It is common for basketball teams to take an international trip in the summer and play against unfamiliar opponents. Doing so enhances team bonding and hones the players\u2019 ability to play outside their comfort zones. DeLisha Milton-Jones, head women\u2019s basketball coach at Old Dominion University (ODU) in Virginia, chose something a little different for her team. The players, coaches, and staff traveled to Los Angeles, where Milton-Jones had played for the Los Angeles Sparks, winning WNBA titles in 2001 and \u201902.<\/p>\n
\u201cI wanted them to have an experience where we could \u2026 intertwine the Sparks organization with ODU women\u2019s basketball,\u201d said Milton-Jones, a two-time Olympic gold medalist who now also coaches with USA Basketball. \u201cIt happened in a beautiful way. We practiced in their facility for two practices, which was amazing.\u201d<\/p>\n
The ODU players, coaches, and staff attended two Sparks games, against the Seattle Storm and the New York Liberty, and were invited onto the court to toss T-shirts to the fans. \u201cAfter the first session, we had a roundtable with several Sparks players,\u201d Milton-Jones said. \u201cIt was a tremendous conversation for everyone to be a part of to get that insight. My players did a great job of asking thoughtful questions and they got thoughtful responses. It helped them understand that they\u2019re not that far removed from that opportunity.\u201d<\/p>\n
Although not a lot of WNBA draft picks come from mid-major schools, there are growing opportunities with the league in expansion mode \u2014 two more teams debut in 2026. Milton-Jones said the LA experience and knowledge of expansion let players know not to give up on their dreams. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe also had the opportunity from this trip to spend a lot of quality time together,\u201d said Milton-Jones. \u201cWe could really hash out some things \u2026 We had two- to three-hour conversations [where] we just put everything out on the table \u2026 [The players] empowered each other to use their voices to where you speak on what you feel and then we can figure out solutions.\u201d<\/p>\n
The ODU players also saw a tribute video for Milton-Jones played on the jumbotron, a reminder of what a fierce and vital player she was. \u201cI think the players had a better understanding and grasp of why I am the way that I am,\u201d she said. \u201cIt changed how they saw me. They understand my expectations and standards more clearly.\u201d <\/p>\n
Like this:<\/p>\n
Like Loading…<\/p>\n