June 7, 2007

The women's basketball team's 10-day tour of Germany came to an end on Thursday, as the Bulldogs left Berlin for Paris, then flew back to Boston. For everyone who made the trip, it was an experience that will not be forgotten. Outgoing captain Chinenye Okafor started the team's online journal nine days ago in Munich. For the last account, incoming captain Stephanie Marciano provides a recap of the journey.

Today marks the final day of our foreign trip. Early this morning we flew from Berlin to Paris and we are now awaiting our seven-hour flight to Boston. Emily, Jackie and Mel have already left us to continue their travel through Europe. The rest of us are sitting around the airport looking through hundreds of pictures and talking about the most memorable parts of the trip. Personally, I think our first night at the Hofbrahaus was the best team event and a great start to an amazing trip. I was also impressed with the Sound of Music tour in Salzburg and Berlin's shopping districts and sidewalk cafes.

On Monday, after a day-tour of Leipzig's squares and historic churches, we livened up the town's nightlife at a local discoteque. Last night in Berlin, after eating at a traditional German restaurant and enjoying gelato, a music instructor overheard Nenye singing in the streets and mentioned a possible record deal. In addition to our group's typical liveliness and comic relief that alone guaranteed an amazing trip, we took great pleasure in touring Germany and experiencing its historic and attractive culture. We visited five different cities -- Munich, Salzburg, Leipzig, Nuremburg and Berlin -- which all have unique food specialties, attractive sites and impressive histories. During our final tour yesterday, our guide Robert provided us with an interesting account of the Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie and the Brandenburg Gate, all preserved symbols of Germany's involvement in World War II.

Throughout the trip our team represented Yale University well, leaving Germany and Austria with three impressive basketball wins, exposure to a foreign culture and countless memories. Overall, our tour was a once in a lifetime opportunity for which we are all grateful. Along with the rest of the team, I would like to thank our coaches, the athletic department, Yale University and all of our new German friends for making this trip memorable. This experience has strengthened the bonds of our team, which, along with our new style of play will serve us well next season as we work to win the Ivy League Championship. The team would also like to thank our assistant coach Michelle Zylstra for all she has done for our program and wish her well at her next position.

Take care.
I love you all,
Steph

Skeet and Trap.