When my dad surprised me with a trip to the WNBA Eastern Conference Finals, it turned out to be an amazing adventure filled with many surprises. We got last-minute plane tickets and flew to Providence, Rhode Island; short flights are the best thing ever when traveling, and this brief, one-hour trip was no exception! When we landed, my dad surprised me again and told me that we were going to rent a car and drive to Providence College – about a two-and-a-half-hour ride from the airport. Since we did not have an official campus tour scheduled in advance, we just started exploring the campus and all its buildings on our own. This was such a treat for me because I know Providence College is well-known for its athletics, especially its basketball program, which really excited me because I play basketball. I started playing basketball in second grade but began taking it seriously when I made my first AAU team in fifth grade. It obviously wasn’t as competitive as it is now, but I know it was the catalyst that made me start to love the sport so much. Now I have to play basketball; it is a big part of my whole life, and it has positively impacted me in so many ways. So, when I found out I was touring a very competitive basketball college, I was elated! Providence is Division 1 and has a fantastic record and an amazing coaching staff. Initially, I did not have Providence College on my list of possible colleges to attend – until I got there and saw the campus, the buildings, and all the beautiful landscaping and views in person. I was impressed immediately. This unexpected adventure really opened my eyes! While my dad and I were exploring the campus, we came upon the Athletic building -- a modern, pristine, and state-of-the-art facility. I knocked on the door as a silly joke to see if someone would let us in. We both knew that, obviously, the chances of that happening were very unlikely, but in keeping with how great our unplanned plans were going -- someone opened the door! It was Ed Cooley, the men's basketball coach at the time! It was such a surprise! He asked if we wanted a tour of the Athletic Department, and, of course, we said yes!
A Surprise Plan for a Spontaneous Adventure By Grac(i)e Swisher ’27
