Lemons into Limone(ade)

In most things we do, doubt tends to creep in for whatever reason. It may be due to a lack of inadequacy or feeling like we’re not prepared. But it could also be because we love the feeling of our comfort zone. That’s exactly why it’s called that; it’s a cozy place to be, and we can find solace in the fact that we will always have something to fall back on.

I found myself there a lot, but earlier this year, I set a goal: try to do something different this summer. My comfort zone is knowing that I can always do basketball camps in Ireland throughout the summer, and I love doing them. But I also love to push myself, so the challenge was figuring out how to do something abroad this summer.

Following Your Gut

One of my tattoos comes from the anime Bungo Stray Dogs. I’m not even going to try and explain the premise because it’s a bit complicated lol. But when I watched an episode a few years ago, a line from a character stuck with me. It was “The head may err, but never the blood.” It means to follow your gut or instinct. I got it tatted on my left bicep in 2019, and truthfully, I forget it’s there sometimes.

For whatever reason, I started looking at it more often. Maybe it was because my gut and instinct were telling me to do something different.

I had some coaching success with my U17 boys’ team in April, winning our end-of-season playoff tournament and beating the best team in the league. It was a good feeling because the journey there was a challenge that I had to figure out. So, I went to the coaching lab and did so.

Sidebar, I’ma talk my shit quickly. Maaan, I did a hell of a job. And y’all know me; I’m not one to brag about anything. I come from very humble beginnings, so for me to do so makes me feel weird. But I must because my therapist told me it’s ok to celebrate myself, and I’m learning how to do that more. The day I returned from easter break, I had a game with my boys that evening. We won easily, which was good, but I knew our opponents in the final would be tough. The final was the following Wednesday, and we only had one day to practice, the Monday before.

Shoutout to jetlag because on Sunday night into Monday morning, I created an entire scout, which took me about 4 hours. I revamped all our plays, added a new defensive scheme, the Diamond and One, and sent it to our team captain. Shoutout to my players because they locked in for that one day of prep, and we got the job done when many people didn’t think so because we finished fourth in the league.

Limone Piemonte, Italy

I digress. Before my coaching success in April, going back to what I was saying earlier about my gut telling me to do something different, I revamped my coaching CV and started sending it out EVERYWHERE. Google is your best friend, and I searched basketball academies in Europe, Asia, UAE, and the US to try and find an opportunity to get me out of my comfort zone.

I got a few denials, but not because I was underqualified; I was too late with my applications, and positions were already filled. From the responses I did get, some opportunities weren’t going to be worth it financially, although they seemed decent enough.

I did get a response from Riviera Basketball Academy, based in France, in late March. They said they would look at my CV and get back to me. People are busy, so I reached out again in May and was told I should expect confirmation in a few weeks.

Then, while I was in Athens in June, Coach Franck Gallot asked if I was available for two weeks in July, and I didn’t hesitate. I knew this was the opportunity I was searching for, the one that teenage Conroy would be ecstatic about—going to a remote village in what you could describe as “Italian countryside” and coaching basketball. Yes, please.

When it was time to go, it was a little surreal. The night before, I shed tears of joy because I was happy. As I always say to my students, it’s about opportunity. Money will come because I work my ass off. However, opportunities to highlight your skills and abilities may not be available. So, you gotta make lemonade out of lemons when the chance presents itself, and I did just that.

I took a taxi to the village with Raul, someone who is now going to be a friend for life. I was taking in all my surroundings throughout the drive. As we got closer, the scenery got even more beautiful because we were up in the mountains, and wow, it was breathtaking. I couldn’t believe it at times, but my aura just exuded gratitude. The village people were amazing, friendly, and accommodating.

I knew during that first week I had to display myself because Franck took a chance on me, a random person who emailed him unexpectedly with a CV full of basketball accomplishments. I didn’t want to disrespect his time, and I didn’t want to shit the bed, so to speak. That was never going to happen, but again, it was a little daunting because although I’ve coached at many basketball camps before, these were new kids. Additionally, they were from all over Europe, and for some, English wasn’t their first language.

However, the language that remained the same was basketball, my forte, something I’ve been doing my entire life. So, once we started, I was in my element. I knew I brought something different the two days I took the warmup. For those who know me, I’m all about defense and energy. I know some kids were probably scarred afterward, but I wanted to show them what basketball was really about because the focus is purely on offense these days. But what about defense? Can you guard? Can you get a stop when necessary, even when your body is telling you to give up? Mental toughness is paramount in sports, but even more so in life. It’ll knock you down, but you must push through, no matter what.

I knew I killed it, honestly. But what solidified it for me was the other coaches telling me how inspirational it was and that they hadn’t seen anything like that before. And I don’t think they were talking about the drills; I would say the passion and energy I provided, even in that hot ass sun. I was sweating so much that it looked like I did the warmup with the kids. But again, shoutout to the kids because they responded well and all did a fantastic job.

Don’t Starve, Go Eat

Those two weeks in Limone were great, but I didn’t want my time abroad to end. First, I wanted to remain in the heat before returning to Ireland. My body was enjoying all the sunlight it was getting. Secondly, I enjoyed my time with the coaches and the friendships forged during that time. This same camp was happening in Valencia, and I wanted to go so badly.

So, I asked if another coach was needed. Again, I was told, ‘I’ll let you know,’ but I wasn’t worried about it. I knew I showcased my abilities well enough and that it was a matter of time before a ‘Yes’ was coming my way. And sure enough, it did. I found myself in Valencia doing the same thing I was doing in Limone; coaching my ass off and making the most of an experience teenage Conroy would’ve jumped at without even thinking.

Now I was in a Euroleague facility, holding a Euroleague basketball, manifesting that one day I’ll be able to coach at that level. I know I’ll get there, and I know it’ll take time. God has been prepping me slowly but surely and letting me know that wonderful things are on the horizon. He’s given me a sneak peek, and it’s made me excited about what’s to come. But in the meantime, I’ll continue to work hard to ensure I’m ready for that opportunity when it comes some years down the line.

If I ignored my instinct, spirit, gut, or whatever you want to call it, I wouldn’t have had the summer I did. I wouldn’t have met amazing coaches, who are now friends. Shoutout to Seth, Kemy, Sacha, Baye, Rick, Jose, Raul, Sama, David, and the two Marcos. I always tell my players, students, or those looking for advice, “Closed mouths don’t get fed.” I can’t remember where or when I heard that quote. But it’s stuck with me from my adolescence to now. When you want something and your gut is giving you that nudge, telling you it’s hungry, don’t starve yourself because on the other side is a buffet of opportunities. Now, go and fill your plate.

Peace and Blessings.

CB