K-State women’s basketball team takes trip to Rwanda
Most basketball players, including those on the K-State women’s team, expect their most memorable experiences to be playing on courts — not building them.
That expectation met a surprising reality in mid-May when players and coaches took a six-day trip to a local village in Rwanda. While the main task was to build a basketball court, the trip offered something much larger: an opportunity for the team to expand its worldview and create cross-cultural connections.
Junior forward Eliza Maupin was unsure how the week would unfold when arriving at the nunnery where the team was staying.
“I wanted to be so positive,” she said. “But right then and there I wanted to go back to my sweet little air conditioner — safe and home — and you couldn’t convince me otherwise.”
This perspective changed as the week progressed. Through experiences on and off the court, the team learned the beauty of pushing past comfort zones.
“Pulling out of the village was bittersweet,” said senior guard Brylee Glen. “I felt my throat start to dry up like I was about to grow teary-eyed. I didn’t know how grateful I’d be for this trip. It warmed my heart knowing that we as a group were able to positively impact this village and hopefully inspire these kids.”
While the way of life in Rwanda looked different than what most of the team had previously experienced, one theme rang true: humanity looks for happiness. Despite having to leave those they’d met behind, the joyful memories and lessons learned will stay with the K-State women’s basketball team for a lifetime.
Learn more about the team’s experiences, from playing ball to painting a Powercat on midcourt K-State Sports Extra – July 8, 2024 (kstatesports.com)