Queensborough CUNYAC Scholar-Athlete Will Make Historic Visit to Cuba as Part of the CUNY Athletic Conference Goodwill Tour
“Pure joy” was the feeling Queensborough student Daomi Burch described when she learned that she was one of sixteen CUNYAC scholar-athletes selected to travel to Cuba as part of the conference’s 2016 CUNY Goodwill Tour. The historic trip will take place from April 21-May 1 during CUNY’s spring break.
Daomi, a guard on the Lady Tiger’s Women’s Basketball Team, was selected not only for her talent on the court but for her leadership as well. For Daomi, the payoff for her efforts means she will get to do something she never had the opportunity to do before – travel abroad: “I have never been outside of the U.S., so for me this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience something new and unique, and to learn about an amazing culture and people.”
David Chambers, Head Coach of the Women’s Basketball Team remarked, “The greatest representation you can have is a talented athlete who is a leader to her teammates and, just as importantly, shows that excellence on the playing field can go hand-in-hand with academic success. Ms. Burch has demonstrated those outstanding qualities throughout her two years at Queensborough.”
Daomi’s athletic achievements include twice being named CUNYAC All Star and being selected for the 2015 CUNYAC All-Tournament Team, a 2015 Region XV Honorable Mention and a 2016 Region XV Second Team selection. Despite her demanding athletic schedule, Daomi has maintained a 3.52 G.P.A. and made the Dean’s List in the fall 2014, spring 2015 and fall 2015. Daomi will graduate this spring from Queensborough with an Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree and plans to continue her education in the fall of 2016 at Queens College.
The CUNY Athletic Conference sponsors teams of student-athlete All-Stars to compete abroad and experience a foreign culture. Teams have visited cities in South America, Europe, and Africa to face off against local sports clubs. As the Goodwill Tour has evolved, service components have become a more integral part of the trip. In addition to learning a new language, gaining historical and cultural perspective, and athletic competition, student-athletes also host sports clinics for local youth, visit hospitals and schools, and distribute food and gifts. The latter experiences are the ones that truly resonate with student-athletes and influence their roles as leaders back home at The City University of New York.
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