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New coach brings success to women's basketball |
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Written by Arannia Brown
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Tuesday, 26 January 2010 |
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“We’re the team coming out of nowhere,” says Jenny Lutton, senior co-captain of the women’s varsity basketball team. The women’s basketball team is enjoying a very successful season. Among their accomplishments are a first place finish at the Gresham Holiday tournament over winter break and a 12–3 overall record, including 2–1 in the PIL. “We beat two teams that were in top six in the state,” says Lutton. The team’s successful season came from hard work, closely bonded teamwork and also help from new head coach Kara Sandoval.
“We [seniors] have been playing together for five years” says Lutton. “We all have problems but we work through them as a team.” The team is anchored by five seniors: Jacquie Shaw, Anya Snyder, Sarah McAdams, Jay Jay Soles, and Lena Sernoff. Being on the same team for a long period of time has paid off, because these girls know each other’s strength and weakness on the court. If one team member needs help, another player is there for support. “Everybody has a purpose on the team,” says Sandoval.
Sandoval has experienced an intense season in her first year coaching at Grant. “[This season] is very intense because I’m a passionate person,” she says in a calm tone. “It has been a trnsitional one, but a good year,” says Sandoval. Sandoval’s heart has always been in basketball. “I played it, I loved it, and I felt like I should give back to something that was good to me,” she says. Sandoval played basketball during high school at Clayton New Mexico High School, before playing college at Tarleton State University College, and also coached several teams before coming to Grant.
The team is certainly enjoying their new coach this season. “She teaches us pretty much how to be a team, and to have fun,” says Lutton. Last year, coach Missy Smith focused only on winning, but Sandoval brings a balance of coaching to the team. She encourages them to have fun but also to stay focused.
Sandoval’s new coaching technique has the Grant women’s basketball team in great shape this season. The team’s goal for the season is to take first in the PIL, and to beat their rival Franklin. “There are our main competition, because we lost one game to them,” says senior Sarah McAdams. Last but not least, the team plans on being successful at state.
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