CNU Alumna Chelsie Schweers ('11) is giving CNUsports.com an exclusive look into her professional playing career in Athens, Greece. Her blog It's All Greek to Me is a weekly entry to the Christopher Newport Athletics website, detailing her endeavors abroad both on and off the court.
Each February Greece holds a carnival season that is similar to Mardi Gras. The carnival is called Apokreas (pronounced ah-PO-kree-ahs) and this year it ran from February 5-26. It is the holiday that lets you know that winter will soon be over and spring is on its way. During carnival season it is perfectly normal to see people dressed up in costumes and face paint. The closer it gets to the end of the month even more people start dressing up. It was fun to be out and about and see people in costumes everywhere I went. The last weekend they held a huge parade and party in the streets, but unfortunately our game was at 8:00 p.m. and I missed the big parade.
Wednesday's game was our first since coming off a really big win against the #2 team in the league. During practice the coach wanted to make sure we were not taking this game for granted. This game also turned out to be my second career start. My team got off to a good start and had a decent lead, but we started getting sloppy which built up our opponent's confidence. After halftime and a few words from the coach, we were refocused and took care of business with a 67-56 win! I ended this game with 21 points (5 threes), 5 steals, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists.
On Saturday, March 10, we play the top team in our league. They recently broke the UConn women's winning streak record and are currently 92-0. They haven't lost a game in about 6 years! I am definitely looking forward to knocking them off their streak. I know we can do it!
I am hoping for some warmer and nicer weather soon! As I'm sure you know, the first Olympic Games were held in Athens in 1859. The stadium is near my apartment and I want to get in there and take some pictures to post for y'all! Everything in Greece is going great! I thought by now I would be used to the time difference but I still go to bed at 3 or 4 AM! I hope everyone is doing great back home!
