Fulps Headed to Play in China

By Chris Glennon

For most students preparing to graduate, the thought of missing two full weeks of class might seem too much to handle. But for Meagan Fulps, the former star of the Broncos' women's basketball team, the chance to do just that was something she jumped for.

Fulps was selected to play for the NetScouts Basketball All-Star team, who will be playing nine games in 14 days in China against teams from Brazil, Australia and China.

"I had already been playing a lot because I really miss the game," she said, "but once I found out about this, I knew I had to keep playing more and stay with it."

Fulps didn't find out about the opportunity until the last minute. West Coast Conference Player of the Year Taelor Karr broke her foot, opening up a spot for the sweet-shooting Colorado native who was a key senior leader for the Broncos this past year.

"I had to make a decision within that day," Fulps said. "I haven't ever left the country so trying to get a passport that quick was ridiculous because I had to get it in like a day, but we made it work."

Fulps is currently in the middle of her film capstone for her communication degree. She will spend a lot of her free time on the trip editing footage, but she emphasized that she would still make every effort to make the most of the trip.

"Missing two weeks of school is going to be kind of hard," she said, "but I'll definitely make sure I make time to experience it."

The team, which is loaded with senior talent, will play games in three different cities. Fulps said the trip opened up opportunities to play professionally  for every member of last year's team.

"I was kind of just going to move on and focus on my film career," Fulps said. "Now that I've been away, I've been missing (basketball) so much and I don't want it to be done."

Whether or not she tries to play professionally would depend on how the two-week stretch in China goes. 

If she does end up playing, she would be joining former Santa Clara standout and teammate of Fulps, Alyssa Shoji, who signed a professional contract to play in Australia in March.

"It's an absolutely great opportunity," Santa Clara women's basketball Head Coach Jennifer Mountain said. "It's going to be a high level of basketball which will be nice. It gives her an extra chance to play again and scouts will be there."

Former Santa Clara women's basketball Head Coach Chris Denker will coach the team.

"He's done this before and he's always been really successful," said Fulps. "Last year they went 9-0."

Fulps said she recognized a few names on the roster, but one name stuck out in particular for her. "Sam Ostarello was a club teammate of mine," recalled Fulps. "We're really excited that we're going to have the chance to play together again."