Thursday November 25th 2010 is the day almost every American was celebrating a day of giving in feasts and family time, but the highlight of my Thanksgiving was the thanks I got for giving a pair or shoes to some grateful, cheerful children in Freeport on Grand Bahama Island.

The day started like any other day, but when I stepped foot on the school property at Lewis Yard Primary School, I was immediately overwhelmed with warmth and welcomes from the staff and children around me. Of course it was recess so they were already in a good mood, and they didn’t even know we were there to give them something, so the smiles and hugs really meant something.

It first hit home to me how deserving these kids were when I approached a few of the boys who were drawing on the chalkboard, and I put my hand on it, filled it with chalk and showed the kids how to make hand prints. The kids did not only leave their handprints on the chalkboard, but it also left a print on my heart! After the meet and greet, the whole school came out in such an orderly manner, and they opened with a song that brought tears to my eyes. They kept repeating words similar to “thank you Lord for everything we have,” and it made me smile. From most outsiders points of view they don’t have much, but to them they have everything they need!

When the shoe distribution started I was measuring feet and taking sizes. It was fun just to chill and chat with the kids! The excitement and anticipation they had for a pair of shoes was so amazing! They were the sweetest and most grateful kids ever! My jaw was actually getting tired from smiling so much, as if I should be the one smiling!  Some of the stories we heard were sad and hard to take into consideration, but we weren’t going to let it affect us anymore then it did them! One thing I learned was to always try to take the positive out of every situation. That’s what I felt they did, and I do believe that will get them very far in life.

The lasting impressions their smiles left on me are unforgettable, and I know they will walk many miles and take many journeys in those one pair of shoes we gave them!!

-Cierra Bravard

I was not sure exactly what to expect when we boarded the plane to head to the Bahamas for our Thanksgiving trip. I did know that it was certain to be just another incredible experience. I have come to expect that with our coaches and staff. They always seem to give us opportunities to experience so much more than basketball. Our trip to the Bahamas was no different. It was far more than just a basketball tournament. It was a time of giving, thankfulness, and team bonding.

My favorite part of the trip was getting to serve and spend time with children at Lewis Yard Primary School. It was such a rewarding experience on so many levels. We got to humble ourselves and wash the feet of children who are less fortunate than us, although you would never know that by their attitude towards life. They were so happy and thankful for the smallest things. Sometimes we forget how truly blessed we are. I will be forever grateful for that experience because it showed me there is far more to life than playing basketball, and I have so much to enjoy and be thankful for.

While it was great that we toughed out two wins, we still have so much to work on as a basketball team. My teammates and I are more determined than ever to be selfless and grow together. It is so encouraging to know that even in the toughest of circumstances I have 10 teammates who have my back.

I am so blessed to experience the things we get to do as Seminoles. Sitting on the plane ride home, looking out the window and thinking back on the last few years, I was overwhelmed just thinking about how lucky I am. It was a great trip, and of course I am pumped that our football team beat the Gators! Go ‘Noles!

- Alexa Deluzio

I had never been out of the country so I was really excited about going to the Bahamas. It was such a fun time. We got to do a lot of really cool things, but my favorite thing was spending time with the kids at the school where we gave out shoes.

They were so excited to see us and hang out with us. It really helped remind me how lucky we all are. We get so much stuff, and it is easy to take it for granted sometimes. I mean seriously, we get clothes, running shoes, basketball shoes, really anything we need or want. These kids were smiling so big. I never really pictured myself doing something like that, washing kids’ feet, and giving them a new pair of shoes. It was an experience I will never forget. It didn’t stop there though. We danced with them, and laughed with them. They all wanted hugs or high fives. They had so much love to give.

You don’t realize that you are going to get to do things like that going into college, but it was so much fun. I was so lucky to be able to go to the Bahamas with my teammates and experience new things. I had so much fun with them and I am looking forward to the rest of the season.

- Natasha Howard

 

Last Thursday wasn’t your average Thanksgiving. Looking back on it now, it makes me realize just how blessed I am to play basketball at Florida State. It gives me so many neat opportunities, and Thanksgiving Day is a pretty perfect picture of all the things I get to experience as a Seminole.

Our trip to the Bahamas turned out to be much more than just fun and games.  We got the special opportunity to work with a program called Samaritans Feet.  This organization is designed to give children less  fortunate than us the chance to receive a brand new pair of shoes.  It might not seem like a lot to us but the shoes brought more happiness and smiles than anyone could imagine.  The experience was very rewarding and it made me appreciate everything I have. It was a great way to start off our Thanksgiving.

After we served the little kids we got the have a team party on the beach. They had jetskis, banana boating, and a water trampoline for us to use. Lex and I had a blast riding the jetski, and overall the whole time on the beach let us relax and have fun as team without having to use a basketball. The beaches were gorgeous and the water was so clear! It is always funny to see my teammates’ personalities shine, and spending time with them on the beach was a lot of fun.

