some shopping and lunch. Many artists live in Sitges, so the small boutique shops sold mostly hand-crafted items.
One shop owner even recognized a few of us from the Sant Julia Tournament! We felt like celebrities for a few fleeting moments. Everyone was quite pleasant and it was a really nice way to spend the day.
Tonight we are going to a flamenco show! That's not until much later, so for now we are going to grab a bite to eat and then head off to a show.
I'll be sure to post pictures as soon as I can and update everyone on the flamenca show.
In the meantime, I have uploaded a player diary from freshman Mollie McKendrick. I meant to upload this last night after the game, however, the internet was being fickle, so here is the long-awaited player interview with Mollie!
Adios!
| AUG. 25, 2011 | A Few Final Thoughts on Day 3
Today was an action-packed day in Barcelona with lots of sightseeing and competition
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Well one game is now in the books, and despite not getting the result we wanted, the team played tough against the fourth-ranked Spanish club team in the country.
Before getting into the small town of Sant Julia, we had to drive along the countryside and it was a great way to relax before the game. The landscape was dotted with houses and churches made of stucco or brick and it felt like they had been a part of the land for centuries, and probably have been.
There were miles in between towns and all of a sudden a small village would sprout up. Driving along the road, you just got the sense that these people live an idyllic, quiet life. It was really beautiful.
The juxtaposition of a highway and power lines cutting through this old country was also quite funny and odd.
It's been very easy to romanticize this trip, mostly because it is so pretty here. The people have been very friendly and patient despite many of us not knowing the language and three days into this journey, we have all already taken so much from this experience.
Well there has been a lot of action on this blog today, so that is all for now!
| AUG. 25, 2011 | Terriers Fall to Unigirona, 57-55
Senior Alex Young led the way with 15 points
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SANT JULIA, Spain - The Boston University women's basketball team dropped a 57-55 decision to fourth-ranked Unigirona on Thursday evening on the first day of the Sant Julia Tournament. Senior Alex Young led the Terriers with 15 points, while sophomore Whitney Turner and junior Mo Moran added eight apiece.
It was a tightly contested match as BU trailed, 37-35, at halftime and never let Unigorona get ahead by more than one possession the rest of the way. In the fourth quarter, Turner kept the Terriers close, tying the game with just over two minutes remaining, however, Natalie Chaloner stole the ball at halfcourt and went in for a last-second layup to earn the victory for Unigirona.
The Terriers won the battle of the boards by a 54-33 margin. Moran was BU's leading rebounder with eight boards, while sophomore Rashidat Agboola, junior Jacqueline Kuczynski and senior Caroline Stewart hauled in seven each.
Young was 4-for-7 from behind the arc to account for all four of the Terriers' 3-pointers. Also contributing offensively with six points apiece was Agboola and junior Kristen Sims. Freshman Troi Melton led the Terriers with four steals and two blocks, while Turner swatted away two shots herself.
BU shot 41.0 percent from the floor, dished 11 assists and earned 14 steals against the fourth-ranked team in Spain.
NOTES: Not only was BU playing in the opening game of the Sant Julia Tournament, but it is also the first-ever American team to participate in the tourney's history. The Sant Julia Tournament is in its 27th year of existence and around 250 teams from all over Europe travel to the small town of Sant Julia, Spain to take part in it. There are 13 different sites where the competition takes place over the course of three days.
| AUG. 25, 2011 | La Familia Sagrada
The Terriers took a tour of La Familia Sagrada in the afternoon
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Buenos dias!
Today we took a tour of La Sagrada Familia, the famous and beautiful unfinished church in Barcelona.
Designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi, construction began on the church in 1882 and it's anticipated to be completed in 2026 - the centennial of Gaudi's death. Architecturally, it combines Gothic and curvilinear, Modernisme styles and the details are simply incredible. Up close you can see why it's taken over a century to complete because every piece is so intricate.
On the ground floor, the church plan is that of a Latin cross with five aisles. Last year, an organ was installed and there are plans to bring in more. When we looked up we could see where the choir will stand, and it can fit 1,000 choir members! I can only imagine how it will sound in there when the church is finished. There are gorgeous stained glass windows throughout the church, and hundreds of other windows that floods in natural light.
We then took and elevator up to the top of one of the towers and could see out over Barcelona. As we walked down the tower, the steps were very narrow and could only fit one person at a time, so we went single file. Everyone in our travel party kept talking about how beautiful this place is.
The players, coaches, staff and families all felt very lucky to see La Familia Sagrada today. More than one person mentioned wanting to come back when it's completed!
Soon we are leaving for our pre-game meal and then it's off to our first game of the Sant Julia Tournament! We play at 8 p.m. local time against Uni Girona. I'll be sure to post a recap after the game is completed. The tourney is about 90 minutes from the hotel, so it may take some time to post.
Adios!
| AUG. 24, 2011 | Player Diary: Alex Young
Alex goes through the day's events and what it has been like to explore Barcelona
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Hello America, greetings from Espana.
