Aug 29, 2013
Follow @GTWBB | Recap Video of the Foreign Tour
THE FLATS – To show its appreciation to all that made its foreign tour possible, the Georgia Tech women’s basketball team donated part of its per diem back to the Georgia Tech Athletic Association.
The Yellow Jackets embarked on an 11-day foreign tour from Aug. 7 to Aug. 17 and played five exhibition games against foreign opponents in three different cities – Barcelona, London and Paris. The foreign tour would not have been possible if it wasn’t for the generous donations of both Georgia Tech donors and supporters.
“I am proud of our players and staff that upon our return to campus, each of us gave back all or a portion of our per diem,” head coach MaChelle Joseph said. “Each player individually presented our athletic director Mike Bobinski with a donation back to the Alexander-Tharpe Fund for making this trip possible. We have so many wonderful alumni, boosters, fans and friends of Georgia Tech that made this trip possible and we can’t thank them enough for their support and generosity.”
Redshirt senior Shayla Bivins, along with the rest of her teammates, understood how important it was to show appreciation to those who not only made the trip possible, but to those who support the GT women’s basketball program.
“For us to have the opportunity to give back money to go on such an amazing adventure with my teammates, I can’t even articulate how it makes me feel because it’s such a blessing,” Bivins said. “The small token that we did give back really does encompass how grateful we are for the opportunity that we have been given. The fact that so many people saw to it that me and my teammates got to go to Europe really means so much to me. We all just wanted to thank everybody that gave us the opportunity to experience the trip.”
Bivins, who has aspirations to go to law school following her final year at Georgia Tech, has gotten a behind-the-scenes look this semester at how the Georgia Tech Athletic Association runs. Bivins continues to intern with various departments such as the Alexander-Tharpe Fund, compliance, ticketing and human resource offices.
What has really interested her during her internship so far is how the Alexander-Tharpe Fund works and how she personally can thank all of those who have made her experience at Georgia Tech possible. Bivins is currently working on a project where her main goal is to have every Yellow Jacket student-athlete reach out to a donor and thank them for their support.
“For me, working on this project isn’t taxing and it doesn’t feel like work” Bivins said. “I am starting to understand what it takes to make this department run. It’s because people are generous enough to donate and allow me to have an incredible experience in college and play for a Division I team, while earning an invaluable degree from Georgia Tech. “
For Bivins, Coach Joseph and the rest of the Yellow Jackets, the trip to Europe not only provided a chance to play international competition, but also served as an incredible experience to bond with each other before the 2013-14 season gets underway.
“Our players understand and appreciate the contributions of so many that have made their Georgia Tech experience possible and wanted to give back as well,” Joseph said. “We saw some amazing sites and spent quality time together, building chemistry and appreciation for each other. The life lessons we experienced on this trip go far beyond the basketball court. I look forward to watching this team grow and mature during the season ahead.”
Season tickets and packs are on sale now for 2013-14 season, starting as low as $50, and can be purchased by calling 888-TECH-TIX. Every Sunday is Kid’s Day so all youth 18 and under get in free and get to enjoy our Kids’ Zone this season.
For an inside look at the program, follow Georgia Tech women’s basketball on Twitter, @GTWBB, Instagram, GTWBB, and like the Yellow Jackets on Facebook, GTWomensBasketball.
–RamblinWreck.com–
