There is no such thing as an Olympic hangover.
Allison McNeill held this view – until she got one.
The former Salmon Arm Jewel and current coach of the Canadian Women’s Basketball team has been experiencing what she thought didn’t exist.
“There really is, there totally is. I’ve been pretty melancholy. I miss the team, I miss the excitement of building to get there. It’s kind of a melancholy feeling – it’s reassessing, resetting your goals,” McNeill told the Observer.
She has been in touch with some team members via email, Facebook and Twitter.
“A lot feel the same way. I remember high school graduation feeling like that. You’re moving on but it’s so sad – you’ll never have that exact team again.”
Highlights of the Olympics for her included “how we qualified – it was on Canada Day, the last berth, it was really special.”
But the biggest highlight, she says, was just being at the Games, where players and coaching staff get to play at the highest level.
Walking in and out during the opening ceremonies, with all the different countries present and people cheering, was also a special experience, one she was able to experience with her husband Mike McNeill, one of her assistant coaches.
When she was first asked to coach the senior team, she knew she would be travelling a lot. Her husband, also a basketball coach, was travelling too, so she requested him as her assistant.
“If he wasn’t a good coach I wouldn’t have done that. I’m a little more competitive than that,” she laughs.
“It’s extra special to share something like the Olympics with someone you love. It’s been our life’s goal.”
Another highlight has been working with the team.
“The best part is knowing you’ve helped 12 women achieve their goals, when you seen them at the opening ceremonies and at the games.”
On the court, the Canadian team’s upset of Brazil, which put them in the quarter finals, stands out.
McNeill notes that when the Canadian team would come from behind, some observers would say it was too bad they didn’t have better starts, but she sees it differently.
“We played very good teams,” she points out, explaining that it wasn’t a matter of not playing up to potential.
“We never quit… You’ve got to have that ‘never quit.’ Which I think Canadians have.”
McNeill says the team was fortunate to escape the pressure that falls on the top teams and individuals.
“We went in with virtually none. We won the one we should have – against Great Britain, and then we upset Brazil.”
The team finished with a 2-4 record, losing their final game to the perennial gold medalists, Team USA.
And, through it all, McNeill’s Salmon Arm connection continued.
“I heard from Joe Kupkee (her former Jewels coach) through the whole Olympics. He sent an email after each game – encouraging stuff. It’s pretty neat after all these years we still keep in touch.”
Behind the scenes, McNeill loved being immersed in the Games, having the chance to talk to coaches in other sports. It was an eye-opener.
“We feel like we are a ‘have-not’ sport, but we realized a lot of sports are underfunded – it’s not just us.”
Back at home in White Rock, McNeill will take time to consider whether she wants to begin another four-year cycle.
“Both my husband and I, we’re pretty tired but we’re still passionate about coaching. At this point, we still have the passion and energy, but whether or not we want to make that commitment – other coaches have said, give yourself time.
“The Olympics can be very emotional. It’s tough to get there. We had a great time there, but the whole process has been tough.”
