Tahoma HS girls basketball team prepares for new season
MAPLE VALLEY, Wash. — Under the guidance of Head Coach, Peter Smith, the Tahoma High School varsity girl’s basketball team is looking forward to building upon their recent success in the North Puget Sound League (NPSL). After winning the past three NPSL titles, the Lady Bears are ready for the 2022-2023 season to begin.聽 Obviously, they want to win their fourth consecutive NPSL title, but their ultimate goal is to be state champions.
Over the past few years, the Lady Bears have developed a reputation for their talent and competitive drive. Led by their team captains; Hope Hassmann, Lauryn Frederickson, and Angie Cavanaugh, this team does not lack confidence.聽 All three captains, have different leadership styles which the team benefits from. Additionally, they have built a bond and familiarity with each other over the past 10 years in the Tahoma basketball program, which helps them with their leadership.
鈥淭here are five of us seniors who have played together starting in the 3rd grade,鈥� said Hope Hassmann. 鈥淲e have grown up together sharing the love for basketball. Ever since we were little, we have always dreamed of winning a state title together, and this upcoming year is the year we can get it done. Not just the seniors, but including our whole team, we have all dedicated time and put in hours of hard work. Going into this season everyone is extra motivated and dialed in to reach our goals.鈥�
How are they going to accomplish those goals? In addition to their hard work, discipline, and competitive drive, the team has a sense of family and a bond that many of them have developed over the years in the Tahoma program.
If you ask Hope Hassmann, she will tell you: 鈥淥ur team is one of a kind. We are not a regular high school team, we’re a family. All of the girls on the team are like each other’s sisters, making our bonds on and off the court so strong. Each new member of the team is welcomed into our family and knows we support them and will always have their back. It’s very important that we continue to build our family as strong as possible for us to be successful.鈥�
To build on their bond and cohesiveness, the team makes sure to incorporate fun into their routines.聽 The night before a game they have a team dinner. And not surprisingly, music also plays a role. The team likes to huddle around and 鈥渏am out to music in the locker room before each game to get hyped.鈥� They also have a certain song about hard work they dance to for motivation while going out of the locker room.
When they are celebrating after big games, there are dance circles and a lot of jumping around in the locker room. 鈥淲e celebrate with high fives, hugs, and words of encouragement,鈥� said Lauryn Frederickson.聽 鈥淲e love playing good music on a bus ride home from an away game win.鈥� Off the court, the team likes to celebrate by going out together for ice cream after the games.
Being a member of this team has played an important role in the lives of the Lady Bears.
Lauryn Frederickson:
鈥淏eing a member of a team has taught me some of my most valuable life lessons. I have learned how to effectively interact with others in several ways. I have learned about conflict resolution and leadership. Being a part of a tight knit team creates a family atmosphere that I will never forget. I have learned how to love. I have experienced pushing others to do better, as well as others pushing me to do better. Accountability is a huge part of being a part of a team.”
鈥淚 love all of the people I have met through basketball and all of the little moments I have experienced. Basketball has taught me perseverance, grittiness, sociability, leadership, and diligence. I love seeing all of my hard work pay off through little improvements. I love feeling success and I crave the competitive energy that comes from the sport of basketball.鈥�
Brooke Deyak:
鈥淢y favorite thing about basketball is the team camaraderie. When everyone on the team is working towards the same goal it can be really special. Basketball is about more than just basketball. It has taught me life lessons that I鈥檒l carry with me for the rest of my life.鈥�
This team is special and has broken several records. They have won their league championship three years in a row. Hope Hassmnann was crowned league MVP, and they have had several players be selected for the NPSL first, second, and all defensive teams. They have broken several scoring records and several of the players aspire to play on the collegiate level. Some people believe this team is one of the best girls basketball teams Tahoma has seen in many years.
With the arrival of the new season, the Tahoma Lady Bears have one more accomplishment to achieve, become state champions!
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