SANDPOINT – Madi Schoening is no stranger to the Sandpoint sports community.
A former Sandpoint High School basketball standout and University of Montana four-year starter, she is now a fifth-grade teacher and assistant coach for the SHS girls basketball and soccer teams – and continues to give back at the local level.
Recently, Schoening has had the opportunity to step outside the local spotlight and onto the international stage. As part of the Nothing Beats Commitment sports camps, also known as NBC, Schoening coached a high school-aged girls basketball team in the United Kingdom June 27 through July 8. NBC, located in Spokane, hosts various sports camps throughout the Pacific. Northwest and regularly sends athletes to compete at the national and international level.
Schoening had never planned to be the head coach of a basketball team in the United Kingdom this summer, but when NBC invited him to lead the team, he said he couldn’t refuse the offer. As someone who grew up attending NBC camps religiously, and even helped coach Whitworth University’s 2018-2019 camps, Schoening said the whole experience felt real.
Beginning his new journey, Schoening packed his bags and went to meet his players for a two-day training camp in Auburn, Wash., outside of Seattle at the beautiful Black Diamond Campground.
“I didn’t know any of the players before our trip,” Schoening said. “We have seven players from Washington, one from Canada, one from Alaska, and one from Idaho (St. Maries). We camped in Black Diamond cabins, played, practiced, and scrimmaged on the outdoor courts; it’s a lot of fun.”
After the mini camp, it was time to go abroad. The team travels to Liverpool, Blackpool and London during their adventure, all while playing different basketball teams, of course.
Schoening would lead his team to a perfect 4-0 record, blowing out several teams in the process. The team’s biggest victory was a 64 point margin, 85-21. The NBC travel team also had to play under FIBA (International Basketball Federation) rules, but the team quickly adjusted.
“The game is way less physical,” said Schoening regarding FIBA rules. “You can’t call a timeout during a live play or have multiple players line up during a free throw. From a teaching point of view it was a challenge for me. ” Schoening added that being able to coach with friend, and fellow Sandpoint girls basketball assistant coach, Audra Driggs, will also be unforgettable.
After the games, the teams get together and talk to each other. The women exchange various trinkets and gifts related to the culture of their country. Schoening said the girls even friend each other on social media to stay in touch.
Between all the basketball games, a trip wouldn’t be complete without some sightseeing. The group toured the Tower of London, where the crown jewels are kept along with the current royal crown; as well as Buckingham Palace, where the king lives. Schoening said that the flag was down which means he was inside during their visit.
“The view and architecture is beautiful,” Schoening said. “We took the ‘tube’, the English name for the subway, everywhere that added to the experience… Oh, and I also tried black pudding.”
Schoening said he will never try black pudding, a type of blood sausage from the United Kingdom, again. However, he said he would like to coach at the international level again if given the chance.
“I will do the same again; It was a great experience,” said Schoening. “Maybe someday I’ll coach an NBC travel team in Germany or Italy.”