Shelby Bradley | Sports Co-Editor
What did you do over summer break? Did you head off on a vacation with your family, or did you work your tail off trying to get a head start on those student loans? Well, if you were on the Buena Vista University (BVU) women’s basketball team you were half way around the world in Australia.
Not everyone gets a once in a lifetime opportunity to visit Sydney, Australia or go snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef, which is one of the seven wonders of the world. Head coach Janet Berry is very much appreciative of the opportunity the NCAA gives teams allowing them to enjoy international travel.
“Being able to help provide the experience for them and just to experience it is amazing,” Berry said.
While the team got to enjoy several different experiences while in Australia they still had business to take care of on the court. The team went 2-2 with their first game ending in overtime. One of the teams played included a semi-pro team, which consisted of 20-29 year olds.
“They were very competitive games which was good for our players. Australia plays a physical type of basketball, which we don’t always do a good job of. Seeing that they can play at a physical level really was a transformation and a confidence builder for them,” Berry said.
Some other activities the team got to enjoy while on the trip included sight seeing, visiting the zoo, white water rafting and going to the beach.
“This was a once and a lifetime opportunity. I think we got so much closer as a team and that will really help us throughout this season,” senior guard Lexi Fisher said.
If given the chance to travel internationally again Coach Berry is more than willing to do so. Berry has always loved travel and is just searching for the next adventure.
“With college women there has to be a beach involved somewhere,” Berry said.
With all of the new experiences and confidence gained over the trip these Beavers are ready to open up their 2015-16 season with a bang. Preseason workouts and practices have been underway and they will begin their season against St. Thomas (Minnesota), who went 30-1 during their 2014-15 season, on Nov. 16th starting at 7pm.