Texas Tech University Athletics
Natalie Ritchie Diary
August 25, 2001 | Women's Basketball
Aug. 23, 2001
I woke up excited this morning. I knew that this was going to be my last day in Europe, and I wanted it to be lived to the fullest. Although my roommate, Jolee Ayers, had the greatest intent of sleeping in, I had to wake her up and have her join in on my excitement. Now Jolee does not wake up very easy, so I went directly to the more subtle approach and jumped on the bed giving her the old body slam move. After I got a look that would make anyone go home crying to their mother, Jolee decided we should get up and go out.
Around 11 o'clock we walked down to the beach and decided to go parasailing. I have to say it has been one of the most awesome things I have ever done. I was just sailing over the Mediterranean Sea watching the sailboats pass by with my best buddy. Who can beat that? My favorite part of parasailing was landing in the water in the end. You fly over the shore and you feel like you are about to crash into the rocks below, when all of the sudden you drop down into the water. It is amazing.
After staying out on the beach for a while, some of the team decided to lie out at the pool on top of our hotel. We had a great time even though we fried and we were considered out of fashion because we were the only people wearing both pieces to our swimsuits...if you know what I mean. We went to a reception honoring all the fans and the people who came on the trip to support us. I have to say our fans have to be the best in the Nation. We had 50 of them who came with us on this trip. They were amazing during the games, and I have enjoyed getting to know them better.
We had an evening game which was nice considering it would be cooler since none of the gyms we've played at had air conditioning. The team was probably one of the weakest teams we have played, but we made sure we did our job. Everyone played well and we were to work on a lot of new offenses.
It was good to finish up 6-0 here, and I think that our team has grown together this trip.
To end, I would like to say "Thank You" to the people who helped our team come over here. I have truly had the time of my life. I have always dreamed of doing something like this and never thought it would of come true. And to the fans at home, get ready because the Lady Raiders are coming back and they have one thing on their mind, San Antonio.
