My Favorite Easter Basket

The Easter Bunny spoiled me this year. I received two books from two of my basketball idols; my favorite player, Swin Cash and my favorite basketball analyst, Jay Bilas.

I am halfway through Cash's novel, and so far it is just reiterating why I have idolized her since I was in 5th grade. Having played collegiate basketball, dealing with the ups and downs in high school and college, fighting through back spasms, playing with stress fractures, but always having my faith and family to lean on, I realize Swin and I have so much in common. Swin truly is an inspiration to me and I'm thankful for that. 

Toughness is a novel that has had fantastic reviews. All coaches, no matter what sport, have been told to read this. All competitors, regardless if they play basketball or not, are told to read this. Every chapter has personal stories that teaches, develops and emphasizes the necessity of being tough, not just in basketball, but in life. Any book written by Jay Bilas is worth reading, I mean for goodness sakes, the man has fantastic basketball knowledge. One word of advice, follow Jay Bilas on Twitter because his tweets are meaningful and quite funny as well! 

I love basketball, and I love books about basketball. Every book I've read by anyone with a high basketball IQ has post-it notes and highlighters all throughout them. Thank you Easter Bunny for these two books! 

"To give up is to fail, because in losing you may have 

still won, because within you have conquered your 

fear of never giving up." -Swin Cash

xx- A Basketball Junkie

P.S. You'll never believe this.... I tweeted a photo of these two books to Swin Cash and Jay Bilas and I got a response back from BOTH of them! 

March Reading

Every year during March, Aquinas College and the Student Athlete Advisory Board promote their student-athletes to go to local grade schools to participate in March Reading Month. Over the past four years, I've enjoyed this service opportunity more than any other service venture I've done while being at Aquinas. 

I love to read, whether it's reading a novel, a blog, a newspaper or out loud to the seventeen animals I used to line up in my room and pretend that they were my class. There is just something about reading to a group of energetic elementary school students, who's eyes light up like it's Christmas morning, when we walk into the classroom. Having played collegiate basketball (and lacrosse), it is at this moment that regardless of where I played, Michigan State, Grand Valley State or Aquinas, it is still a HUGE deal. These kids look up to us and strive to be us! 

Today was the last day I will ever read to a classroom as an Aquinas College student-athlete. I have enjoyed the opportunities the past four years to do this (yes, even the two times I dressed as our Saint Bernard dog mascot "Nelson" and nearly sweated to death) and I hope to read to more classrooms in the future as a business professional. 

My reading buddies for the day! 

Future Aquinas College Saints with some currents Saints!

"Reading is a basic tool in the living of a good life"

xx

Katharine, Not Audrey

Most girls love Audrey Hepburn, especially because of her role in Breakfast at Tiffany's. I am not like most girls though, therefore, I love Katharine Hepburn. 

Katharine Hepburn was a woman who spoke her mind. She was a tomboy and athletic to boot. She was a spitfire, lead her own life and was extremely blunt. Honestly, I believe Katharine was a woman before her time. If I had to choose an actress to play me in a role, I would choose Katharine Hepburn, without hesitation. 

If you want to see a great movie, watch Guess Who's Coming to Dinner. 

xx

What Really Matters

I am a huge basketball fan. I watch games all the time. I used to play all the time because I had to, but I loved it. I love learning about players, so I'll follow them on Twitter, read articles, check out their fan club and I'll google them.

My two favorite players in men's college basketball right for the past two season have been Aaron Craft and Doug McDermott. 

I began fancying The Ohio State University's Craft three years ago largely because living in Michigan, I always watch Big Ten games. He has rosy cheeks and fantastic arms. Craft is a stealthy defender who has been an Academic All-American the past two seasons, garnering a 3.92 grade point average. Sadly, he's taken. Not like it matters anyway, he's not Catholic. 

Hello biceps & rosy cheeks

Supposedly they dated in 8th grade? Hello true love

However, with McDermott, my mother was the one who pointed him out to me. A beautiful, brown haired boy who plays basketball at a Catholic university? Sounds like a match made in heaven. As a sophomore at Creighton University, he was named an All-American. This year, he has averaged over 20 points a game and reached the 2,000 point milestone. Doug works his tail off on the offensive end, establishing himself low on the block early in every possession. His foot work, three point shot, passing and intensity have caught the eyes of the scouts and he is a sure lottery pick. Lastly, good genes run in his blood, because his father is his coach and seems to be the perfect family man! I hope he comes back for his senior season, but if not, maybe he'll get drafted to the Detroit Pistons. 

McDermott, center, surrounded by his teammates

George and Doug McDermott 

I love basketball & I love basketball players.

xx Former Basketball Star #32

Every Girl Deserves a Lilly

Every Spring, my Granmo treats me to a Lilly Pulitzer dress. I am very blessed to have a Grandmother and friend that makes a financial sacrifice to treat me to a dress that gives me such joy. Yes, Lilly brings me joy. Every time I put a Lilly dress on, I light up and my confidence level soars because I feel like the prettiest girl in the world.

I firmly believe that at some point in every girl's life, they deserve to have a Lilly. 

In my eyes, every Lilly dress I have is a collector's item. I cherish them like I cherished my trophies and medals when I was growing up. I just know that one day I will be able to do something with all of my Lilly dresses. 

My Graduation Dress!

I'm graduating in seven weeks from college, and I found the PERFECT dress to wear on the big day. I just so happen to be graduating the same day as the Kentucky Derby, so of course I got a matching derby hat with my monogram on it. 

"Life's a party, dress like it"

xx Clare