The whole area was just beautiful, and it was really exciting to see and experience a different culture. One of the best things about the trip was that my family came down to watch us play, so it was really cool to still eat thanksgiving dinner with them! We went to a banquet for the tournament with all the other teams and I still got my fill of turkey! Afterwards, some of the local people came and performed a traditional “Junkanoo” march with singing and dancing. It was very cool. It capped off a wonderful day.

Although there were many distractions that could have changed our focus, we were able to stay together as a team and get the job done. We worked hard and played with a lot of energy in both of our wins. All in all it was a great trip! Go Noles!

– Liv

We had our first exhibition game yesterday, and wow, what a great start for our team on Sunday! I was so excited and nervous to see how things were going to play out with new players, new plays, new attitudes, and a new work ethic. Those are things that are definitely going to carry us far this season!

I saw so many great things Sunday and they definitely outweighed the bad things. You better believe that we are striving for excellence so those mistakes will be addressed this week in practice. It will be really important for use to continue to work hard and focus on getting better until the season “officially” starts on Nov. 12.

This might have been the hardest pre-season I have ever experienced with a basketball team and our preparation for the season has been challenging, but we know were going to see the results this season. The coaches really challenged us to be in great physical shape, and they have really been on us about being mentally tough.

I want give a special shout out to our freshman class, Tay, Tash and Liv who stepped up and played like anything but freshman!! And LC, you will get your chance soon enough. Keep being positive and rehabbing that knee!

Every time I step on the court I’m reminded why I came here. My team is amazing and I am so excited to continue to work towards our goals with them. Also, we couldn’t be more thankful for all our fans that made it out to support us in our first exhibition game! It was so fun to meet you all and sign autographs. We hope you like what you saw and guarantee more to come! It’s going to be an exciting season! Go ‘Noles

Florida State redshirt sophomore sensation Alexa Deluzio will periodically give fans a glimpse in on the life of a Seminole basketball player. Here is her latest diary entry:

Wow, what a summer! I think I could sit here and literally write hours upon hours about our past summer. It’s no secret that last season we reached new heights by going to the Elite 8. That was/is school history. For most teams achieving such a tremendous goal would mean it’s okay to get a little comfortable, to relax, or to sit back and bask in the glory. Our team did the complete opposite this summer. While we did enjoy and recognize our amazing accomplishment, we also knew that the expectations for the 2010-2011 season had gone up.

We don’t just want to reach the Elite 8 again this year. Even though that is an awesome triumph, we believe that would be settling for our team. Why not make the choice to push yourself from a really good team to a great team? Even though “good” and “great” on paper doesn’t seem like much of a difference, when you apply that concept to the basketball court it’s a huge difference. “Really good” are Elite 8 teams and “Great” are champions. We want to be great!

This summer has been a summer of selflessness, hard work, and dedication. Out of all the post/preseason’s I have been apart of, this has by far been the most productive. Every single person evaluated themselves and figured out what they can improve on to better help the team. For some it was conditioning, for others it was skill work or mentality. Whatever it was, we went above and beyond to make sure that was our focus for this summer. We realized by strengthening our own individual abilities it would actually strengthen, help, and propel our team to our goal.

I believe that our selflessness, hard work, and time that was put in this summer will separate us from “really good” to great! Can’t wait for the season!!

- Alexa “Lex” Deluzio

Ten Questions with the Seminole Freshmen

What did you expect moving to Florida?

Tay’ler: That it was going to be hot!

Olivia: It’s a lot more humid. When you walk out side, you sweat. But I like it.

What has been the best part so far?

Natasha: Spending time with my teammates and getting our gear. It is crazy how close you get with your teammates in such a short time.

Lauren: Spending time with my teammates. We go over to Cierra and Lex’s a lot and hang out.

Olivia: Being able to bond with my teammates and get some workouts in.

What is the most fun thing you have done with your teammates?

Olivia: Homemade dinner and movie nights with the team. I also made Tacos for the upperclassmen. That was a lot of fun.

Natasha: The photo shoot we did for the website. It was fun dressing up. I can’t wait to see the pictures. It was something I have never gotten to do before.

What are you most looking forward to about the season?

Lauren: Having more fun with my teammates and winning games. I am sure it will be really intense, but I am excited about it.

Tay’ler: I’m excited to start the season and play games. It will be fun to get on the road and bond with my teammates.

Who is the goofiest coach?

All: Coach White!

Who is the goofiest player?

All: Cierra!

Who is the best dressed player?

Olivia: Tay’ler.

Lauren: Tay’ler

Tay’ler: Me!

Natasha: Me!

What has been the biggest challenge so far?

Olivia: Time management, and making sure I get all my work done. There is a lot of responsibility to juggle, but it has been a good experience learning how to balance school and basketball.

Natasha: Managing my time so I can make sure I get school work and basketball work done. It has been a lot of work, but I know it will pay off.

