Trojan Candy arrived an hour early at the Galen Center so that I could take pictures before the Women of Troy Basketball Senior Salute started. The first person I saw was friend Keith Williams. Keith normally works at the Galen Center as an usher. But this afternoon, he was all dressed up in a suit and tie. Keith was going to sing the Star Spangled Banner. Doesn't he look dapper!
I saw a tall young man standing behind the USC bench. I found out that he was Temi Fagbenle's older brother. Trojan Candy introduced myself, gave him my card and asked to take his picture. Just then, another young man came to join us. He was also Temi's older brother. The taller brother, Dapo Fagbenle, lives in Los Angeles, is a video director and played NCAA basketball. Temi's other brother Luti Fagbenle lives in London and is a video producer.
At the nearby tunnel, where the team enters the arena, I saw a very familiar face. Brianna Barrett's mom Tonya smiled and said hello. She said that Brianna really looked forward to this day. Tonya told me that, for encouragement, she keeps telling Brianna that, "when one door closes, the other opens." She also told me that Brianna hopes to play basketball overseas. It was so nice to visit with Tonya again.
Now it was time for the team to line up for the Star Spangled Banner. Watch Keith Williams perform on my video. The team swarmed Keith at the end.
Next, the Galen Center big screen showed the two graduating managers and highlights of Brianna and Temi. Since Trojan Candy can't be two places at once, my husband Jim took this video from the stands in the upper level. Thanks, Jim!
Next are some still shots and videos that I took from the arena floor.
What a memorable Senior Salute!