University of Connecticut Athletics
Women's Basketball Begins Italian Journey
11/20/2006 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
The University of Connecticut women's basketball team is spending Thanksgiving week on a tour of Italy. The team departed Saturday afternoon from New York and will play exhibition games on Tuesday and Thursday against Italian club teams.
The Huskies arrived in Rome on Sunday morning and went to St. Peter's Square for an Open Air Mass. They then drove to Sorrento (about 176 miles away) to check into their hotel before going out for a traditional Italian meal. UConn team manager Vinny Bruno prepares the team’s bags following the team’s arrival in Rome. From left to right, Mel Thomas, Ketia Swanier, Meghan Gardler, Jacquie Fernandes and Cassie Kerns pose for a photo while the team waits to pick up their baggage at the Rome Airport. The first of many destinations, St. Peter’s Basilica awaits in the distance as the Huskies prepare to visit their first Italian Landmark in Vatican City.
From left to right, Mel Thomas, Charde Houston, Kaili McLaren and Tina Charles pose in front of a fountain in Vatican City.
From left to right, Tahirah Williams, Mel Thomas, Charde Houston and manager Vinny Bruno get some sun in St. Peter’s Square. From left to right, Charde Houston, Tina Charles, Cassie Kerns, Tahirah Williams and Kaili McLaren pose with a pilgrimage group from the nation of Papua New Guinea.
From left to right, bottom row: Charde Houston and Mel Thomas. Top row: Tahirah Williams, Ketia Swanier, Cassie Kerns and trainer Rosemary Ragle taking in Vatican City.
The Huskies on their way out for their first Italy dining experience.
UConn head coach Geno Auriemma along with assistants Jamelle Elliott and Tonya Cardoza during dinner on the team’s first night in Sorrento.
