On Nov. 29,  the women’s varsity basketball team started off their season with a win against the Northwest Lions 61-17. 

Last year, the girls basketball team went to districts but unfortunately lost in the first round. This season the team strives to go to State. To achieve this, the team must have good communication on and off the court. Junior, Cara Rossomanno, agrees and said her team’s relationship and her coach push her to be a better player. 

“I like that we all get along and are able to joke with each other. My team has really helped me communicate more on the court, I used to be a lot quieter. My coach has been able to pick me up when I was in my head and was able to get me out of my head. If I made a mistake I would get mad but he would talk me through smarter plays and how to improve. [His words mean a lot to me] because he’s who I am trying to prove myself to and it’s important to me he knows I can do better,” Rossomanno said. 

A coach’s words can greatly affect a player because they’re seen as a mentor and a guide. Their feedback can motivate, inspire, and shape a player’s mindset and performance. Likewise, constructive criticism can help players identify their weaknesses and work on improving them. With this mindset, head coach, coach Christopher Wilkenson said the girls played well but he continues to expect more moving forward.

“We played really hard, I always expect more because I know how good this team could be,” Wilkenson said. 

Due to this disciplined and goal oriented attitude, Wilkensons players have established this mindset and strive for perfection. Senior, Cece Hoeflinger, has pushed this spirit on herself and each game. 

“No, I think it was not a good game. We played well because we’re a good team. But, everyone was just really nervous because it was their first game and we had a lot of people who had never played varsity before. It could’ve been better,” Hoeflinger said.