by Delaeny Stevenson
While the basketball season does not officially start until February this year, the girl's team has already begun practicing twice a week. According to head coach Jay Smoljan, the team is conditioning, playing, and doing drills, all the while carefully following pandemic guidelines to ensure everyone's safety.
Many of the athletes are excited to be able to start practicing again and preparing for their season. Junior Erica Hafkey explained, “COVID has affected me greatly as a player and quarantine affected my social skills. I forgot how to talk to girls that I have been playing with for the past two years, but after the first few minutes it all came back, and it was just great to be back and playing with them.” Sophomore Kylie Howard agreed, saying, “I am just so grateful to be able to play this season.”
Smoljan is optimistic about this year’s team. “It's exciting to see the players working towards getting better each time they are in the gym,” he said. “The players work very hard and are willing to learn and be coached.”
For updates on the girl's basketball team, be sure to follow their Instagram page @minarets_girlsbasketball. Those with questions on the season or are considering joining the team can contact Jay Smoljan at jsmoljan@mychawanakee.org