In order to receive the best results from games, make a comeback this season and come out on top, the girls basketball team put in hard work during their off-season.
In the previous season, the girls basketball team was not nearly as successful as they have been so far this year. Despite the fact that the team only won a handful of games last season, they did not let that stop them or affect their season this year.
“Last year was a struggle since we did not win many games. The way that they handled that was just unbelievable and they just kept showing up everyday and working hard and trying to get better,” Coach Lynn Carroll said, “and that is [what] led to the success that we’re having right now.”
Knowing that the previous season was difficult for them, they made sure to take advantage of the off-season and prepare themselves for the upcoming season.
“I feel like the fact that we won only a couple of games last year and we surpassed that record in the beginning of this season makes us stand out,” senior Erin McGee said. “It shows the hard work and dedication we put in during the off-season.”
The team has not only focused on themselves and perfecting their own skills, but they have also grown much closer as a team. This has helped them to better understand one another and improve communication.
“We have not only individually gotten better, but gotten stronger as a team that works together and understands each other better,” sophomore Kaitlyn Wotlinski said.
During the off-season, the team holds open gyms where players that hope to be on the team in the coming season can practice with their future teammates and start to build bonds with each other.
“During the off-season we have had a lot of open gyms,” junior Alaina Picard said. “Last year there were not a lot of people that showed up, but this year we had a lot of people come to the open gyms who were looking to put in work before the season started.”
Senior Emily Dick said it is a great feeling to see the results.
“Our results are actually showing this year. They never really showed last year, but this year we’re finally getting the results we’ve been wanting,” Dick said.
As much as the off-season has helped to progress their team, the team’s unity has also benefited their team immensely.
“The off-season really gives us a chance to develop and work on our team chemistry in the off-season,” sophomore Kiera Fadden said.
Because of the hard work and team chemistry that the team has, they “can win those tough games,” Dick said.
“Team bonding and our friendships are really important on and off of the court. The more friendships you have off the court, the better you can play on the court together,” Dick said.