VARSITY BASKETBALL HOLDS TEAM RETREAT
On Saturday, varsity basketball held its team retreat on campus. The context for the day revolved around “Insignis,” a word taken from The Spiritual Exercises, in which St. Ignatius used to refer to someone whose service of God was particularly ardent and distinguished. Inspired by The Spiritual Exercises and writings of St. Ignatius, the themes of the retreat were communication, perseverance, and solidarity.
The group gathered for breakfast to start the day, followed by several communication and team-building exercises during the first session. Team captains shared their journeys in basketball and faith, in addition to hopes and goals they have for both themselves and the team this year. There was also some small group time, then the team held a practice until lunch.
After lunch, the team gathered for the second session and heard from a teammate who was identified as someone who goes above and beyond in his efforts, demonstrating that perseverance and hustle can transform us into our best selves.
The final session focused on solidarity, highlighting a few examples from history of athletes who have made their voices heard through the platform of athletics. The group also discussed the importance of embracing the team as a family with one common goal. The team finished in prayer with an invitation to set goals for the season.
“Starting an athletic retreat program is something we have been gathering information about for a few years now,” said Brendan O’Kane, Director of Campus Ministries. “This is an attempt to meet students where they are, realizing the importance of the athletic team and the opportunity presented by making a connection between spirituality and sports.”
“Starting an athletic retreat program is something we have been gathering information about for a few years now,” said Brendan O’Kane, Director of Campus Ministries. “This is an attempt to meet students where they are, realizing the importance of the athletic team and the opportunity presented by making a connection between spirituality and sports.”
O’Kane credits his collaboration with Director of Ignatian Mission and Identity Ben Horgan, Ignatian Ministries Assistant Joe Scheide '11, and Fr. Tim Brown, SJ, of Loyola University, for creating such a retreat. "We are extremely happy with how Coach Josh Davalli, his coaching staff, the captains, and players worked with us to have our first Insignis retreat, and we look forward to making it even better for next time."
