Sandra, a native of Castellon de la Plana, in the province of Valencia, Spain, arrived in August of last year to spend her 10-months (the 2014-2015 school year) with her host family Gary and Maribel Ter Bush and their three children Tyler, Maria and Diana.
Coach Closs when asked to comment about the 15-year-old sophomore noted, "when I saw Sandra play the first time I knew she could help us this year."
"Her length alone at 5'10" was a need for us and I think the differing styles of play from Spain to America has been an adjustment for Sandra, but over the last three months she has adopted nicely and has contributed a great deal to our team," Closs said.
In a personal interview with Sandra she noted that her parents names are Lola and Paco and that she has two sisters, Belen (21) and Cristina (20), both studying in college.
Sandra completed her 9th grade in Spain at the IES Penyagolosa high school where she has been playing basketball since the age of 11 in a Youth League (Club Nou Basket Femeni de Castello.)
At the Youth League she was considered to be at the "Cadet Level" which is the level for grades 9th and 10th and is the equivalent of Junior Varsity here in the United States.
When asked how she likes school at Tri-Valley and what difference the school here is compared to her school in Spain, Sandra said, "I like it at Tri-Valley as the students have been friendly and supportive and the school here is easier than in Spain."
As to Sandra's thoughts about basketball competition here in the United States she feels "the game is more physical, there is more contact than what I'm use to and the game is faster, but, I'm enjoying this level of competition and experience."
When asked about her competitive level on this years varsity team Sandra said, "I'm giving my best and improving.
In asking her about her overall living and basketball experience in Grahamsville the soft spoken and somewhat shy Spanish student said, "I'm enjoying every aspect of my cultural experience and was happy to have been part of the cross country team in the fall which helped me get in shape for basketball." Sandra added. "I worked hard for the try-outs before the basketball season started and was very happy to make it on the varsity team."
Sandra said she has no negative thoughts about her experience here in Grahamsville but she does miss her family and friends.
When asked about leaving her host family at the end of the school year Sandra said, "its weird because I want to go back but I don't want to go back.....its confusing."
Arrangements for Sandra to come and go to school at Tri-Valley were under the guidance of CIEE (Council on International Educational Exchange) organization that organizes and sponsors international high school students to attend school and live with American host families.
CIEE is a nonprofit organization and the families of the exchange student pay for travel costs and other required fees.
A game that Sondra will most likely never forget took place several weeks ago in Tuxedo where with nine-seconds left on the clock and a tie score of 39-39 looking like overtime play she received a pass on the foul line and drove to the basket for a runner that swished the nets and a two-point 41-30 Tri-Valley victory.
Coach Closs in commenting on Sandra's winning shot said, "if you give her space she can finish at the rim with either hand and people really haven't gotten to see her great ability."
When talking with the Tri-Valley coach about Sandra he noted, "she has been a great addition to the team this season and as individuals I believe we can learn a great deal from the people we have contact with everyday."
"From day one I have admired the quiet strength of Sandra and the fact that she came to a new country, a new school, made new friends and did well both in academics and athletics.....this says a great deal about who she is as person," Closs added.
"My hope for Sandra is that when she returns to Spain she takes with her some of the lessons learned, friendships made and the many memories of her experience," and "today with social media you will never be that far away," varsity coach Closs pointed out.
With sectional play coming up shortly Coach Closs concluded by saying, "as with all my players, I look forward to hearing about Sandra doing some great things in the future as she has all the abilities to be exceptional."
PHOTOS FOR THIS STORY
Host family and coaches photo with Sandra Alemany Benayas includes, front row left to right, Assistant Varsity Coach Jerry Stevens, Tyler Ter Bush, Diana Ter Bush, Sandra and Varsity Coach Jason Closs. Second row left to right, Maribel, Gary and Maria Ter Bush.
Sandra posses good dribbling skills.
A shot Sandra will cherish forever was her game winning shot with nine-seconds left on the clock and a tie score of 39-39 looking like overtime play as she tossed in a runner that swished the nets and a two-point 41-39 victory several weeks ago at Tuxedo.
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