Interview: MK
Photography: Erin McKinney
It’s never an easy task moving to a different country, let alone if you are following your husband dreams of being a professional basketball player. We interviewed Abigail, Danielle and Troi on what it’s like calling Trieste their home.
Abigail Pacher
“I am from Columbus, Ohio and I am in Trieste because my husband signed to play basketball for Pallacanestro Trieste. To be honest, being a wife of a prominent basketball player is not any different than if my husband had a regular job. His career has given us the opportunity to travel the world and for that I am forever grateful. But he is still my partner and we rely on each other every day with everyday tasks. You will find him walking our new golden retriever puppy in the mornings, taking our 5 year old daughter to school and picking her up, grocery shopping, and buying us flowers on Fridays. He is an amazing basketball player but he is an even better husband, father, and partner. It’s just fun getting to cheer him on for game days.
Trieste is amazing. I love the people I have met this year and everyone has been very accommodating. The international school has been great for our daughter and everyone loves dogs here so our puppy is very happy, too. The Bora is terrible and the storms are crazy but that is probably my only negative about the city. Oh, and the driving. No thank you.
My husband has played basketball in Italy 7/9 professional years and speaks the language. Life here is very easy for us. We love the community, culture, and even if we didn’t live in Trieste next season, it would take a lot for us to not stay in Italy. But anything is possible with professional basketball, so we will see!”
Danielle Spencer
“My husband Skylar Spencer and I are both from San Diego, California and I am here, in the beautiful Trieste, while my husband is under contract with Pallacanestro Trieste. We have our 4 year old son, Rio, here with us as well.
Being the wife of a prominent basketball player is mostly fun it can sometimes be challenging. If you love the sport as much as your husband does, then it makes it easier to adapt to the role and lifestyle of living abroad. I grew up playing sports, so my love for the game and respect for athletes has always been strong. This is my fourth season traveling overseas with my husband and it has been an amazing journey so far! It was definitely quite challenging the first couple of years being so far from our families, but it has since gotten easier. Being overseas and having the opportunity to travel with my little family, experience new cultures, also while supporting my husband while he lives out his dream, has been the biggest blessing.
Trieste is a beautiful city with very friendly people. Being from San Diego, we got lucky to sign here because it made it easier to adjust to a city on the water! I love that I’m able to walk along the beach, or up on a hill looking over the whole city.
The only thing I can say I dislike about the city is bora. I’ve never experienced such strong winds! With all the windows closed in the apartment, we can still hear and feel the wind from outside. It’s definitely been an interesting experience!
The laidback but still city like lifestyle of this city is what I dream of when we are planning our future. From the water, to the food, to the rich culture, and the proximity to other countries, Trieste definitely has amazing qualities about it!”
Troi Swain
“I am originally from Inglewood, California but I grew up in Austin, Texas for the majority of my life. I am in Trieste because Frank (Bartley #24) signed to this basketball organization for the 5th season of his career.
It has been a good experience so far. From both playing at the same university for our last two years of college, to beginning our careers after graduation, this is the first time I have been able to watch him play in person consistently in a long time, which is such a blessing from God and extremely exciting. I love being able to cheer him on and watch him succeed while doing what he loves, it brings me so much joy. Although Frank is a prominent basketball player, that doesn’t stop him from supporting my dreams and entrepreneurial endeavors. After being an educator and high school coach for the last few years, Frank has really helped me transition into what I truly want to pursue; nutrition and fitness, which is something I am so grateful for. I can only try to reciprocate the same love and support he has given me over the years. It’s a great balance between the both of us, and I’m eager to continue to embark on this journey together.
I like the city of Trieste in general, it’s not too big or too small which is perfect for a homebody like me. There’s access to just about everything I need, so the only thing I’m missing is our dog Nala, family, close friends, and my players/students I stepped away from. I have always wanted to experience life in Italy, so if this is where God has planned long term for Frank’s professional career, I wouldn’t be opposed to it at all!”
