A COURTSIDE VIEW: THE JOURNEY TO STATE.
From the outside looking in, basketball might seem simple; just a game of passing, dribbling, and shooting. But from a player's stance, it’s so much more than that. It’s late nights, sore muscles, and a bond stronger than words can describe. It’s being part of something bigger than oneself, a high school girls’ basketball team that just qualified for the state tournament.
Stepping onto the court instead of playing for myself, I’m playing for my team, the girls who’ve become my family. Together, we’ve faced everything. I think back to those late practices, as we push through endless drills, perfecting passes and inbounds plays. We’ve run sprints until we can’t feel our legs, but we keep going because we know it’s worth it. We’ve endured tough love from our coach, who pushes us because he sees our potential, even when we can’t. Off the court, we share moments that make this journey unforgettable. Team meals at someone’s house are more than just food, they’re games, pictures, and moments of connection. Traveling together is an adventure in itself. Our bus ride is either two hours long or 15 minutes long. Our locker room playlists are blaring as we hype ourselves up for the next big game. We’ve shared pregame rituals, like meeting before our games to cheering on the JV as they compete or braiding each other's hair. When the games get tight, when the score is neck and neck, and the time is running out, it’s those moments that define us. We dig deeper, push each other, and play with our whole hearts. This journey hasn’t been easy. We’ve faced injuries, losses, and those moments of doubt where it felt like the whole world was against us. But through it all, we’ve stayed together. Each victory, each loss, each late-night practice has forged a bond that’s unbreakable.
And now, as we head to state, I’m filled with excitement and gratitude. Not just for the chance to compete, but for the girls who’ve walked this path with me. Senior basketball player Tessa Miller also states, “Something I am excited for this week is to continue the legacy of going to state basketball and getting to experience it one last time for my senior year with my closest friends and coaches.” Being part of this team has taught me so much more than how to shoot a basketball or run a play. It’s taught me resilience, dedication, and what it truly means to be part of a team.
When the final whistle blows and the season comes to an end, I won’t just remember the wins or the stats. I’ll remember the laughter, the tears, and the way we came together as a family. So, to anyone watching from the stands: what you see on the court is only a fraction of our story. And as we step into Bramlage coliseum, we’ll do it together because that’s what it means to be a team.
Article by Anne Toerber
Photo by Amanda Parker Photography