A Look back at Season 8

Yes, I know it’s been a while, but if you follow me on social media I’m sure you may somewhat have kept up with how my 8th season overseas went. If not, let me enlighten you.

This season was unlike any other. Being a young team, as we all got comfortable with our new roles, we found a rhythm towards the middle of the season. Our team ended up getting 2 wins in a row (including the #1 positioned team), and things were looking bright. We began to chase the goal of making the playoffs and even eyeing the final four. After the 2 game winning streak however, one of our main players pulled their hamstring. Nonetheless we were still able to finish the season on a very high note by winning our last 5 of 6 games.

In addition to ending the season pretty well, there were a lot of other bright spots. Like the fact that we had an American coach- which rarely happens overseas- who was super cool and personable. I loved when he would make practices light after the nights he believed we went out to enjoy the infamous Tel Aviv night life. He was a player in Israel for 20 years so he understood his players, which was really cool. Also, as I mentioned before my team was young but I found time to do fun things with them when I could. From getting invited to different teammate’s Shabbat dinners, to going bowling, to making trips to Jerusalem, I had so much fun off the court with my team this year. Below I’ve shared some pictures of times we shared together throughout the course of the season:

PHOTO-2019-12-24-13-16-40 — The team at our Christmas/Hanukkah party

PHOTO-2019-11-07-06-18-18 — A few of my teammates and me at the Western Wall in Jerusalem, a very sacred place for the Jewish community

Another picture my teammates and I snapped while in Jerusalem

PHOTO-2019-11-23-12-31-41 — Team bonding

A couple of my teammates, Lexi and G after our last game together

Posing with a few more of my teammates (Hadar, Ella, and Ludi) at game day shoot around

The best and sweetest team manager, Muli, dropping me off at the airport to leave Israel

With all the growth and good times I had basketball wise with my team this season, outside of basketball was the best time I’ve had in a long time while being overseas. Playing in Israel is an experience unlike most other places, in that most of the other Americans that play in Israel all live very close to each other. With that being said, we always had something to do. From going to each other’s games and having get-togethers for things like people’s birthdays and holidays, there was rarely a dull moment.

8da5ae64-d105-4eef-9938-1f812cba7fba — A night out in Tel Aviv to celebrate a friend’s birthday

30F5CBC0-5DAD-4373-B1F8-3BAE87A9C427 — Reconnected with Maria- (who I met overseas 2 years before in Istanbul)- at her husbands game, who plays for a men’s team in Israel

Snapped a picture at a Maccabi Tel Aviv Euroleague game

A5830E1F-7C81-432B-8B27-96AA6841C4E6 — Also reconnected with two of my teammates from Turkey last year. Kahleah (middle) was in town playing an Israeli team for Eurocup competition. Tiffany (right) played on another team in the Israeli league

Celebrating New Year’s with Lexi, G and her mom

We decided to get glammed up for the New Year’s Eve celebration

With some other American’s that played in Israel this past season at a pre-Purim party. Purim is an Israeli national holiday similar to our Halloween, but with a different origin.

With Israel being so beautiful and with so much to do there as well, I had friends and family who were also excited to come visit. Early in the year my college teammate, Corinne, who was playing in Turkey, had a chance to come for a few days. Also my sister, Rhema, came for about 2 weeks later in the season. From taking them to places like the Dead Sea, Ramat Gan Safari, and different really good restaurants, I had a chance to show them the beauty of Israel that I have come to know very well.

Snapped a picture with a zebra outside our car while driving through the Safari with Corinne

Rhema and me pictured in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre- the site where Jesus was buried after taken off the cross

CCD3EC49-5F8F-4CD2-B37D-0155C2C588FE — The Old City in Jerusalem, Israel

My teammates and I took Rhema out to Atlanta, a popular night club in Tel Aviv

Stopped to ride camels on our way to the Dead Sea

Mud bath at the Dead Sea. The mud is rich in minerals from the salty Dead Sea water, and therefore very good for your hair and skin

The water at the Dead Sea is so dense that you float in it

I also had the chance to take Rhema to a men’s cup game, which was a pretty cool experience

Overall, season 8 was great. With the season in Israel ending somewhat early, I ended up signing with a team in Turkey, who’s season was still going on. Unfortunately, I was there only a week before the COVID-19 pandemic began. So the season there was postponed and all the foreigners went home. Most likely the remainder of the season will be cancelled rightfully so. Nevertheless, I am thankful I had an amazing experience in Israel before the pandemic began.

Reflecting back, my greatest advice would be to enjoy the ride, embrace challenges and divulge into the culture wherever you are!