In the Huddle, Continued

Aside from actually playing in the games, I lived the life of a women’s basketball player this past weekend. Pre-game speeches, team meals, team meetings, long bus rides: I experienced it all.

My article about the trip ran on Tuesday in the DP, but there was no way I could fit everything I wanted to in the article. The following are observations, tidbits, and anecdotes that I couldn’t fit into the story but also couldn’t keep to myself. In addition, I want to extend a “thank you” to the entire Penn women’s basketball program for giving me this amazing opportunity and putting up with me over the course of the weekend.

Before the bus left for Columbia, the skies opened up and soaked everyone walking outside. It also soaked Jess Knapp's bag, which was in the luggage compartment under the bus. She took this unfortunate development in stride, and transferred her clothes to a different bag in hopes they would be somewhat more dry by the time we arrived at Columbia.

Senior Erin Power, who loves roadtrips, was sad about her last one: “I’m just gonna stay in Philly and be a practice player next year,” she jokes during a team meal. Coach McLaughlin immediately responds, “You’re hired!”

Starters Megan McCullough and Power both came into the weekend hurting. Erin’s wrist had been bothering her to the point where she had to miss practice earlier in the week. For Megan, it was her ribs giving her trouble. During warmups before the Columbia game, Erin walked up to Megan and asked, “You alright?” Megan nodded and the two players high fived. Erin’s wrist was visibly bothering her during the passing drills, but she did her best to hide it. Both Erin and Megan took the floor as starters and went on to play 36 and 30 minutes respectively.

Many players on the team have Pillow Pets, a cross between a stuffed animal and a pillow. The person most fond of her pillow pet, a unicorn, is Kelsey McLaughlin, the coach’s 11-year-old daughter.

At the beginning of the trip, the bus is stocked with a varied snack array, with everything from chips to Pop Tarts to fruit snacks. Nearly all of it is gone by the time the trip ends.

Lastly, as far as I could tell, there is not one unfriendly person associated with this program. From Robin (the bus driver), to coach McLaughlin, to the assistant coaches, to the trainer, to the players. Everyone played a part in making this reporter feel welcome and even appreciated.