Midwest Conference Rivals Join Forces in Caribbean

For one week, three Midwest Conference women's basketball rivals put their differences aside to teach basketball in the Caribbean.

Monmouth College head coach Melissa Bittner, along with players Kristin McDonald of Knox College and Lake Forest College's Liz Radtke, were part of a contingent traveling to Curacao through USA Athletes International (USAAI) in early June. During their eight day stay, they teamed with players from all NCAA divisions from across the country, playing three competitive games and holding a basketball clinic for high school age girls.

Bittner, now in her eighth year at the helm of the Fighting Scots; McDonald, a junior guard from Chicago; and Radtke, a senior forward from New Berlin, Wisconsin, took advantage of their down time to do some sightseeing on the island, traveling to the Curacao outback and a seaquarium.

Now in its 15th year, USAAI is a non-profit organization giving amateur coaches and athletes the opportunity to compete in international Olympic-style athletic events around the world. Each year more than 900 athletes participate in seven sports, traveling to more than 14 countries.

by Monmouth College Sports Information Director Dan Nolan