University of Georgia Athletics
'Red, White & Blog': Ashley Houts Journal Entry #1
June 24, 2007 | Women's Basketball
Hey UGA,
Just wanted to give you a quick update on what's happening with me here in France. Time wise it's been very difficult to have time until today for any "fun" stuff. We usually wake up and have breakfast by 8:00 (3:00 a.m. your time) then head on to a gym for practice. Today is Saturday, June 23, 2007, and we are having an off day that is reserved for touring the city of Antibes. We will have an opportunity to swim, sight see, and just spend time together and away from the gym. Our motel sits just at the edge of the Mediterranean Sea, and WOW! What a magnificent view! This is the most beautiful place in the world! I could never really describe it, but I will have plenty of pictures. This trip, so far, has been amazing from a tourist aspect, and from a USA athlete aspect - very rewarding and certainly demanding. I am so thankful to have had this time.
Practices are very intense and hard, but we have had a very good week. We just finished a week of playing where we had a three-game sweep of the French team. I feel that I am in the best in the world with my teammates. They are all so good, and have welcomed me (the new kid) wonderfully! The coaches and the staff with USA are remarkable, but also expect only the very best effort. I am learning a lot from my teammates and coaches. My playing time is gradually getting longer and I am getting used to the international play. We will be leaving on Tuesday, I believe, for the World Championships in Moscow, Russia. I am nervous about travel, and the country itself.
Our coaching staff gave each of us an assignment to work on while we have been here, and we had to pair up and present a topic. You can go online, I believe, and see what I did. I paired with Essence Carson from Rutgers. I am learning a lot from this experience. I hope to come away with several things that I learned while being in a foreign country. I will write probably once or twice more as I can get to a computer because I am having to borrow this one. I will give you more of an update on the cities and other of the cultures. I do know it is very EXPENSIVE here. Take care and I will write when I can.
Ashley Houts
