Rusne Augustinaite, a 22‑year‑old junior guard at Clemson University who grew up in Lithuania, was left speechless when her teammates arranged an emotional reunion.
Augustinaite’s mother had not seen her play during basketball season in seven years, and teammates quietly planned a surprise for the player’s birthday. Video from the moment shows Augustinaite walking into a room and reacting in shock as friends and guests shout “Surprise!” and “Happy birthday!” The scene is full of hugs and tears as her mother steps forward.
“I’m still shaking. No way!” Augustinaite says in the footage, later describing how grateful she is to have the family atmosphere the team built for her. Teammates said they organized the visit because they knew how important it was for her to have her mother at games and to celebrate with her in person after so long apart.
The surprise brought cheers and emotional embraces; guests and players clustered around to welcome Augustinaite and her mom. Teammates and coaches praised the gesture, noting how meaningful it was for a player far from home to see a loved one after years away. The visit — from thousands of miles away — was planned to coincide with Augustinaite’s birthday, turning a routine team gathering into a memorable homecoming.
Augustinaite reflected on the moment, saying it made her “so, so grateful” and that seeing her mother during the season meant everything after years of being apart. The video ends with birthday hugs and celebratory shouts, capturing the surprise, relief and joy of a long‑awaited family reunion.
