Staples girls’ basketball will start off its season on Nov. 22, under coach Ed Huydic with hopes of having a successful season.
After losing three of their five starters who either graduated or resigned, the team is under pressure to prove that it has what it takes to maintain its consistent reputation to be competitive in the FCIAC. This includes continuing their streak of appearing in the conference and state tournaments for the 25th time. To do this, the players must work extra hard this season.
“We have lost a lot of key players and we now have to work together as a team to overcome the challenges, since we have to face the shortage of players and their positions,” Mary Kate Van Sant ’11 said.
Every year, teams have to deal with the inevitable loss of seniors; this year was no different for girls’ basketball.
The impact of losing seniors Suvi Puritpattarrapan ‘10, Chelsea Salamone ‘10, Maddy Krakowiak ‘10, is substantial.
“Losing seniors affects the team a lot because we are low in numbers now,” Sydney Houseworth ’12 said.
Captain Nicole Brill ’11 agreed that the team has lost a lot of talented seniors to gradutation, but she continues to express that they are ready to take on the challenge of filling their places.
The loss of seniors isn’t the only thing making this season more difficult. They also lost two of their starters to injuries. Julie Strickland ’11, an experienced guard, is out for the season due to a leg injury, and Jessica Coelho ’12, a center, is possibly out until mid-season with a knee injury.
“Whatever experience we do have, we will use it to meet our own expectations,” Huydic said.
This includes key players Brill, Van Sant and Remy Nolan ’12, who will lead and contribute to the team’s success this upcoming season. As a whole, the team is young but committed and has been working hard in off-season leagues, practices, and clinics.
“The team and I are motivated to do whatever it takes to win games this year,” said Brill, who continued to say that, “the season may be difficult and time consuming, [but] we are all ready to take on the challenge.”
Having committed players is essential to a team’s success; this is another setback that girls’ basketball is dealing with. They have lost a few players due to length of the basketball season, as it is a huge time commitment.
Fortunately, even with the loss of nine out of 15 varsity players since last season, they still have motivated and experienced players to help their team this year.
“So far, we have several returning players that will significantly help our team. There are some new freshman and sophomores that I know personally will have a good impact on the upcoming season,” Van Sant said.
Despite many obstacles that may present themselves throughout the season, Coach Huydic remains optimistic about the potential of his squad.
“This is the kind of group who will prove to be successful [throughout] the season,” Huydic said.