Loyola’s Ukrainian adoptee, Camilla Alsup, leads Flyers into LHSAA basketball playoffs
If there was ever a Ukrainian toddler ordained to become a member of a Shreveport-based family, consider Camilla Alsup, who seems to be living happily ever after.
Currently a junior at Loyola College Prep and a leader of the only local girls high school basketball team to open the first round of the LHSAA playoffs at home, Camilla’s route to the United States, and ultimately to Northwest Louisiana, wasn’t easy.
It took some serious prayer, five weeks away from home by her adoptive parents and patience for Ty and Traci Alsup to complete their dream of a full family. No doubt, the result was worth the effort.
“Camilla is so full of life – she’s such a girl. She’s loving and kind,” said Traci Alsup. “She completed our family.”
After the birth of their son, the Alsups were unable to have a second child, but weren’t about to give up on adding a girl. Traci is from a big family and wanted the same, but she was an “older mother” when Max was born. They initially looked at adopting stateside, but Ukraine emerged as the best option.
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The Alsups initially dealt with a Ukrainian facilitator who was corrupt, so they had to restart the process. They arrived in Kiev and drove three hours to Cherkasy, in the center of the country. Meeting a group of 4-year-olds, Camilla’s face was the first one they saw – and they fell in love immediately.
“Camilla was so cute. She was standing there in a little dance outfit,” Traci said. “She was full of personality, and they told us she loves music and being with other kids.”
That night, Traci called her sister, who was reading the children’s book, “A Mad Case of Stripes,” to Max. The main character in the book is a girl named Camilla Cream.
“It was a sign,” Traci said.
Camilla couldn’t yet speak English, so it took a while for everyone to adequately communicate. But she looked like a twin of her new brother, and it wasn’t long before Camilla was acclimated.
Athletics was something that allowed her to adjust quickly. She tried gymnastics and volleyball, but she liked the fast pace of basketball the best, which puts a smile on the face of Loyola coach Zach Schonfarber.
“Camilla has the ability to change the game for us,” he said. “She has active hands and causes lots of disruption for us on the defensive end. She is faster than anyone on the court and she’s a respectful player who is willing to listen and learn.”
Camilla said she’d like to play basketball in college, although she hasn’t decided on a major. There’s still time for that, and to continue expanding her circle of friends.
“Camilla has an enjoyable personality that her teammates love to be around,” Schonfarber said.
Jimmy Watson covers Shreveport-Bossier area sports. Email him at jwatson@shreveporttimes.com and follow him on Twitter @JimmyWatson6.
This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Loyola basketball's Camilla Alsup thrives after adoption from Ukraine
