After the 2023-24 season, the girls basketball not only lost a coach, but they lost four out of five starters. This meant that they needed a new coach with high energy, passion, and a standard of excellence to help a more inexperienced team. This is what they found in John Gillett can bring to this program to help them succeed.
“I think he’s going to bring a high energy and a passion and standard of excellence,” Athletic director Ben Kruse said. “I think he is going to find the right ways to get the girls having fun and then define success slightly differently, not just wins and losses, but I really anticipate a high energy program.”
Only one of five starters from last year is returning. Junior Melina Sayre is ready for the task and looks forward to stepping up and hoping to be a captain. Being a captain as a junior holds lots of responsibility.
“My goals for this year are to have a winning season and to get team captain,” Sayre said. “I’m going to hold all of us girls accountable, and I’m going to just put in all my effort during practice and games and be the best player I can be for this team.”
Another returning varsity player is sophomore Emma Monaghan. Monaghan acknowledges that the team is young and agrees that she also has to step up. Monaghan knows that the team has to work together and communicate in order to succeed this season. As long as the team makes smart decisions she thinks they can succeed, that is what Gillett can bring to the team.
“I’m a bit nervous about stepping up and being a leader, but I think if we all work together how we usually do we can succeed together,” Monaghan said. “I really like him as a coach. I think he’ll be a good coach and make smart decisions during the game and help us succeed.”
With a new coaching change, the program looks to establish culture before winning championships. Focusing on the little things first is important because it can build up to being able to win championships.
“The goal for the girls program right now is to really establish the culture before focusing on championships,” Kruse said. We have to focus on the little things, like what our warmup looks like. Are they bringing it in practice everyday? Are we just becoming better athletes and better humans.”
