I grew up wearing Duke blue. As I scroll through old pictures, I’m not surprised to come across a girl with the largest grin spread across her face, little curly pigtails, and that same color t-shirt. I’m sure you can guess where this is going; living in Charlotte doesn’t provide the best outlet for my Blue Devil pride; believe me, I know. While my parental influence sparked my love for the better blue, their basketball program is what first drew me in. Before I had even picked up a tennis racket, I loved basketball. More importantly, I was convinced I would play basketball at Duke. I thought those girls were the coolest in the world as a 6-year-old: tall, confident, and hard-working.
However, my aspirations may have seemed far-fetched, as I was the shortest girl on the court. This didn’t stop me though, which I can attest to my level of determination today. Since that young age, I’ve wanted to be a part of a team, and while I thought it would be on the court, I’ve found that the sidelines are even better.
I will never forget my first Duke basketball game in Cameron Indoor Stadium, now reminiscing on the fact that Coach K was the head coach. My eyes immediately gravitated toward the sea of college kids smothered in royal blue paint, wearing devil ears and crazy wigs. I loved this environment, and the sense of family, which can be encompassed in their hashtag #TheBrotherhood.
Coincidentally, I’ve found this same electric environment within the Myers Park Basketball community. Myers Park students bleed green within the student section and cheer on their team. Just weeks ago, the fanbase demonstrated their pride by traveling to Chapel Hill to cheer on their team. There’s even a parallel in the hashtags: #FamilyHood.
When news of the Championship game being played in the Dean E. Smith Center broke, the Cameron Crazie in me hesitated. I grew up with the strict mindset to never set foot in UNC and never wear a blue that resembled Tarheel colors. I decided to go to the game and looking back, I’m so thankful I could experience the intensity in the Dean Dome that night and be a part of Myers Park history. Putting the tense rivalry behind me, I began to see many similarities between the environment that night in the Dean Dome and Cameron Indoor.
What jumped out at me, somewhat physically, was the student section. I’m the kind of person who loves to find community and surround myself with people who enjoy the same things, and the Myers Park student section is a prime example. Don’t believe me? Myers Park won The Charlotte Observer’s poll that was conducted in September of last year to determine which high school had the best fan base. Similar to Duke, it doesn’t end with the students; alumni, parents, and various fans play a significant role in supporting our Mustangs. The alumni pride demonstrates that the intensity and excitement are enough to bring anyone back, highlighting the fun atmosphere that the Mustangs create. This is part of the reason I had faith in myself that I could walk into the Dean Dome and not be disappointed, no matter the outcome.
While our Mustangs faced greater success as State Champions than the Blue Devils in March Madness, I’m happy to say that both teams have shown me what community is truly about. People from all walks of life show out for what they care about, and that’s what matters. Whether you are a Blue Devil, Tarheel, or Mustang, you show up for your team no matter what, so in that case…MPUK!