Oct. 16, 2008

OXFORD, Ohio - Last Thursday afternoon, the Miami Women's Basketball Team reported to the basketball offices for what they assumed was one of the last pre-season conditioning days of the year. They were prepared - swimsuits, towels and tennis shoes - for a land and pool workout. But once everyone arrived, head coach Maria Fantanarosa huddled the team and explained plans had changed. Instead of the expected workout, they were to sprint to one of the coach's cars to begin a scavenger hunt that would take them all over campus.

Unbeknownst to them, the players were about to embark on a journey filled with Miami "fun facts" and team bonding activities that would eventually lead them back to Millett Hall for a memorable ring ceremony!

The coaching staff drove the players to Hoyt Hall (Western campus) where they received their first clue and began the adventure.

At each of the five checkpoints, the team had an activity to complete together before receiving their next clue. And, the upperclassmen were to teach the freshmen the Miami Fight Song along the way!

The first task was for the team to sing songs with the pre-school kids at Mini University. After completing the mission and learning the first two lines of the Fight Song, they received their next clue. They were to travel to the reflecting pool where they would make a wish for the season and throw a penny into the water! After singing the song they learned at Mini University, they received clue three, which directed them to the seal at the center of campus. Here the task was to learn facts about each other's past, present and future before heading to the next destination. The fourth checkpoint was Withrow Court where they read an article and facts about Title IX before discussing women who paved the way for them.

There was only one stop left......

The sounds of the Miami Fight Song echoed inside a dark gym at Millett Hall as the fourteen members of the Miami women's basketball team walked arm in arm to the last stop on the treasure hunt.

As the team approached the dark court, a highlight video recapping their MAC Championship performance played, and a spotlight focused on a big red box sitting on top of the goal. At the conclusion of the video, Jaclyn Leininger and Jenna Schone climbed the ladder and pulled the box off the rim. As the spotlight followed the team to the free throw line, they opened the package together while red and white balloons poured from the ceiling. Screams were abundant as it became evident the package contained their championship rings. The freshmen witnessed the upperclassmen's excitement, but also received rings of their own....candy rings with a note attached saying, "DREAM BIG!"

The women's basketball support staff and coaches hid in the dark stands at Millett Hall and watched the team's discovery unfold. It was a truly memorable day for all!

Needless to say several of the players were ecstatic with the day's events:

"It was a very adventurous and memorable day," said senior point guard Jenna Schone. "It was a great way to share experiences with everyone and listen to each others thoughts and feelings along the way."

"The moment of receiving our rings was amazing; and, without even realizing it, all the hard work, the sore legs, aches and pains, were pushed aside," commented junior guard Courtney Reed. "This is what we worked for! This is what playing basketball is all about."

"Unbelievable...a memory that you will keep for your lifetime," said sophomore forward Michele Weynandt.

"Today was an awesome and exciting day!" said senior forward Jaclyn Leininger. "The team and I all thought we were going to have a pool workout today. We went around campus doing these bonding activities and when we got back to Millet, the court was pitch black, and the MAC Championship game was on the projector screen. It was a really creative way for us to receive the rings, and we were so surprised. It was one exciting day."

The RedHawks take the court for an exhibition against the Hoosier Lady Stars on November 9, at 2 p.m. in Millett Hall. Miami opens its season November 14, at Eastern Illinois. Game time is scheduled for 8 p.m. (EST).