Today, we all received an 8 a.m. wake-up call and ventured downstairs to grab breakfast. The breakfast in Spain consists of lots of breads and pastries. I usually like a big glass of milk with my breakfast, but over here I haven't noticed much availability of it, so I stuck with the classic OJ. After breakfast, we met up with our tour guides and hopped on the bus for an exciting trip through Barcelona.
On the bus tour, we visited multiple sites in and around downtown, including a few spots where 1992 Olympic events took place. We also visited where famous Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi constructed two of his buildings. The views of the city were unbelievable and we all made sure to snap several pictures before returning to the bus and back to the hotel.
Following the tour, we were on our own to journey around the city for lunch. Caroline and I visited the famous Barcelona marketplace, "La Boqueria." There were raw fish and meats being cut and prepared, fresh fruit, amazing smoothies and delicious gelato. After filling up, we did a little shopping on the way back to our hotel and then met with the group and continued on a walking tour to the famous gothic section of the city.
Continuing with our sightseeing, we were able to visit several historically significant spots including the old Roman forum, Santa Maria del Pi Cathedral and the old Palace of the Generality, which is the former location of the Catholic parliament. The cathedral was exceptionally illustrious and beautiful. I've noticed the Spanish architecture differs substantially than that of the buildings back home. Walking down the roads of the gothic section, I recognized the old-timey aura of not only the structures, but the streets themselves. There was very little space in between buildings. I definitely have never visited a place quite like this!
The team, coaches, staff and parents are all having an amazing time thus far. I've never been to Europe and it is pretty surreal to walk around the city and not be able to decipher the meaning of a street sign. The culture is extremely laid back compared to the lifestyle of America. Here, people go to work, come home around two o'clock and have what is referred to as, "siesta," where they nap and relax for a few hours before returning to work and finishing up the day. Plus, everything stays open until 6 a.m.!
Our first game is tomorrow in the Saint Julia Tournament where we will be the first American team ever to compete. The team was extremely pumped after hearing about all the tournament action and we are ready to get back on the court.
Tonight should be pretty relaxed as Caroline and I are currently watching television in our room. However, it is in Spanish so I'm not really following any of the shows' plots. It probably would have helped if I attempted to learn a little Spanish before the trip. Thank goodness for Whitney and Danielle and their Spanish-speaking expertise.
Adios!
P.S. - The pigeons here are RUTHLESS!
| AUG. 24, 2011 | A Day Full of Sightseeing
The team took a bus tour and then walked around the city
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Hola!
Today was a big day of sightseeing throughout Barcelona. We had the chance to visit Estadi Olímpic de Montjuïc, the highest point of the city and one of the locations of the 1992 Summer Olympic Games. It was amazing to stand on top of the hill overlooking the beautiful city.
We then walked into the stadium, which nearly 20 years ago held track and field events as well as the opening and closing ceremonies of the Olympics. It was special to be standing in a stadium that holds so much athletic history and where so many incredibly talented athletes competed for Olympic glory.
We then went to Park Güell, a beautiful garden designed by famous Spanish Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi. The team enjoyed a walk around the park before heading back to the bus.
On our way back to the hotel, Alissa, brought us through the city streets of Barcelona and we got to see some more of Gaudi's remarkable designs. Gaudi's work is characterized by his love of nature, stained glass and wrought iron. Not only did he design large-scale works such as his magnum opus, La Familia Sagrada, but his touch is felt throughout Barcelona in entrance gates, courtyards, parks and city squares. Tomorrow we are going to see La Familia Sagrada! So I'll be able to share more on that tomorrow night.
After our bus tour, the team took a break to grab lunch, shop or just walk around the city. Alissa then took us on a walking tour of the city so that we were able to see things up close. A highlight of the afternoon was walking through the Gothic section of Barcelona, where we visited Cathedral of Santa Eulalia, otherwise known as the Barcelona Cathedral. Beautiful in its towering spires and gargoyles, the Cathedral was constructed between the 13th and 15th centuries. Alissa informed us that while gargoyles are used in architecture symbolically, they also have a very practical purpose: drain water away from a roof and the side of the churches. Being able to see all this Gothic architecture has been amazing and the craftsmanship involved is awe-inspiring.
After we finished the tour, the team reconvened at the hotel, where Leo gave us more details of the Sant Julia Tournament that we will begin tomorrow night. Nearly 300 clubs teams come from all over Europe to participate in this tournament and they essentially take over the town of Torello, Spain, which is about an hour drive from Barcelona. BU is the first American team to ever take part in the tourney, and it will play in the opening game against Uni Girona tomorrow at 8 p.m.
Well that's all for now. Check back later tonight for a player diary from senior Alex Young!
| AUG. 23, 2011 | We've Arrived in Barcelona, Spain!
The women's hoops team soaks in the city on its first day
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11:13 p.m. - We've finally arrived in beautiful Spain! We experienced a few minor hiccups along the way, including a delay at Logan Airport for couple hours. The team's morale never got down, however, as they decided to entertain everyone in the terminal with an impromptu dance, which you can see here.
We also learned some Australian dance moves courtesy of our resident Aussie, Mollie McKendrick. It's called "the nuthbush" and apparently it's big in the Land Down Under. You could say it's the equivalent to the Macarena in the U.S. Unfortunately, there's no video evidence of it yet, but I promise by the end of the trip we'll get it!
