Photo by: Brad Phalin, BGSU Marketing and Communications
#FalconsInCuba: Day One
August 10, 2016 | Women's Basketball
BGSU arrives in Havana
The Falcons have arrived in Cuba! After traveling as far as Miami, Fla., on Tuesday (Aug. 9), the travel party awoke bright and early Wednesday morning (Aug. 10) and boarded a plane bound for Havana.
DAY ONE PHOTO GALLERY
The Swift Air flight landed and the Falcons were off to the Parque Central Hotel in downtown Havana. On the way, the bus made a stop to see a few sights and take a few photos.
After checking into the hotel and enjoying a buffet lunch, it was back to the bus for a trip to Old Havana. Upon arrival there, the Falcons took a walking tour of the area, then had the option to take the bus back to the hotel or explore the area and walk back on their own. All of the players and many of the other members of the group chose the latter option and enjoyed the sights and sounds of Obispo Street and the surrounding area.
The team reconvened for dinner at the hotel, and the Falcons now prepare for a game on Thursday (Aug. 11), the first of three games on the trip. The BGSU coaching staff will conduct a clinic early Thursday afternoon, with the Falcons' first game scheduled for approximately 4:00 p.m.
Two of the players, senior Rachel Konieczki and sophomore Carly Santoro, took a few moments to talk about their experiences on the trip so far.
Senior Rachel Konieczki
"So far it's been a really good experience. From the beginning to the end of this trip, we're really going to come together as a team. Everyone's getting along so far. Yesterday was a long day, but traveling was fun, and today has been great. We got to walk around Old Havana and see all of the sights and the people down there.
"One of the coolest things today was when we saw a little kid and gave him a tennis ball. Just the expression on his face; he was so excited to get a tennis ball. Sometimes we take for granted the things we have back home, and that was a great moment and one of the best things about today."
Sophomore Carly Santoro
"So far it has been an awesome trip. Being able to tour Old Havana, walking around and seeing a lot of neat things was really fun. Seeing the old cars was quite an experience, and everything is an eye-opening experience, from the buildings to the cars and the food.
"The people here have been great. They love the United States. We had people come up to us, hug us and say, 'I love America; it's the best place ever.' It's been a lot of fun to meet different people and experience something new."
Players Mentioned
G
/ Women's Basketball
G
/ Women's BasketballAmy Velasco, Lexi Fleming, & Coach Chmiel Postgame Interview (Mar. 5, 2025)
Thursday, March 06
Paige Kohler, Coach Chmiel, & Amy Velasco Postgame Interview (Feb. 26, 2025)
Thursday, February 27
In the Paint: Lexxus Graham-Blincoe
Wednesday, February 26
Erika Porter, Amy Velasco, & Coach Chmiel Postgame Interview (Feb. 22, 2025)
Sunday, February 23