June 28 was the move-in day for the Niners. 10 new players came to campus for the first time to begin their careers at Charlotte, along with four returners from the 2023-24 roster. Due to the European tour, it allowed Coach Reed to accelerate the summer workouts and practices in preparation for Italy and Greece with extra practice time to implement their offensive and defensive schemes.

“We had only been together for roughly a month before leaving for this trip,” said newcomer Hayleigh Breland, a transfer who played for Reed at Jackson State. “We were very fortunate to have this European tour in August. It was great to have this once in a lifetime experience with my teammates and build bonds with each other that did not exist before.” 

ROME, ITALY

The first full day in Rome featured a tour of the historic Roman Colosseum, the largest standing ancient amphitheater in the world. Construction began in 72 AD, completed in 80 AD, and was widely known for its gladiatorial contests and public spectacles.

“It was very cool to see the Colosseum up close and in person,” said Jayla Kelly. “To think they built that without the modern-day technology we have today is impressive to think about. There was so much history to see in Rome and our team enjoyed and was grateful for the experience.”

After the tour, the Niners grabbed a team meal before preparing for their first game of the trip. Excitement was evident throughout the team and staff about the opportunity to eat authentic Italian food.

“Eating authentic Italian and Greek food was my favorite part of the trip,” said Kayla Green.  “Experiencing new foods and cultures was something I was excited about leading up to coming here. I sent my family pictures of all the food I was trying and I’m sure that was making them jealous.

The game against Rome Select was the first competition for Charlotte against an opponent under Reed.

“I was very proud of our team’s performance,” said Reed. “We are a new team with 14 players competing against three international teams that have been together for some time. Right now, we are wanting to be masters of detail and finding team chemistry. We were able to mix and match rotations while we were here and get everyone playing time. I feel good about the depth of our team.”

THE VATICAN / GAME TWO

Next on the Rome itinerary was taking a tour of the Vatican, Sistine Chapel, & St. Peter’s Basilica. The area is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church and home to the Pope and countless iconic art and architecture.

“The Vatican City was my favorite part of the trip,” said Jordan Peete. “Learning about history and seeing all the art was something I enjoyed. The Michelangelo painting on the ceiling in the Sistine Chapel was unique to see in person.”

Pope Sixtus IV had the Sistine Chapel built between 1473 and 1481 and today serves as the site of the papal conclave, the process by which a new pope is selected. Between 1508 and 1512, Michelangelo painted the chapel’s ceiling which is regarded as one of the major artistic accomplishments of human civilization.

Following the tour, the Niners prepared for game two of their trip versus Angri Select. Between the traveling, tours, and games, fatigue was wearing heavy on the Niners.

“Coach Reed talks to us a lot about having to overcome adversity to have the success our team wants to accomplish,” said Jordan Peete. “We were all tired from the travel and tours, but we were able to bounce back from slow starts in a few of our games this week and put together some stretches of high-level basketball. Overall, I would say there were positive takeaways for our team from this trip on the basketball court.”

SORRENTO, ITALY

Late Thursday (Aug. 8) night after the game the Niners arrived in Sorrento. Friday morning, the team left for a kayaking trip down the coast of Sorrento. Players, coaches, and support staff enjoyed the morning out on the water after three long days of travel, tours, and games.

Friday (Aug. 9) afternoon, Charlotte hosted a community service basketball clinic with kids in the surrounding area of Sorrento. The team hosted an hour-long camp outdoors featuring practice drills and fun games for the kids. It was an amazing experience for all involved to see how basketball can bring everyone together from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds.

Saturday and Sunday (Aug. 10-11), the team loved the two days out on the boat seeing the island coasts of Amalfi, Positano, and Capri Island. At Capri, the Niners had their own private boat tour and were able to enjoy an afternoon of swimming.

“We are a new team, and this trip was much needed for us to become comfortable with each other both on and off the court,” said Kayla Green. “We are having fun living life as a team and all the excursions have helped build a sense of team chemistry.”

ATHENS, GREECE

Monday (Aug. 12) Charlotte flew from Naples, Italy to Athens Greece for the third and final stop of their European tour. Once arrived, the Niners split up for free time with an optional bike tour of Athens available for players, coaches, and support staff.

“The bike tour of Athens was something I loved,” said Hayleigh Breland. “Seeing the Panathenaic Stadium (where the first of the modern Olympic Games was held in 1896) and the changing of the guard outside the presidential mansion in Athens was very interesting.”

On Tuesday, the Niners took their final tour of the Acropolis of Athens, an ancient citadel located on a rocky outcrop above the city that contains the remains of several ancient buildings including the most well-known, the Parthenon. The sculpture is considered one of the highlights of classical Greek art built in the fifth century BC.

Charlotte then regrouped for their final game that evening versus the Swiss Senior Team. The prior games and time spent together thus far on the trip helped give the Niners a new sense of confidence and belief in each other.

“The coaching staff’s confidence and belief in us rubs off on the players,” said Jordan Peete. “Throughout the games of the European tour, they did not waver in their belief in us regardless of how the game went. That reassurance gave us the extra boost needed to keep fighting and overcome adversity within the game.”

Kayla Green echoed that sentiment.

“Coach Reed instills confidence in each of us. She believes in everyone. As a player, when you know your coaches and teammates believe in you, it gives you the confidence that leads to success on the court.”

On the final day of the trip before traveling back to Charlotte, the Niners enjoyed a day of rest and relaxation at the Bolivar Beach Club, followed by a team dinner later that evening before an early flight back to the United States later that morning.

THANK YOU

“It was a great experience for our players to go on a tour of several historical places,” said Coach Reed. “A lot of team bonding and getting to know each other better on and off the court. Great things are happening right now for our program! We want to thank everyone who made this trip possible: AD’s Mike Hill and Ragean Hill, donors, alumni, and everyone who has supported our program. This trip was a memory our team will hold close to them for the rest of their lives, and we are very grateful to have gone on this tour!”