Today We Lay To Rest One Of Our Daughters

Ode to Zoe Inciong, an Inspirational Young Lady

Start of Sophomore year

Today, hundreds of family and friends laid to rest a beautiful young lady who passed away too early.  She was a daughter of the Uptempo Hoops family; from the onset of the organization.  She was more of an inspiration than any world leader, inventor or historical figure.  She loved sports:  water polo and basketball.  She loved her share of junk food and chocolate...like those fried chocolate cookie things you talked me into eating in Santa Cruz and I said "gross". She was a straight A student with scholarly potential who wished to attend Columbia University.  She was your typical teenager learning to drive with her father, Coach Randy Inciong, as he held his breath with every acceleration.  From the passenger seat, he watched admiringly at his growing daughter. 

She loved New York!!

When I met Zoe, I thought she was stunning.  She had a bright smile, athletic build and was tall.  She was always polite and funny.  She was the older sister to the first Uptempo Hoops players and their siblings.  At tournaments, she often stepped up and took care of my young girls.  She would play with them, make sure they stayed out of harm's way and even fed them.  She was a natural with younger children.  At the first fundamentals camp, right before UH was created, she assisted in coaching.  She encouraged the players.  Her magnetic personality could only be matched by her zest for life.  As everyone who was close to her, the news of her diagnosis was devastating and unbelievable.  This amazing young woman stood strong and fought the battle head on.  She never stopped to feel sorry for herself or give in. 

Coach and Zoe acting silly

It's been a tough year of emotional up's and down's.  Her parents were pillars of strength who were surrounded by one of the strongest support groups that I've ever seen.  People pulled together to make sure Zoe's brother Teo was taken cared of and continued his extracurricular activities.  The Inciong family often had food delivered to them hot and ready to go by willingly helpful families. When it was my turn, mother, Ria said "just KFC"...I started believing "wow this family loves their KFC"...but she just didn't want to be a burden.  It was never a burden to be part of this support group, it was an honor and a privilege. UH members attended Zumba, blood drives and other events so that life would not suck for Zoe.  It was such an emotional ride for this large group. 

The Inciong family helped start UH, when it was just an idea.  We all looked forward to seeing Zoe play in a UH uniform on our first female team.  This is my ode to Zoe...and her family.  From day one, when my son walked onto the black top court during a UH practice, nail biting and nervous, they made us family.  Zoe became Ate (Filipino for older sister/cousin).  She embraced us, as she learned this from her parents who raised her well.  We laid her down today for eternal rest, but she will never be forgotten.  One day spent with her, you are effected for life.  Thank you Zoe.  Thank you for letting me be part of your life.  Thank you for teaching me what is valuable.  Thank you for how you effected Tia, to the point she still cries for you everyday and you've inspired her to write. Thank you for so much more than I can write about in this blog.  Rest in paradise, until we meet again. 

Zoe's UH Team Bag