In this new segment "Eagles Abroad" we get the chance to talk to our Eagles players who are currently in the college system in America. In our first edition we were able to get the chance to talk to Meg Crupi who has just finished her first year at St. Francis Brooklyn and is adjusting to the schedule of a college athlete. Not only is she putting the time in on the court but has been doing the work in the classroom and the team has been acknowledged with the Directors Award (3.69 GPA) 

1.    How did you and your team perform this past season?

In the past season, my team made it to the playoffs and lost in the first round. Our conference has the type of teams where last could beat first on any given night and because of that it’s extremely competitive.

The change from playing in Australia to America at the beginning was challenging. With the 3 point line closer and their different game style with different rules it was hard at the beginning but I was able to quickly adapt. Although having a 30 second shot clock was different for me, I felt the game was more fast paced which I had to learn to get used to.

 2.   How are you going with managing your workload of both basketball and school? What is your average day scheduled like?

When I first arrived in Brooklyn I can definitely say that managing my workload was hard. Going from weights to 3 classes to practise to study hall and trying to find time to eat was a difficult task but after the months went on, it all became a lot easier.

In pre-season an average day for me would be weights, 3 classes, study hall, 3 hour practise, homework, sleep, repeat. As the non-conference and conference season got closer games were included and practises were changed around but all days included those things.

 3.      What are the facilities like at your college? How do they compare to back home in Australia?

Going to college in New York means that there isn’t much room for a huge campus in the middle of the city. My college experience is a lot different to others because my entire school (basketball court, and other sports facilities included) are in one high rise building. Although regardless of how small my school is in comparison to others, the facilities are still incredible. For example, our soccer team plays on a pier on the water with the skyline view of Manhattan in the background. All of our games are live streamed making it super special for all of my family back home still being able to watch me.

 4.  What have you missed the most while you were at college?

I think I definitely missed my family and friends the most. Having my parents as my support system my entire basketball career, it is hard to be so far away without them. And of course, my dog!

 5.      What is the atmosphere like during games? The crowd? The stadiums?

The atmosphere is so different in America in comparison to Australia. Basketball is just so much bigger in America. Playing alongside cheerleaders, marching bands, stands full of students, video cameras live streaming the game, just makes for such a crazy, loud and fun atmosphere.

6. Have you got any advice for young players who dream to go to college?

It may seem cliché… but never give up. College seemed like such a distant dream that I thought would never become reality but after hard work and dedication the opportunity to go to college came by. Listen to your coaches and take every opportunity with two hands, work hard and again, never give up. 

7.      What plans have you got for the offseason?

My plans for the offseason are to soak up as much of my favourite city in the world with my family and friends and to enjoy being able to come back and work out at DV.

 

Keep up the great work Meg and we will be keeping up with your work on and off the court.

Stay tuned to see who will be the next college athlete we will be talking to....