University of North Carolina Athletics
Naomi Van Nes Back Home In the UK
August 2, 2016 | Women's Basketball
Naomi Van Nes, a freshman on the North Carolina women's basketball team, was born and raised in England for 13 years. She reflects on coming back home to the UK during the Tar Heels trip through her native country, Scotland and Ireland.
Moving to UNC this summer was such a thrilling event for me, but knowing that we were traveling to the United Kingdom in July excited me beyond words. I was sure that being in Scotland and Ireland would definitely remind me of my days living in the southwest of England. Our original plan was to fly to Ireland from New York, but after many delays and cancelled flights, we ended up taking a flight to London, England. I first felt slightly frustrated to be so close, yet so far from my friends and family whom I missed so much, but eventually my excitement to be in my native land overpowered any dismal feelings that I had. Being back amongst the iconic accents, red telephone boxes, and the picture perfect views of hills dotted with sheep filled me with contentment.
When I was younger, I never thought that one day I would have the honor to wear the baby blue jersey, let alone represent UNC in my home country. Playing against the Scottish national team was such a great experience. Even though basketball is not one of the most popular sports in the UK, the Scottish Women's Senior team competed with an admirable amount of passion and heart. After the game, we all sat and ate together. Coming home has made me so happy, and I know that all the players and staff on the UNC women's basketball squad are thankful to be creating new relationships in Scotland through the game of basketball.
North Carolina plays its second game on Tuesday night in Ireland.
