Privateers create memories, visit historical sites during pre-holiday trip to New York City

A six-day excursion to the Northeast brought about two games to end non-conference play and a lifetime of memories from some historical sites as the New Orleans Privateers women’s basketball teams visited New York an New Jersey right before the holidays.

Everything was new from the opponents the Privateers were playing to the sites for most of the players. The first big highlight was getting to see the Rockefeller Center and the giant Christmas tree upon arrival on Friday, Dec. 16.

“I was excited,” said freshman guard, Imani Williams. “It was my first time going to New York. It was a different environment and I was really happy we got to experience that. It was my first time in New York so just being able to do it with our teammates and being able to compete with some big-time schools I’ll never forget it. It just means a lot to me to be around people who care about you outside the lines of the basketball court.”

Seeing the tree lit up at night and in person was an experience that’s vastly different than seeing it on television this time of year.

That was just the beginning of a trip highlighted by several sights of history and leisure. On Monday, Dec. 19 the team rode a ferry to see the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The Statue is a grand site to see but there is just something grander about seeing it in person.

Meanwhile, the essence of New York City and by extension the country becoming a melting pot of cultures was from the complex history of Ellis Island where millions of immigrants were processed. For many, it was dubbed the Island of Hope representing new opportunities in America. For others, it was where some families were separated.

“I’m a small country girl and I never thought I’d have that opportunity,” said Alabama native, Zoe Cooper. “To see the Statue of Liberty and visit Ellis Island, it was a great experience. If it wasn’t for basketball, I probably would have never experienced this in my life so our coaches thinking about things outside of basketball it was a great impact.”

There was still more to do. That included being in Times Square around the vibrant, noisy city that’s full of life. The team had the opportunity to walk around and go into shops around Times Square to wrap up a busy Monday.

“I learned that I have an addiction to shopping for myself and my family and friends,” said Minneapolis native, Nora Francois. “Being able to be in Times Square and to see all the stores and have everything within walking distance, it was a fun experience. It was a blessing to visit a new part of the country. I took about 1,500 pictures and I sent about a thousand of them to my mom.”

There were also two games to play against teams the Privateers had not faced before in Rutgers and Hofstra. The squad was fiercely competitive and battled through adverse situations on the scoreboard early against the Scarlet Knights (down by as many as 15 in the first quarter) and the Pride (down nine entering the fourth quarter).

Though no wins came from it, the determination and grit this team showed to battle back from tough moments at various points in the game was another step to take before Southland play starts this weekend.

As for the trip: it was an experience, something Coach Davenport wanted to give to her team. To say you can visit the busiest city at one of the best times of the year to do so is an experience that will be held onto long after each current Privateer’s playing days are over.

“I’m so grateful to be able to provide the student-athlete experience for our team,” said Coach Keeshawn Davenport. “Not only was it a great team bonding time but it was educational for us. We enjoyed our time at the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and Times Square. We look forward to providing more educational experiences for our student-athletes in the future.”

The Privateers now turn their attention to the rest of the season with Southland play starting this weekend. The memories of this trip though will last forever.

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