Former Christopher Newport University legend Chelsie Schweers is blogging for LadySwish during her season in Australia with the Toowoomba Mountaineers. She's also recently been named varsity coach of the Hickory High girls basketball team in Chesapeake. Hickory is her alma mater. We'll let her tell you the rest.
Australia . . . I landed here in April and it has been a most memorable experience. The Queensland Basketball League (QBL), the Toowoomba Mountaineers' coaching staff, my teammates, and my suite-mate, Kisha, all came together to make my transition from Chesapeake to the land down under practically an overnight success. Playing basketball in the QBL has given me the opportunity to play against some of the QBL's finest as well as a few American standouts. I have also had the opportunity to participate in various events sponsored by Toowoomba Basketball aimed at getting kids involved in sports. Every time I step out on the court with the kids who come out to participate, it has been an uplifting and rewarding experience. While I have spent much of my time in the gym and on the court, there has also been time set aside for taking in some of what makes Australia a dream destination. I often start my day and end my day thinking, "I love this place!"
Returning Home . . . While my season with the Mountaineers has not come to an end just yet, I know these next few weeks are going to fly by, and I will soon have to say goodbye to my new friends. However, during the past several weeks, another opportunity has opened up for me that will not allow much time for me to sit around sulking and missing my friends and teammates in Toowoomba. A few friends and family back home told me about an opening at my high school alma mater and encouraged me to apply. After some thought, I decided to go for it and went online and completed the application process. Late one night in Toowoomba, I went down to the gym so I could hook-up on SKYPE with the athletic director and principal of Hickory High School for a 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time interview. I am excited to announce that I will be the 2013-2014 varsity girls head basketball coach at Hickory High School! I will have to hit the ground running when I get back home since the school year starts in early September, and the basketball season gets started shortly thereafter. I have always thought about coaching and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to return to Hickory HS as "Coach Schweers." I have received so many congratulations and encouraging words from friends and family, and the community. I am so excited to have been given this opportunity and look forward to sharing my love of the game with my team! GO HAWKS!
PLAYOFFS . . . For the next few weeks my primary focus will be on getting through the playoffs and playing my best game. That will mean working out at the gym, practicing, watching film, and hopefully celebrating a few more wins!
I am so very blessed!
Until next time,Chelsie
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