Sep. 5, 2018
Women's Basketball Travels to Italy for International Tour
The Central Washington University women's basketball team is on an eight-day trip to Italy. Their trip spans over 6,000 miles, one ocean, and two continents (for just one way). It is the first international trip for the program under head coach Randi Richardson-Thornley.
"What a great way to start off this year," Richardson-Thornley said. "I'm excited for this young group to have an opportunity to see another part of the world and its history. They'll be able to immerse themselves into the Italian culture. Not only we will have the opportunity to grow as players and a team, but most importantly as people."
The Wildcats began their trip at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on Tuesday (Sept. 4), with Rome as their destination.
Players, coaches, and guests will explore the remnants of the capital city of the once far-reaching Roman Empire, where they will get a chance to see relics like the Trevi Fountain or the Piazza di Spagna (Spanish Steps), before viewing the Vatican Museum on day two.
After spending their first two days exploring the ancient capital, the Wildcats will travel to the medieval town of Siena in heart of the Tuscany Region. It is also on day three the Wildcats will play their first international contest. Central opens its international friendlies against Polisportiva A. Galli in San Giovanni Valdarno.
Florence is the third stop on the Wildcats' tour where they will journey across the Ponte Vecchio, a medieval stone bridge that was originally built 1117 C.E. and rebuilt in 1345 C.E. During World War II, the Ponte Vecchio survived the German retreat from the British 8th Army on August 4, 1945, unlike all other bridges in Florence.
On the fifth day, Central Washington players and staff will take in the sights of the Queen of the Adriatic, Venice. After visiting The Floating City, the Wildcats are scheduled to play Giants Basket Marghera, in Marghera, Italy just a short jaunt from Venice.
Day six brings a trip to one of the four fashion capital of the world, Milan. Located near the heart of the city, the Duomo di Milan took nearly six centuries to complete. Construction began in 1386, ordered by Archbishop Antonio da Saluzzo, the last details of the façade were completed on January 6, 1965.
The Wildcats play their final international friendly on day seven against Costa Masnaga in Provincia di Lecco within the Lombardy region.
Their final day in Italy will be spent within the Lake Como area, including the city of Como and town of Brunate.
To follow along with the Wildcats as they explore Italy, a daily blog is available HERE.