I can not tell you how excited I am to play my first Euroleague season! It is where I have wanted to be since I started playing in Europe 6 years ago. I started at the bottom and worked my way up, with nothing being handed to me- a great feeling. Of course, however, now that I will be given this opportunity, there is still a lot left to get done!

A few days ago, FIBA Europe had its draw for the Euroleague teams, including my new team Lotos Gdynia. We will play in Group C with 5 other teams, including Ros Casares (Spain), USK Prague (Czech Republic), Union Halnaut Basket (France), UMMC Ekterinburg (Russia) and JBS Sibenik (Croatia).

I checked out the rosters from various teams and it looks like the whole WNBA is coming to play in Europe again. Of course, my team Lotos Gdynia signed some big names such as Alana Beard, who is among the top scorers in this year’s WNBA season with 18.3 points/game for the Washington Mystics. Also, there is a rumor that our team is after Tamika Catchings as well.

Lotos Gdynia also announced the hiring of its new head coach- Jacek Winnicki. Sounds like it will be an exciting season!  You can check out our teams website for up to date information at:  http://lotospkobp.pl/

It is that time of year again! ….summer camp time that is! After a long season, this year I had asked myself, do I really need to work this summer? Well, not really to be honest! But, the truth is, I really enjoy working with young basketball players and developing talent. There is no better emotional reward for me than helping a young player enhance their game and seeing results.

Of course, I also would like do something again in my hometown, Williamstown, New Jersey. It would be a chance to give back to my community that has given so much to me. However, that is a little complicated right now, and I chalk it up to the idea that there is a time for everything.

Therefore, for the 2nd year in a row, I will work at the Philadelphia 76ers summer basketball camp. The camp is held up in the beautiful Pocono Mountains, which are located in Stoudsburg, Pennsylvania. I had really enjoyed doing this camp last summer and wanted to be a part of it again.

I will help coordinate the girls’ program, which lasts for 2 weeks, from June 29th - July 12th. It is the chance to work with players who come from over 40 countries and also great staff, lead by camp director, Todd Landrey. He runs a great show.

Throughout the week, appearances are made by NBA players, who give motivational speeches for the campers… and the staff too!

Go Sixers! For more information, go to sixerscamps.com

Hey everybody, how ya’ll doing?!!! Thanks for checking in with me!

I’m back- back in the states that is! I must say it feels good to be home in Jersey and to spend a lot of time with family and friends! Last year, was a long year, because I did not come home for Christmas and I was in Italy and Germany for 9 months. (Every other year Tobi and I spend Christmas in the states with my family and the other in Germany with his family. Fair, I would say, huh?) So, yes, I am really enjoying this summer at home.

I took time off to rest my body from last season and this past week I began training again. Time to get back to work! The first week or two back is not so fun, but in a couple of weeks, I know that I will be in great shape. I will work out at Drexel University with the strength and conditioning coach, Michael Rankin and play in the Philadelphia summer league twice a week. Also, the first week of August, I will go to “The Teacher” in Tampa, Florida for 1 on 1 basketball training. He is an amazing basketball coach and he always helps my game!

As far as working, my main priority is to get ready for next season in Poland. However, I will also work the Philadelphia 76ers basketball camp for 2 weeks in July. I had really enjoyed working this camp and wanted to do it again this summer. Todd Landrey is a great director and it is pleasure working with him. Also, I might get into some individual training of young basketball players, as I had done for many of the previous years. I love teaching and developing youth talent.

Other things.. I can not wait to get my butt down to the beach. For those who know me, know that I love the Jersey Shore and that I am a complete beach bum. There’s nothing like that feeling of laying on the beach or swimming in the water and riding the waves. Oh those Wildwood days… Also, we will probably head up to New York for some summer fun!

Until next time… OXOXOX, Michelle

Time to relax a little bit. Last week the season wrapped up in Viterbo. The outcome was a bit dissappointing. I can at least say that I gave everything I had and sometimes things are just not meant to be. However, I really enjoyed my time in Viterbo. It was a learning experience for sure! I felt that it was a great location for sight-seeing and I also had the chance to meet a lot of nice people.

I am spending time in Bavaria, Germany with my boyfriend and his family. I always enjoy coming here this time of year because it is beautiful. In the area Tobi lives, you can see the snow-capped mountains and green countryside. This morning we took advantage of the weather and went for a 30 km bike ride along a river and through picturesque landscapes. Refreshing.

We will stay here until June 8th. In this time, I want my body to recover from the long season and enjoy myself. Throughout the season, I put so much time and effort into it. All that I do is eat, sleep and play basketball. So, after the season, I need a “down time“ for myself. That way, when the end of June comes, I am physically and mentally prepared to put the work in that is necessary for next season!

While we are in Germany, we are going to do some traveling. Next weekend, we are going to Madrid for the men´s Final 4. Then, we will go to Luxembourg where I can visit some old friends that I made playing my first year in Europe. Finally, to Poland where I have a chance to see where my family if from and to explore my heritage. I am really looking forward to all of these things! Until next time… OXOXO, Michelle