Once we arrived in Barcelona, we met our wonderful tour guides for the trip. Leo, Alissa and Riina greeted us at the airport and brought us to the beautiful hotel we are staying at for the next six nights. Since there was such a delay in our arrival, our walking tour of the city was delayed but we still got the chance to take in the beauty that this city offers. Once everyone was settled in their rooms, we went straight to dinner at La Tramoia, where we feasted on tapas. The waitstaff brought out at least 10 different kinds of dishes for everyone to taste and by the end of dinner everyone was stuffed.
After dinner, Leo, Alissa and Riina brought us on a mile-long walk of Las Ramblas, a beautiful pedestrian street with plenty of open-air shops.
Well that's all for now from Barcelona! Please check out the photo gallery of our trip so far!
| AUG. 18, 2011 | Women's Basketball Ready to Embark on 12-day Tour of Spain
The squad departs Monday, Aug. 22 for Barcelona and Madrid
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On Monday evening, the Boston University women's basketball program - all 11 returning players, three newcomers, plus the coaches and support staff - will embark on a 12-day tour of Spain that will make stops in Barcelona and Madrid.
During that time, the Terriers will take on four top-quality Spanish teams. BU will also have the opportunity to explore these two historic European cities, including stops at famous landmarks such as La Familia Sagrada and the Royal Palace. Throughout this trip, GoTerriers.com will bring you all the updates, including photos, videos and player diaries.
Everything will be placed on a page made specifically for this tour, which can be accessed here. Links to this page can also be found on the front page of GoTerriers.com as well as on the women's basketball page's navigation bar and via a link below the rotating stories.
Additionally, fans will be updated on the results of the four exhibition games against Uni Girona, Reus Deportiu, Igualada and Estudiantes. For more frequent updates follow BU Athletics on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. On those pages, fans will have access to all the latest information, notes, pictures and related links on BU Basketball.
Bookmark this page for easy access to see what's happening with the Boston University basketball team during this incredible experience.
| AUG. 15, 2011 | Women's Basketball Begins Practicing for Spain
The Boston University women's basketball team got a jump start on the 2011-12 campaign on Saturday afternoon as it began preparations for the upcoming 12-day trip to Spain.
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The Boston University women's basketball team got a jump start on the 2011-12 campaign on Saturday afternoon as it began preparations for the upcoming 12-day trip to Spain.
Head coach Kelly Greenberg and the team are allowed to hold 10 practice sessions by the NCAA in advance of the tour, which will take place from Aug. 22 - Sept. 2. Visiting Barcelona and Madrid, the Terriers will face Spanish club teams in the Sant Julia Tournament, while also getting the opportunity to take in the sights of these two historic European cities.
With practices now under way, the three incoming freshmen (Mollie McKendrick, Troi Melton, Nicole Tamanosky) get the added benefit of practicing with the team before departing for Spain.
"We have all been very eager to get back in the gym and start preparing for Spain," said senior Alex Young. "The freshmen have meshed well so far and it will be good for them to get a few practices under their belt and a leg up before the season starts. This is an exciting time and we are extremely thankful for this opportunity."
Practices will continue up until the team departs for Barcelona on Monday (Aug. 22). Among the highlights of the trip to Spain, the Terriers will get the opportunity to visit several famous landmarks, such as the La Sagrada Familia, the famous gothic chapel designed by Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi, and Madrid's Royal-Place, an 18th century masterpiece.
More information on how to follow the team in Spain will be available on Thursday (Aug. 18). For all the latest information, notes, pictures and related links on BU basketball, follow the Twitter account @BUAthletics and check GoTerriers.com. The Terriers are also on Facebook at www.facebook.com/buathletics.
| AUG. 10, 2011 | Terriers Announce Trip to Spain Next August
The women's basketball team will visit three cities and take on top Spanish competition
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BOSTON- The Boston University women's basketball team and head coach Kelly Greenberg are pleased to announce that in August of 2011 the Terriers will embark on a 12-day tour through Spain. During its stay, BU will visit two major cities in addition to playing four contests against top Spanish competition.
"Basketball clubs in Spain are some of the best in the world and we will most certainly face some of the top competition Europe has to offer," said Greenberg.
The Terriers will travel to Madrid and Barcelona in the program's first international trip in 31 years. The last time BU has traveled outside of the US borders for competition was back during the early 1980s when it played in the McGill Invitational twice (1979-80, 1980-81) in Montreal, Quebec.
"Playing in Spain is a unique opportunity that our entire team is excited and thankful to have," said Alex Young. "The chance to travel overseas and compete against international players is sure to be an incredible experience."
Caroline Stewart added, "We are extremely excited to have the opportunity to go and play in Spain. This is something really special for us."
"I'm beyond excited to experience life outside of the U.S," concluded Chantell Alford. "I always believed basketball had many opportunities to offer, but all I wanted to do was tell Coach 'thank you' for giving all of us the opportunity of a lifetime."
The program is in the process of finalizing its itinerary. Continue to check back to GoTerriers.com as more information becomes available.
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