Throughout the pre-season, the girls basketball team did a variety of basketball clinics as well as participating in strength and conditioning programs to prepare for the upcoming season. The upperclassman also hosted many open gyms throughout pre-season in order to strengthen team unity.
“So far in the preseason, I think that we have really positive energy so far, and with the new freshman, everyone’s lifting each other up, so that we can have good team chemistry during the season,” junior Erin Martin commented.
Senior Angelese Santiago was able to share one of her goals she has for the team for the upcoming season.
“I want the underclassmen to take a larger role on the team, with this change I expect us to become much more of a united front,” Santiago said. “I am feeling excited for the upcoming season as it is my last year, and I’m looking forward to the underclassmen taking a much larger role. For my last year, I hope to compete at every game, support my teammates, and most of all have fun. To me, this year is all about taking in the moment and appreciating my growth in my basketball career.”
As well as participating within the team pre-season many girls basketball players took it upon themselves to train outside of just the SWHS team in order to strengthen their skills.
“During the preseason, I have continued doing basketball clinics and other strength and conditioning programs which has helped strengthen my skills greatly for the team. I have also made the effort to coordinate open gyms at school to help make us a more united front for the upcoming season,” Santiago explained.
Players participated in summer leagues, other basketball clinics and even played fall ball for premier teams to get ready for the season.
“This fall we’ve been playing together, and we have been moving the ball well and getting used to each other’s timing,” sophomore Olivia Costello said.
The team believes their competitiveness, teamwork and determination will ensure they have a successful season. One challenge they believe they will face, however, is making sure that the underclassman coming into the program will feel supported. Fostering a sense of belonging on their team is crucial in order for them to have a united front for the 2024-2025 season.
With pre-season training coming to a close, the team is ready to play! They can not wait to work hard, persevere and make improvements in team collaboration and unity in order to succeed and have a winning upcoming season.
The South Windsor High School Girls Basketball team will have their first away game on December 13th at 6:45pm at East Hartford High School.
