With winter captains practices wrapping up, players and coaches are excited to continue the bonds they have been forming in this upcoming season. Captains practices help student athletes get to know their other teammates, as well as build chemistry with the coaches. This is especially helpful when teams like girls basketball have new coaches stepping in.
Parks new basketball coach Ron Howard said captains’ practices help with getting the team together and letting the players get to know each other.
“The main goal is to get our girls together and try to build camaraderie, some chemistry and see who can really play,” Howard said.
Senior Evie Schmitz said captains practice helps her make connections with the team.
“We’re bonding together and we’re getting in shape for basketball season,” Schmitz said.
Senior Ruby Massie said the new basketball coach helps push the team to be the best they can be.
“Our new coach has high expectations for us,” Massie said. “So we are working really hard, but we’re making it fun, and everybody in the gym is really encouraging and we are doing great.”
According to Howard, players seem thrilled for a new coach.
“I think the benefit of me being a new first year head coach here is people being excited and anxious to get out and play basketball again this season,” Howard said.
Schmitz said she notices an improvement within the program with a new coach.
“The environment is a lot better with our coach, and everyone seems to want it more now,” Schmitz said.
Massie said she thinks this year will go better than the last, and she’s enthusiastic to get started.
“I am really excited for this season, and we have a good team and we’re gonna do good this year,” Massie said. “I’m also looking forward to playing with my new team.”
Girls’ basketball has a set tournament that starts at 11:00 a.m. Nov. 18 in Park’s main gym.
