By Gustavo Dias Juliani, Guest Writer
NOTE: 10:43 a.m. Oct. 3 - The 3v3 Basketball event has since been cancelled.
The Newman women's basketball team is gearing up for a 3v3 tournament, and organizers say their goal is to create a fun activity for everyone and to raise money to help the team.
The tournament will start at 11 a.m. on Saturday at Fugate Gymnasium.
Michaela Mack, one of the organizers of the tournament, graduated from Newman University in 2020 and is a second-year assistant coach for the women's basketball team. She said that the event is all about having fun and helping the team bring in money.
“This is our first year hosting this event, and we’re excited to bring something new and active to the Newman community,” Mack said. “We believe a 3v3 tournament will be a great way for our players to connect with the school and community while also raising funds for our team.”
All money raised will go to the women's basketball team to cover expenses such as training equipment, uniforms and travel. The cost to participate is $10 per person.
This is the first year the women’s basketball team has hosted an event like this, and because it’s open to the public, the team hopes to attract a significant number of people, Mack said. Players can be staff or faculty members, students or even people from outside the Newman community.
“We’ve been using social media to promote the event and encourage people to register,” Mack said. “Registration is still open, so the format of the tournament will depend on the number of teams participating.”
The team chose the 3v3 Tournament format instead of the traditional 5v5 to make it easier for people to form teams. The format also makes for quicker games and gives each individual on the team more playing time.
Senior Caio Tascheto said he had played in a 3v3 tournament before and that it was a lot of fun. He is already signed up to play on Saturday.
"I am very excited for this tournament,” he said. “I have already participated once at my old college, and I can't wait to participate this year at Newman University."
First-year student Diego Paiva said he is looking forward to competing, too.
"Everyone is very excited for the day of the tournament,” he said. “Basketball tournaments are usually a lot of fun. I've never won a basketball tournament, and I hope to win this one.”
The women's basketball team hopes to create a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere for the tournament, Mack said.
Anyone can play, regardless of how much basketball experience they have.
"It's less about skill and talent and more about having fun with friends and connecting with our team," Mack said. "We want everyone to feel welcome and have a great time."
Those who want to play can register for the tournament through Saturday by scanning the QR code on fliers posted around campus or by emailing Mack at mackm@newmanu.edu
PHOTO: Vantage Archives
