KEARNS’ girls basketball team says preseason work builds the foundation for success. Preseason work taught the Lady Cougars their value and transformed preparation into on-court confidence. Players say recognition should include pre-season effort as well as post-season results.
BASKETBALL is about more than what happens during game time on the court. Countless hours of conditioning, training, and team-building lead to those few games. While the glory of the game is important, the game doesn’t happen without acknowledging the dedication and hard work of players during the pre-season. Without work, there is no success. One player, Hotaia Amasio (10), said, “I look forward to building connections, enjoying this season, and to have fun this season.”
PRE-SEASON prepares players physically and mentally, shaping habits that pay off during games and championships. Preseason efforts are for teams and players to prepare for the regular season by getting into game shape, trying out new lineups and strategies, evaluating talent, and building team chemistry. It’s important because preseason is where some careers start; there are players out there trying to prove themselves and are trying to make their roster or any roster for that matter. Some of these players either end up on a team or never play again. This is why preseason is special.
PLAYERS from the girls basketball team know practice creates purpose and progress. Everyone knows practice makes perfect. Practice is what takes these players places. Each player gains something out of practice—a desire to become a better athlete. Amasio gives her perspective on pre-season practice. “I gain new ball knowledge, accountability, and discipline from practice,” she says.
IT isn’t just the hard work or the conditioning players get out of training that matters. Practice develops more than physical skills. Mental resilience, focus, and individualization are just as important as hard work and conditioning.
GAMES and championships are won at practice because the Lady Cougars play as a unit. It doesn’t take one girl on the court to win; it takes five. Basketball reveals characters and it also reveals a team-family.
GOALS guide the Lady Cougars before, during and after the season. They help overcome challenges in order to become successful. Setting goals doesn’t just set the players up for success, it sets coaches up for success too.
GREAT bonds are formed during the season, especially getting prepped for each player’s future. Another player, Ryleigh Granger (10), said, “I look forward to building new connections in practice.”
TEAMS face ups and downs, and players often make sacrifices to help the group succeed. “I’ll sacrifice my own shine if it means the team shines brighter,” Amasio said.
RESILIENCE keeps players coming back after setbacks. “Getting back from the feeling of embarrassment motivates me to come back,” Granger said. “My parents motivate me to continue playing even after a bad loss or a bad day,” Amasio added.
VICTORY doesn’t come from skill alone; it comes from a team with purpose, and that purpose is built in practice. Practice is a safe place to fail, learn and build the discipline, confidence and endurance that lead to success.
EVERYONE on the team believes a winner is a dreamer that never gives up. Individually, each player is a dreamer. The Lady Cougars believe the lessons learned in practice are worth more than any single win. No matter the outcome, their hard work matters.
