Serving as an NCAA Women’s Final Four Ambassador in New Orleans held a special meaning for Lameisha McCrary. The Health Occupation Technology student played basketball for McDonough 35 High School before entering Job Corps. And, Lameisha says she was so uplifted by her volunteer experience that she plans on playing the sport again this summer “for fun.”

The highlight of the day for Lameisha was meeting Tiffin University Women’s Basketball Head Coach Pam Oswald. “That was amazing to see someone who I admire and I can learn so much from,” Lameisha said of her chance encounter with Coach Oswald. “It was great. I loved it.” Tiny Tiffin is well known in New Orleans as Saints running back Chris Ivory, a fan favorite, played there on his way to the NFL.

As a Final Four ambassador at the Marriott Hotel, Lameisha along with two of her classmates- Lequana Shaw and Courtney Williams- directed visitors in town for the event to some of the city’s top tourist attractions like Café Du Monde and Jackson Square. During the day, the Marriott hosted coaching workshops and being the Basketball Super Fan she is, Lameisha sneaked into one of the roundtables, eavesdropping on some good basketball advice.

“I had the opportunity to meet college basketball players and coaches from around the country and direct them to some of the really fun and historic places in our city,” said Lameisha. The New Orleans Job Corps students were volunteering just across the street from the hotels of the Louisville Lady Cardinals and the eventual tournament champion Connecticut Lady Huskies. Says Health Occupation Technology student Courtney Williams of the experience: “It was very exciting. We met players, coaches and even a chemist.”