The weather outside may be getting chillier, but the Den is definitely heating up. Now that volleyball season has ended and basketball season is in full swing, its already time for students to take a little break from the excitement for Thanksgiving break. For our student athletes, however, basketball carries on into the holiday. One of the members of our women’s basketball team, Amy Sprout, wants to show you what the spirit of Thanksgiving means to her in the guest post below. Have an awesome break and come check out Loyola basketball in the Den this season!
Thanksgiving is one of my favorite days of the year. There are so many different thoughts that come to mind when I reflect on what Thanksgiving means to me. First and foremost, it is a time for family, to enjoy each other’s company. In today’s world when hectic schedules don’t often allow for that to happen, we can lose sight of the importance of family. Of course, there’s the taste of turkey, mashed potatoes, and homemade stuffing and delicious treats that we share in the company of loved ones.
As a college basketball player, my appreciation for Thanksgiving has grown even deeper. Thanksgiving falls in the middle of our season. Our Thanksgiving break takes a very different form from that of a typical college student. Depending on our game schedule, our day usually consists of practice or travel. Being from New Orleans, I have been fortunate to be able to spend time on Thanksgiving Day with my family. Not all of my teammates are as fortunate. However, my teammates and coaches have formed a family here at Loyola and we make sure that everyone is included in Thanksgiving.
From a team perspective, Thanksgiving has an even deeper meaning. Playing basketball at Loyola has been one of the best experiences of my life and I think my teammates would agree. We are all very fortunate for the opportunities we have. It’s easy to get caught up in the daily routine of practice, games, and school and lose sight of what we have been given. Thanksgiving is a time of the year when we can all just take a step back and truly recognize and be thankful for everything we have- the opportunity to play ball at the college level and study at a great university like Loyola.
Thanksgiving has always been and always will be an important time of the year for me. Even though it may take a non traditional form as a college basketball player, I am fortunate to be able to spend it with those close to me, while doing something I love! Happy Thanksgiving!
