STOCKTON, Calif. – The Pacific women's basketball team went on an adventure of a lifetime with an international trip to Spain over the summer.
From August 1 to August 11, the Tigers made some marvelous memories while embracing a unique lifestyle and exploring the historic sites. Plus, they played some hoops during the three-city journey.
"Giving our student-athletes the opportunity to travel and have this educational and cultural experience during a time that works for their schedules is great," said Pacific women's basketball head coach
Bradley Davis, who is in his ninth season as head coach of the team. "It was awesome to dive into the culture. There were some very different cultural norms in Spain than in the U.S., like not getting a to-go cup from Starbucks but sitting down at a café in the town square. Taking a siesta. Eating dinner late. Witnessing the streets in that atmosphere. It was just a very different experience to absorb."
Pacific traveled through Madrid, Valencia and Barcelona. It took in the sights and sounds with a feeling of awe, thanks to the support of Pacific alumni for making the trip possible.
"A number of supporters that wanted to support our student-athletes to do something like this was huge," said Davis. "It is clear that they care so much about the student-athlete experience at Pacific."
Junior
Anaya James enjoyed the team bonding activities that brought the team closer together across the 10-day journey.
"When we went ziplining, I think that was really fun," said James. "One of my teammates,
Endigo Parker, was afraid of heights. She got on top of the zipline and got scared, but after seeing everyone go, she went. It was really cool to see her overcome that fear. It was definitely great to cheer everyone on as we went through it."
One of the highlights of the trip was the viewing of the Sagrada Familia, which is one of the great emblems and tourist attractions of Barcelona.
"My favorite place we visited was the Sagrada Familia," said graduate student
Madelene Ennis.
"It is a beautiful church. That's something I never thought I would see in my life. It's crazy that something so old could have so much meaning to you. It was really meaningful to see the church."
Aside from the sightseeing, there was basketball, of course, on the itinerary. The Tigers played three games against three different opponents, ranging from the ages of 18 to 40 years old.
"Overseas basketball was unique because the floors were very different," said Ennis. "It was a little slippery on the court. The players we played against were very phenomenal. The pace of play was definitely the main difference for me. It was really fast."
"There was definitely a more aggressive style of play we had to adjust to," said James. "The key was bigger, so we had to make more changes on setting up plays."
Playing basketball in another country was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for several players on the team. The trip presented many moments of on and off court chemistry and camaraderie.
"Going into a different country was great for all of us," said James. "I learned a lot. I feel like we got to know each other really well, especially the new players on the team. We definitely got a head start on the team chemistry."
"Our team just gelled," said Ennis. "We all got along. I was very excited to be in Spain with them. We'd all really got to know each other. When you make memories like that, it's hard to never forget the people you went with. It was so fun to be there with my teammates. I'm very grateful for the donors that gave us the opportunity to go on this trip."
Pacific is currently 2-1 to start the season. The Tigers won the first two games of the season against Cal State Fullerton and Cal State Bakersfield, which has not happened since the 2017-18 season. Pacific looks to carry that momentum and positive energy from the Spain trip into a promising, uplifting campaign this year.
"I want to do big things with this group," said Ennis. "It's something that is so exciting. I can't wait to roll with my teammates on the court."
