Quincy University women’s basketball trip to Hawaii strengthens bonds, creates lifetime memories

QUINCY (WGEM) – A week-long trip to Hawaii created a lifetime of memories and friendships for the Quincy University women’s basketball team.

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Mixed in with two games in the Big Island Classic at the University of Hawaii-Hilo, the Hawks spent time sampling Hawaiian culture and cuisine, spending bonding time at the beach (of course!) and visiting historic sites such as Pearl Harbor.

(Editorial comment: It is every American’s duty to visit Pearl Harbor when in Honolulu for the first time. It is a guaranteed emotional moment in your life, especially if you had relatives there.)

“Anytime you go on a team trip, you have the opportunity as a team to create memories off the court and that’s what we did,” said QU coach Courtney Boyd.

“As a coach, we strive to give our student-athletes experiences that they can learn from and create new memories. This trip checked all the boxes and now we get to talk about it forever.”

On the court, QU split two games losing to fifth-ranked Fort Hays State (Kan.) 73-60 on Friday and beating Western Washington 74-68 on Saturday as Cymirah Williams scored 17 points, grabbed 15 rebounds and added two assists, two blocked shots and a steal.

The Hawks enter the new year with a 7-5 overall record a 1-2 mark in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. Their next 17 games are all league contests starting with a Jan. 3 home game against conference newcomer Lincoln.

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Several players and coaches shared their memories of the trip.

Mikayla Huffine, Jr., Guard, Rockford: “My favorite part about Hawaii was being able to paddle board and be one with nature. It was very peaceful. Going on the beach was another one of my favorites and I went way out into the ocean with my team, creating core memories.

“Overall, outside of basketball, being able to live in the present moment and soak in the views and the sun. The food here is also very fresh to me. It left me very satisfied after every meal.”

Mariann Blass, So., Guard, Elmhurst: “Although we came to Hawaii to play basketball, this trip has meant so much more to me. I have never been to Hawaii beforehand upon arrival, I was quickly immersed into the rich culture of island life. The beach and mountain views have been absolutely breathtaking and the food was incredible.

“From going on hikes to relaxing on the beach looking out at the ocean, every activity we did was incredible. My favorite experience was when we traveled out of Waikiki and spent the afternoon at the North Shore. This beach town was a nice break from the urban atmosphere we were used to. We stopped at a little restaurant for some lunch before heading to the beach.

“Once again, the food was delicious and the surrounding shops were good to look at. At the beach, I was able to rent a surfboard from a local shop and give it a try in the nearby cove where the waves were much more tolerable. I was able to successfully surf five different times and each one gave a huge rush of adrenaline that I’ll never forget. However, the best part of the experience was that there were many local kids surfing with their friends at the same time we were. I got the chance to talk to a few of them and even got a few tips, despite their young age. They welcomed us with open arms and never judged us for being beginners. It was so cool to see everyone in their element and get to experience what a surf culture is like on the North Shore. Not to mention the view of the ocean in front of me, authentic beach town behind and palm trees and mountains to my left.

“For me, coming from a suburb of Chicago, Christmas time is always filled with snow, cold temperatures, and being cozy around the fireplace. However, here in Hawaii, the locals spend Christmas surfing with their friends and family and spending time in the warm, palm tree-filled environment. I loved being able to celebrate the holiday season in a different way, especially one that involves wearing a bathing suit and not a winter coat. All in all, this trip was truly an unforgettable experience that I am forever grateful to look back on.”

Gwyneth O’Connell, Fr., Guard, Serena: “This whole trip has been great, it’s hard to pinpoint one specific favorite thing. I think the coaches did an awesome job planning this trip, we have done a lot but also had time to ourselves to relax and explore. One of my favorite parts was going to the ocean, because I had never been to the ocean before. I also really liked the hike. The views were amazing.

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“The food was really great, especially the sushi. The luau was super cool, we got to see multiple different dances. Also, I loved my team spent on the court. I am so thankful to have gotten the opportunity to play basketball and explore Hawaii with my second family.”

Assistant Coach Dale Linderwell: “One of the first days, seeing players like Janiece Dawson trust their teammates to hold her surf board up in the ocean was one of my favorite memories. Not just in the moment but being able to carry that trust over to the game in difficult moments.

“Another would be, just seeing genuine gratitude from the girls once they arrived. They took in the sites and they were able to reap the benefits of their hard earned fundraising dollars.”

Assistant Coach Brooke Bailey: “This trip to Hawaii was amazing for our team! We were able to make memories that will forever be talked about, inside jokes that will forever be understood by only us, and experience new things together. A favorite part of the trip for me was the afternoon we spent at the North Shore in Haleiwa.

“Our players were able to surf, kayak or paddle board. All of which, some of them had never done before. Another favorite was all the small moments. The plane ride over the ocean, the excitement when we landed, receiving leis as we got to the hotel, watching the face of one of our student-athletes as she ran into the ocean for the first time ever. We were all a part of these moments together that will be reflected on for a lifetime.”

Boyd: “From the time we landed, to our last day on the island the amount of gratitude that this team showed was great to see. There were a lot of firsts on this trip. First time trying seafood, first time being in the ocean, first time trying new fruits, first time visiting Pearl Harbor, first time being on an island.

“Not only did this group get to see one island, they got to see two. I am not sure I can name just one favorite part, but if I am going to choose, I have to say spending time with this group for a week and watching for the things that made them smile. Teammates swimming in the ocean, trying to surf, paddleboarding down a river with the sea turtles, loving and hating new foods.”

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