Rachel Lynch back home enjoying her summer with family and friends after a great year in the USA

Cork basketball player Rachel Lynch's season in America finished in the second week of March and now she is back home enjoying time with her family and friends.

Rachel’s team, Le Moyne College, made it to the semi final of the Northeast Conference and her team played Fairleigh Dickinson University in the semi final and lost. 

However, FDU ended up winning the conference and went on to the March Madness tournament, while Le Moyne finished tied fourth position in the conference with Wagner.

“I personally think this year was a huge learning experience for me,” Rachel said.

“Our college played 33 games this season, and I was one of only five players who played in every game. 

"For a freshman, I think that’s impressive because sometimes freshmen don’t play much or only get limited minutes.

“I also had a bit of catching up to do at the start because I missed the six weeks of summer school training last year while I was away with the Irish U20 team.

“The continuous schedule of daily two-hour practices, 7am weight room sessions before class, extra workouts before practice, and balancing everything with being a student was definitely a big learning curve. 

"But that’s the reality of being a Division 1 athlete, as getting extra work in is non-negotiable.

“Travelling for away games while still keeping up with assignments and exams was difficult at times, but it taught me a lot about discipline and staying organised. 

"Some weeks we would travel long distances by plane and still have to be ready for classes, study hall, and practice, so learning how to manage my time became really important. 

"Most of our non-conference games were against major schools like Baylor in Texas, Illinois in Illinois, St. John’s in New York, Pitt in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Marquette in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 

"Being able to travel around the country and compete against those programs was a great experience and showed me the level needed to compete in Division 1 basketball.

“One thing that surprised me most was how competitive every practice is at this level. 

"You are competing every single day, not just in games. Everyone is fighting for playing time, so the intensity in practice stays high all season and that helped push me to improve every day. 

"Also travelling to different states, playing in big arenas, and competing in front of large crowds was something completely new to me and made the whole experience even more exciting.

“Watching film regularly was also something new for me. We spend a lot of time breaking down games, learning the opposing team’s tendencies, and reviewing our own performances. 

"That helped me understand basketball at a much higher level and improved my decision-making during games."

Lynch has made big strides to her personal game by working with her own position coach and also working everyday with her strength and conditioning coach. 

She has also changed position on the court from when she played at Brunell, now she plays the position of small forward that will be a huge advantage with her size.

“I’ve learned a lot of new skills from my position coach as well. I work with her weekly before practice on details in my game, adding new moves, and staying in shape. 

"Being in shape has become one of the biggest priorities for me because it makes everything easier. Looking back from August to March, I’ve definitely become faster and fitter.

“Personally, one of my biggest goals for next season is to become more confident and consistent in my role on the team. 

"Now that I understand the pace and physicality of Division 1 basketball better, I feel like I can focus more on improving my overall game instead of just adjusting. 

"I also want to continue developing as a leader on and off the court and help push the team toward winning the NEC championship."

Lynch also had to make big adjustments to her lifestyle, as she had to manage her time with precision by balancing school work, exams, basketball practice’s and travel. 

That gave her a lot more responsibility especially being away from home.

“Another big adjustment this year was being away from home and learning how to manage everything independently. 

"Between basketball, classes, travel, and everyday life, it taught me a lot about responsibility and time management. 

"I think the experience has helped me mature both as a player and as a person.

“My plans for the summer are to keep training. 

"I’ve been given strength and conditioning plans along with basketball workouts to complete over the summer, but I also want to enjoy being back home and spend time with my family and friends,” Lynch concluded.