Nov. 26, 2008
ST THOMAS, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — The Iowa women’s basketball team spent the entire Tuesday traveling to its Paradise Jam location of the island of St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Hawkeyes left Iowa City at 6:45 a.m. and after three flights finally arrived at the beautiful Frenchman’s Reef Marriott Resort at 11:30 p.m. local time (9:30 p.m. CST).
The team didn’t get much rest as the Hawkeyes were up bright and early to catch a Catamaran snorkeling excursion at 8 a.m. The Hawkeyes enjoyed the scenic landscape of St. Thomas from the water during the 20-minute ride to their snorkeling location.
Once the boat arrived to its destination, the team enjoyed 45 minutes of swimming, diving and snorkeling. Many players commented on how warmer the water temperature was compared to the air temperature. Once everyone got not on board the boat, the crew lifted up the boats sails and the Hawkeyes sailed back to the hotel.
Since the Hawkeyes will be playing late tomorrow afternoon/early evening, the Hawkeyes celebrated Thanksgiving as a team with players, coaches, family and staff.
After the hearty meal, many of the players took advantage of a couple free hours to enjoy the warm turquoise waters and the white sandy beach within walking distance of the hotel. The players enjoyed their time in the 86 degree warmth, but decided to head back to the hotel and prepare for this afternoon’s practice. The team knows even though they are in an amazing location for Thanksgiving week, that they need to focus and prepare for three difficult games the next three days.
Iowa will play Texas Tech Thursday (5 p.m. CST), South Florida Friday (5 p.m. CST) and No. 3 California (7:30 p.m. CST) Saturday.
The Hawkeyes will conclude Wednesday with a practice at the Sports and Fitness Center at the University of the Virgin Islands from 4-6 p.m. After practice, the team will return and depart for Paradise Point and the Welcome Party tonight.