As a team and individuals, Wildcat Women’s Basketball has a lot to celebrate. For the first time in years, they made it to the Northwest Conference tournament.
“It’s been too long since we’ve been here.” Head Coach Casey Bunn-Wilson said. “Anytime you get to reach postseason play is a special opportunity.”
Since it has been so long, what made this season different from the others? Bunn-Wilson claims that these athletes were committed to the program, one rooted in hard work, resilience and teamwork. They believed in themselves and each other and never stopped fighting.
“This team has shown to be resilient night in and night out,” Bunn-Wilson said. “We dealt with a lot of adversity at the beginning of the year, and the team continues to step up and show up for one another.”
The coaches and players note this “team-first” mentality as a big reason for their success. The team made an effort to get to know each other, which reflected on the court. They truly wanted what was best for one another. Sophomore forward Maddy Barter’s favorite part of the season was the bonding that took place on and off the court.
“We have so many movie nights and team trips in the summer that it makes hanging out with the team feel more like it’s just a group of my best friends,” Barter said.
This environment with teammates and coaches is what made the season so special. Barter claims the team was not only focused on what happens on the court but on mental health as well. She said the coaches remind them they are more than just players.
“That is why we have seen success. They are selfless teammates and individuals who really care a lot about each other on and off the court,” Bunn-Wilson said.
With every great season, there is a lesson to be learned.
“I hope the team has learned that anything can happen if you work hard and fight for what you want,” Bunn-Wilson said. “As their coach, I am just so incredibly proud of them.”
Luckily, Bunn-Wilson’s hope has come true.
“I have learned that anything can happen,” said junior forward Miki Vermeulen “We had a lot of injuries at the beginning of the year, and I think it was hard for a bit to see the light, but then we ended up being undefeated well into the season.”
In fact, they held the longest winning streak in program history at 10 games and best win percentage at .731. This means the team had the most Northwest Conference wins since 2000. Not only that, they tied all-time wins within one season at 19 wins, an accomplishment that last occurred in 1979.
It is clear the team exceeded their own expectations this season, but what are their hopes for next season?
Vermeulen has high expectations for next year after how well the team did this year. Many players are returning next season so the team dynamic won’t change too much.
From the team’s point of view, their team dynamic is what made them so successful this season. A dynamic of support, selflessness and friendship.
