For this year’s girls’ basketball team, success wasn’t measured by wins or losses, but by growth, effort, and the bonds formed along the way.
Composed of five freshmen and two sophomores, some of whom were brand-new to the sport, the team entered a rebuilding year. They played a JV season, focused on improvement and enjoyment, rather than competition.
The girls’ bonding played a major role in shaping the team experience. Player Abbigail Stoffel (10) enjoyed the Christmas party hosted by the new head coach, Tyler Menke.
“Over Christmas break, we did this little party. Everybody brought a gift, and we did a white elephant,” Stoffel said.
The players also participated in Thoughtful Thursdays, where every week Menke gave athletes a prompt or question to complete. Sometimes, players wrote notes to teachers who had helped them or someone who had made an impact on their lives.
“Every Thursday, we just did something like that. It’s fun,” Stoffel said.
Those shared experiences strengthened relationships and made the season more meaningful. New traditions helped bring the team closer together and focus on more than just basketball.
“We really had fun, but we also worked really hard, and everybody had a really good work ethic,” Stoffel said.
That balance between enjoyment and effort became a key part of the team’s culture throughout the season. Assistant Coach Shannon Funke says the girls worked extremely hard, proving their willpower all while being a fun and high-spirited group.
“They were like sponges this season as some of the girls had not played before, but they came to learn every day!” Funke said.
Although there were times of frustration, Funke feels the girls continued to have a great mindset and work together.
“We knew we weren’t going to be able to compete with every team, but that didn’t stop anyone from trying their best,” Stoffel said.
Funke said that the season pushed players into new roles. The team was young without any upperclassmen role models.
“There were girls who stepped up as leaders who probably would not have had to in the past,” Funke said.
It was tough for Raylee Derby (9), having never played basketball before. She says the connection she had with the team and coaches kept her playing.
“I thought about quitting midseason. I wasn’t sure if I was ever going to play basketball again,” Derby said, “But the connection that I had with my teammates and my coaches—I couldn’t imagine losing that. I do definitely plan to go out next year.”
First-year player Jeanne Bardgett says she “100%” plans on going out again next year.
“I made so many new friendships that I don’t think I would have made if I hadn’t gone out,” Bardgett said.
