The Aggies Men’s Basketball team traveled to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic in August with the help of Score International to play in their first international tour.  The series of games started with an unexpected loss on day one but as they reassessed and regained control the team eventually captured a record of 2-1.

For the young men the trip was about more than just basketball.  After three days of practice and playing time something changed on day four.

“On Wednesday we got up and went to the orphanage. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room,” said head coach Cy Alexander.

“It made me realize how privileged I am,” said sophomore team member Bruce Beckford.

The Aggies visited Pasitos de Jesus, an orphanage for 32 girls and women. Some of the residents were taken off of the streets or dropped off as children. One orphan grew up with dogs before being rescued by the orphanage. Three sisters were abused by their father for years before Pasitos de Jesus. Each of the orphans had a unique yet equally movable story.  

“One lady said that a mother dropped their baby off because she was ugly,” said Alexander.

As the team filed into the orphanage more and more girls flowed from the house saying, “Grande, grande!”

“The girls are a little taken aback by your size. It’s okay,” said Dalma Florian the founder of Pasitos de Jesus.

After the initial shock was over the players and girls warmed up to each other. Some players could be found jumping rope and playing volleyball, while others were scattered on the marble concrete in the backyard drawing pictures with the young girls.

“Other than the games the highlight of the trip was going to the orphanage and giving back to the kids,” said senior Lamont Middleton.

Before the Aggie group left Pasitos de Jesus Alexander offered the young girls North Carolina A&T T-shirts. The recipients were so happy. Then the girls sang a few songs for the team, which brought tears to each and every person in the house.

“We thank you for coming today,” said Aneliy Sierra Florian, daughter of founder Dalma Florian. “If it were not for you this would have been another dull morning,” she said.

As the A&T men’s basketball team drove off to prepare for their final exhibition game, the girls erupted in cheers as if they were saying farewell to rock stars. 

The international excursion taught the young men a few inspiring and humbling lessons.

“First of all I think they’ve come together as young men and as a team,” said Alexander.  “Second I think it has given them the confidence factor. That’s why I’m very grateful to Chancellor Martin and Earl Hilton for giving us the opportunity to take this trip,” he said. 

“We had a good time bonding as a team, we got to know the freshmen a little better and we look forward to the season,” said senior player Jeremy Underwood.