Girls basketball has no shortage of student leadership. Kathryn Scott, Natalie Goddard, Loren Goddard, Madison Byrne, and Kallie Roush (a total of five captains; all the seniors on the team), make sure that the basketball team is always guided and encouraged in their efforts. These captains have a tough role, but tackle the challenge with enthusiasm.

“They’re a huge help for us in a lot of ways,” head coach Jonathan Jones said. “Just the leadership in general and the experience that they bring. All of them have been on varsity for more than one year, some for four years. They know how to practice, how to work hard. Everyone else watches them. If they’re working hard, then everyone else is working hard as well.”

Usually, team captains are the seniors on the team. As the oldest and most experienced of all the players, their leadership is most effective.

“Being a team captain has been a really great experience so far this year,” Scott said. “Captain is just a title; we all are treated the same so it’s just a way to keep us accountable and push each other.”

The many roles of team captain are shared among the five seniors, occasionally changing as different needs arise.

“This year I was really honored to be a captain along with the other seniors on the team,” Loren Goddard said. “To me, it means that I have to be a role model for my team and represent the program well.”

In addition to upholding the example for the other players, the captains get to occupy a main role a sport they are passionate about.

“One of the things I enjoy most about being on the basketball team is going to tournaments because I get to spend the whole day with my team doing the things I love,” Natalie Goddard said.

In another view, having a leadership role brings the captains closer to each other and the other members of the team.

“My favorite thing about being a captain and on the team in general is the relationship I form with all of my teammates,” Loren Goddard said. “The bonds we form are so strong and the whole season is so much fun because we know each other so well.”

Despite all the joys of being a captain, there are still many obstacles that the seniors face.

“It is challenging sometimes during practice or games to continue pushing, but it becomes easier when you realize that the younger players are looking up to you,” Scott said.

After such diligent training and practicing, girls basketball believes they are headed for a successful season, even in the face of competing in a new UIL classification.

“Some of the challenges we will face this year are obviously competing in the 6A division but we have prepared ourselves the best this year,” Natalie Goddard said. “I know our hard work is going to pay off during districts.”