The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/430118
74 ■ THE WOLFPACKER when I was little I had a goal to be a pro- fessional basketball player and I am doing it," she said. "My 'aha moment' happened when I was in Sweden last season. Due to some unexpected events, I had to move out of my apartment and had the opportunity to stay with a family. "I was immersed into the culture head- first and it was awesome. I experienced holidays, traditional dishes and community events that I would have missed had I been living alone in an apartment." Most American players in Europe, espe- cially top-level men, are provided the free use of an apartment and car, plus a meal allowance. That means they have very few expenses, with a salary that in many coun- tries is tax-free. "The team provides my flight to and from the USA and at Christmas time," Kastanek said. "I will be home for about a week and half over the holidays. They provide with a fully furnished apartment. I have also received team travel gear that consists of: duffle bag, backpack, sweat pants, and coat. "I am from Nebraska, so going to school so far away from home helped me with playing in Europe, too. I do not experience much homesickness because I am used to being away from my family. I learned how to communicate with them via Facetime when I was in Raleigh, so when I am over- seas it isn't too different." ■ David Driver is a freelance writer who has filed nearly 100 stories (from eight different countries) about American basketball players overseas in the past 10 years. He can be reached at www.davidsdriver.com. Dry Clean Your Carpets! commercial residential Since 1987 www.bmsdry.com Environmentally safe "green" system No soapy residue common to steam cleaning systems Fully bonded and insured Safe for children and pets • • • • No waiting on carpets to dry Proven system – millions of square feet cleaned in the Triangle since 1987 Wolfpack family owned and operated • • • Phone: 919-834-1990 • Fax: 919-834-1998 bms12@nc.rr.com – commercial jed.barbour@bmsdry.com – residential Ask about our Sure Step non-slip floor treatment! Gardner Marsh Gas Equipment Company, Inc. 8209 Brownleigh Drive 2119 Jody Road Raleigh, NC 27617 Florence, SC 29501 Ph: 919 787 8214 Ph: 843 669 3136 Ph: 800 334 9245 Ph: 800 868 8988 Fax: 800 400 2596 Fax: 843 661 5236 Web: www.gardnermarsh.com Kastanek noted that her biggest adjustments to playing overseas were adapting to the physical play on the court while managing her newfound free time off it. PHOTO COURTESY STRAKONICE