University of North Carolina Athletics
Heels In Hawaii: Thanksgiving Thoughts
November 28, 2014 | Women's Basketball
WAIKIKI, Hawaii – The UNC women's basketball team celebrated Thanksgiving in Hawaii, which in itself is something to be thankful for. (Carolina is one of four teams – along with Stanford, Prairie View A&M and host Hawaii – participating in the Rainbow Wahine Showdown, which begins on Friday.) Beyond that, the Tar Heels – both players and staff – took time Thursday to recognize some of the many things for which they're grateful:
Allisha Gray: "I'm thankful for my family and friends"
Stephanie Mavunga: "I'm thankful for yet another day in life, really. Truly thankful for the opportunity Coach Hatchell and the University of North Carolina have given me to excel both athletically and academically ! I'm thankful for my family and my great friends for believing in me even when I never believed in myself. I'm thankful for the day-to-day opportunities God gives me to better myself and to network. I'm thankful for each day and I'm even thankful for the mistakes and wrongs, because they were rather stepping stones and learning experiences that have shaped me into the individual I am today. I'm thankful because I am truly blessed beyond measure!"
Whitney Adams: "I am thankful for the love and support my beautiful family gives me as well as being a part of a team with the best girls (sisters) and coaches I could ask for! I am also thankful for all the great opportunities I have been given by the University of North Carolina and I wouldn't change it for anything!"
Erika Johnson: "I'm thankful for my family, my education and all the opportunities Carolina has given me to prepare for a successful future!"
N'Dea Bryant: "I'm thankful for health and my supportive family.”
Megan Buckland: "I'm thankful for my family and the opportunity to wear 'North Carolina' across my chest, in representing the University and my family. I'm also thankful for every opportunity Christ has given me, especially basketball, because without it I wouldn't have been able to travel the world playing the game I love along side my best friends.”
Hillary Summers: "I'm thankful for my family and friends."
Hillary Fuller: "I am thankful for all of my family and friends that are cheering me on and I am thankful for all the opportunities God has given me with the team and throughout life."
Xylina McDaniel: "I'm thankful for my family, friends, being healthy and the Lord blessing me with my talent."
Brittany Rountree: “I am thankful for God allowing me to see this beautiful day in 2014. I am thankful for the many blessings and people God has placed into my life to allow me to be where and who I am today."
Jamie Cherry: "I'm thankful for my family and friends."
Jessica Washington: "I am thankful that God has blessed me every singe day with a beautiful family back home and even with my family away from home at school. I am thankful for the opportunities that are in front of me every day and good health.”
Latifah Coleman: "I'm thankful for all the people in my life, as well as life, health, and strength, and I am forever thankful to be a Tar Heel.”
Danielle Butts: "I am thankful for my family and being able to see another day.”
Coach Sylvia Hatchell: “I'm thankful for my health, and the opportunities that I have each and every day to be the coach at the University of North Carolina and have influence on these young girls' lives. And I'm thankful for all of the experiences I have every day – they may be the same experiences I had before, but they feel different now.”
Coach Tracey Williams-Johnson: "Giving thanks to the Lord for another day! I am especially thankful to God for blessing me with a spiritual family, my Carolina family, friends, a wonderful husband and many opportunities to share in the lives of our young people and their families. Happy Thanksgiving!"
Coach Billy Lee: “I am grateful for those who have invested their time in me, enriching my life through their positive influence.”
Team physician Harry Stafford: “I am thankful for good health, family and friends.”
Head athletic trainer Nicole Alexander: “I am thankful for my family that understands why I can't come home for Thanksgiving.”
Team manager Gabby Gaje: “I'm thankful for my family, friends, and the opportunities that I have been able to have, including this trip. It is hard to not be thankful every day because no matter what happens, I will still have these things there for me.”
