Basketball 2 in 1!

 

There are moments... moments where you are so filled with pride for your children that words can hardly describe it. That deep sense of contentment, the tears filling one's eyes recognizing the sheer effort one's children have put into something. There were moments like that - several of them - this basketball season. 

First, of course, was the fact that Amalia was asked to move up from middle school (where her father was thinking he would have the benefit of coaching her) to the junior varsity team. Then there was the moment that Irini announced that she had been named co-captain. Then there was the walking into the gym for the first game of the season and being surprised to see both girls standing at center court to start the game. Then, of course, the overcoming injuries, the hard fought games, the communication and all those things that make sports such a beautiful thing. 

And then there was the end-of-season tournament. Just two weeks earlier the somewhat inexperienced team was struggling but it all came together for the tournament. They were never going to blow anyone out (in fact, four of their six games ended with a three point of less difference) but they pushed through when they needed to. Perhaps the most tear-filled, pride-packed moment was the end of a double overtime game against DAA. Irini featured heavily in that, scoring two clutch shots in overtime, including what turned out to be the game winner. But it was on defense that she truly shone. And her absolute level-headedness during a time that everyone else (including mommy and daddy and little sister who was on the bench at the time) was freaking out!  That performance probably sealed the journey to the final!  

And then, in that final (which just a week before was unthought of) they both fought hard in. Amalia shone brightly with her leadership (she was the starting point guard throughout the tournament) and amazing defensive and transition passing. Easily this was her best game of the season and she left lots of promise for years to come. Irini continued her amazing defensive effort and fouled out with three minutes left. In the end the team fell by one point and finished second, but wow!  What growth!  What effort!  What teamwork!  

When a parent walks away from that - and especially one who isn't focused on the final placement, scores and medals - he/she can't help but be completely pride-filled and so very happy with what these two girls have managed to accomplish in one season. Making things every better it was a bit of a breakthrough season for the girls: One in which Amalia recognized not only that she is a good player, but found her passion for the game and Irini really stepped up in being an amazing role model for the rest of her teammates. And, as parents, being in a space where both one one's children are being introduced in a final is quite special too. Not that the moment has defined our relationship, but it does complete that pride-filling to recognize that we have special girls in this family. 

We love you both!! So much!