Just a Smile

Signs inside the locker room that motivate the team

The women's basketball team didn't have the easiest road this past season. Going through many tough loses and loosing a coach and players in the middle of the season, having to work together could have been hard for them, but instead they did it with dignity and poise.

Finishing the season 4-23 was not what they had hoped for but they have a lot of positive things to look back on. One being that they came into a new conference, not knowing what to expect and they took the floor each and every game giving it their all. Never letting down, the girls worked hard each day in practice and took that hard work to games, where they showed that no matter what the score they will continue to play as a team.

Success doesn't necessarily have to come from getting 30 tallies in the wins column. The women basketball team shows us this by their dedication to the community. At the beginning of their season they participated in the Walk for Autism at Jones Beach State Park and also joined the WBCA Pink Zone, an organization to support breast cancer awareness.

Along with this they decided to adopt a 21-month old girl named Stefanie through the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation. The little girl who they call Stef has a brain tumor. The team sends cards and gifts throughout the year and they were also able to bring her to a game when her treatments were going well. The women's team has surely made an impact on Stefani's life, helping to brighten her smile. While Stefani has truly made an impact of them and they continue to play for her and work hard for her, everyday.

With all this strength combined we are all confident Stefani can fight through this. She taught the team a lot, showing them that with the strength and support for those who care for you, you can get through anything. And the women's team has not only used that strength, but given the same thing back to Stefani and her family.

So the girls may have had a tough basketball season, but overall I would say they had more then a successful season in many people's eyes. They have done something pretty incredible, giving a little girl strength and love, and giving her a reason to smile. That smile is priceless and something that is more important then any win in that wins column.

So girls, all I have is one thing to say and that is...Thank you. Thank you for being role models and showing the community that even the smallest things make the biggest difference. This is the true meaning of not only being an amazing student-athlete is, but being a great person.

Another sign for motivation

This is the sign that hangs in their locker room for Stefani