What has been the biggest adjustment from high school to college been?

Tay’ler: It’s a lot faster pace as far as basketball, and coming from a small catholic school there are way more people. I think I have adjusted pretty well though.

Lauren: More responsibilities, and more independence. I am up for the challenge, though.

When did you know you wanted to be a Seminole?

Olivia: The first time I came on campus it felt so right, but I am pretty indecisive so it took me a while to say it.

Tay’ler: When I had a dream that we won a national championship.

Lauren: The first time I came here for team camp. It was such a cool place and I really felt like I could grow here.

Natasha: When I came here for my visit. Everything felt right. The coaches really do care about me as a person, and I knew that this was the best place for me academically and for basketball.

Hey Seminole Fans!

Woooo!! Washington DC!! We definitely are getting our workout done!! Monuments, tours, walks, walks and more walks! If you want to burnt calories, DC is the perfect place!!

Day 1: got lost on our way to the airport, but as soon as we arrived we got to c-ward’s uncle’s house and enjoy our first boxing party. Chas and cint met us there and we hung out together playing some pool.

Day 2: We visited the Museum of the Holocaust and walk around DC exploring the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial.

Day 3: We used our third day for a little of rest and family time.

Day 4: Shopping day! We spent more than 3 hours walking through a hugeee mall. We went out the mall with bunch of bags, and little money….We had a nice dinner at Olive Garden with Courtney’s family.

Day 5: 11.30 a.m. First exhibition game for Cint’s WNBA team: Washington Mystics. Unfortunately she couldn’t play because she is she is on treatment to make her knees better.However, we were still able to enjoy the game, her new home court and all the fans that came to see them play.

After the game, we went to discover Washington DC by foot. We walked so much!! But it was worth it because we got a lot of really nice picture. Then, Cint picked us up and we went to hang out at her new apartment in her new car. We are so happy for her and we think she deserves the best!!

Day 6: We woke up early, drove to the city and started our metro day!  We to see the inside of the pentagon and the pentagon memorial, where the plane crashed on 9-11 in 2001. After that, we took the metro again and came to a tour inside the capitol. Now, we are waiting to start it.

The rest of the plans for today is to go the tour of bureau of engraving money at 5. And after that, to finish our day, we will go to see our first baseball game. The Washington Nationals play against the Atlanta Braves.

And tomorrow more DC!!

So happy to be here!

-Leonor “Leo” Rodriguez & Courtney “CWARD” Ward

Seminole Fans!

We are so excited to host the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament this weekend! Here is everything you need to know about the three other teams playing at the Donald L. Tucker Center on Saturday.

14- Seed: Lousiana Tech Lady Techsters

Record: 23-8 (11-5 WAC)

Bid: WAC Tournament Champions

Leading Scorer: Shanavia Dowdell (18 PPG)

Head Coach: Teresa Weatherspoon

6-Seed: St. Johns Red Storm

Record: 24-6 (12-4 Big East)

Bid: At-large

Leading Scorer: Da’Shena Stevens (14.2 PPG)

Head Coach: Kim Barnes Arico

11-Seed: Princeton Tigers

Record: 26-2 (14-0, Ivy League)

Bid: Ivy League Tournament Champions

Leading Scorer: Niveen Rasheed (15.6 PPG)

Head Coach: Courtney Banghart

Wow, where do I even begin with this one? Monday night we had our Selection Show party in the Presidents Box and it was amazing. I have never felt so many emotions all at once. While waiting, as patiently as possible, for ESPN to reveal Florida State’s seeding in the NCAA tournament, emotions raced through my body. I felt anxious, happy, and extremely excited all at once…… Phew, the wait was finally over. We got a 3-seed and are scheduled to play Louisiana Tech Saturday at 2:30 pm.

I think I can speak for the team when I say that our emotions quickly changed from anxious and excited to determined. I am not saying we aren’t happy or still excited, but we know that in order to go as far as we possibly can in this tournament we must be focused and determined. We have to block out silly talk and just believe in ourselves. You have people who are going to bring negativity, talking about the fact that UConn is in our bracket…..So???… While I would love the opportunity to possibly get a rematch with UConn or Duke or even get to face Ohio State, it is really important for us to stay focused at what is in front of us this weekend. This is why we as athletes love playing, for the challenge and competitiveness.

I am confident that our team will rise to the challenge this time around. This tournament is not about records or number of wins throughout the season, it is about who wants it more on that day. When we play Louisiana Tech, us being regular season champions and ranked No. 10 in the nation doesn’t matter. The only thing that does matter is who is determined and wants it more Saturday at 2:30PM. When our team comes together, plays hard and and plays relentless (props to Coach Close for that great vocab word …) we are unstoppable. Its going to be a fun and exciting tournament! Please come out and cheer us on Saturday!

- Alexa “Lex” Deluzio