From surf to snow

Summer is beginning right now in Australia. The temperature will be in the high 90s and there will be plenty of sunshine. The beaches are beautiful and surf season is in full swing. Here in Buffalo, we are currently waiting on Blizzard No. 2 to arrive.

It's a good thing basketball is played in a gym, otherwise Bulls' senior forward Belinda Gibb might not have been able to give up all that nice weather.

"My biggest adjustment or thing I miss the most is the beach," Gibb said. "Being able to go for a swim or a surf whenever I want. It's summer back home. It's nice 100 degree days there now. My family always reminds me whenever I talk to them this time of year."

Gibb is the only senior and the oldest player on the young women's basketball team. However, it is the experience of more than 10 years playing basketball that has allowed her to step in and be successful here in Buffalo.

Growing up a surfer, Gibb did not become involved with the basketball until she was a teenager. She has played all over the world, including Denmark, where her high school ball was played. In 1996, Gibb played for Denmark District High School under head coach Ken Davies, the man who would push Gibb to be a professional and collegiate player.

Gibb helped lead her school to a gold medal in her first season of play. After her time in Denmark she moved back to Australia to play professionally. Gibb starred for the Lakeside Lightning, a club team in the Australian State Basketball League where she was the rookie of the year and the most valuable player of her team in 2001. In addition, Gibb led the Lightning to a birth in the league championships.

Wanting to continue her education and take a break from professional ball, Gibb decided to come to America to play basketball. Gibb received offers from other schools such as Ole Miss and national power Baylor. However, it was the strong academic program that lured Gibb to Buffalo.

"It's funny because I really like the people here," Gibb said. "When I told my parents I was coming to school in New York, my family would talk about how rude New Yorkers are. However, that is not the case."

Coming to Buffalo was a challenge for Gibb at first. She had to adjust to an American lifestyle and how busy one is when they are playing sports and attending school at the same time.

"Australians are real laid back, so it took some time to adjust to how things are here," Gibb said.

Gibb is a senior communication major and will graduate this May. In addition to playing on the team and attending class, Gibb also works for the pro shop in Alumni Arena every morning during the week.

"We're in season so I wake up at 6:45 everyday," Gibb said. "We then have team breakfast. I work at the pro shop from 8-12. I go to class when I have to and then I travel a lot."

When Gibb and her teammates do have time to relax, they spend it like any student who needs a break, whether it's going to the movies or out to eat.

On the court Gibb has improved every season, though it has been a struggle at times with the team changing coaches during her tenure. This season thus far has been hard on Gibb and the whole. The Bulls have spent the majority of the year away from Buffalo and have played all but one game on the road. However, their next four games are at home and the team won't have to play another road game until Dec. 29.

Despite the team's slow start, Gibb's improvements and impact on the team are easily recognizable to new head coach Linda Hill-MacDonald.

"I wish I had her over the course of her career," Hill-MacDonald said. "In the off-season she was very devoted to improving her game. She's a co-captain and because of her work ethic she has a voice people listen to and she sets an example with her hard work."

This season will also mark the first time her family has seen her play in America. Her mother will attend senior day, which is the last home game of the season on Feb. 21.

While her schedule is busy now, Gibb knows she only has a little time left in her college career. After graduation, Gibb plans on returning to Australia where she already has an offer to rejoin the Lakeside Lightning.

While her time here at Buffalo is wrapping up, Gibb knows her basketball career will continue in Australia. She will be able to spend time with her family who she has seen sparingly over the last four years. The surfing might also be a bit better on the Australian coast than on the shores of Lake Erie.