Wildcats push through pains as girls pull together

While chocolates and flowers may bring most girls satisfaction this time of year, dominating and winning fulfills February desires for Wildcat hoopsters. Graduating 10 seniors last year, the girls were faced with a new chapter as young girls were granted the opportunity to fill big shoes. 

Senior captain Joely Schelfhout definitely felt the void but quickly saw it filled with the promise of the future.

“We’ve had a lot of ups and downs as a team,” she said. “But from the beginning of the season, having zero chemistry, to learning how to play together, I think we’ve grown tremendously.”

These new team formulas helped the girls build unbreakable bonds, capable of accomplishing the unpredicted. While reflecting on her last high school season, Schelfhout will fondly remember the moments she created this season.

“My favorite memory this year is beating Appleton North,” she said. “I don’t think anyone truly believed we were going to win it, but coming off that win as a brand new team was a huge success and it gave us a lot of confidence for the rest of the season.”

On January 31 the girls took down the Lightning 57-49, starting the new year off right and proving the team’s ability to compete. Senior Rowan Tigert knows that the rigorous conference only makes them tougher against such storms. 

“We are in a very good conference so being able to play with these teams and put up a good fight is something to be proud of,” she said. “Our toughest obstacle is being in such a tough conference, we have to handle some of the best players in the state but it really only makes us better.”

Tigert concurs with Schelfhout on the paramount importance of the camaraderie these mighty connections can bring. 

“We talk about everything,” she said. “When something is going wrong or not how we want, we come together in a circle and talk about it. It seems to help us move forward from setbacks and move on to the next thing.” 

While the fanbase lacks spirit in the gym, the team makes sure to fill the noise with cheers, according to Tigert. 

“Our benergy (bench energy) is a huge focus for us every game,” she said. “I think we nail it every time. We don’t usually get a ton of people in the stands so making sure everyone on the court is feeling the energy and love is very important to us.”

Junior Colleen Fitzpatrick benefits from her teammates unwavering support. 

“One big important part of our team culture is that we are always proud of each other’s success and we celebrate them as if they are our own,” she said. “We are a family on and off the court.”

Fitzpatrick was provided with the opportunity to play under the big lights this year, and she has successfully risen to the occasion.

“An obstacle is that we are a pretty young team and many, including myself, were learning how to play at the varsity level,” she said. “But our team handles setbacks together and we push each other in the gym so that we can learn to grow from them.”

Senior captain Maddie Rasmussen faced personal adversities but was able to come back for her senior year stronger than ever.

“My biggest accomplishment is getting back onto the court after injury,” she said. “We use setbacks as motivation and grow from them. We know when to joke with each other, but we also know when to hold each other accountable.”

While Rasmussen lacked physical health and dealt with injuries in the offseason, Schelfhout worked on her mental health and learned new ways to overcome stress.

“My toughest obstacle is my confidence,” she said. “But my biggest accomplishment is coming to practice every day, ready to give it my all every single day no matter the circumstances and consistently trying to be focused on my goals.”

Celebrating every step is integral to an athlete's life. While demands of school and sports close in, it's important to be proud of every achievement. As the regular season begins to wrap up, Tigert is eager to end her senior year with a bang.

“Although our record isn’t the best, I know it doesn’t define the talent that this team has and I’m looking forward to what we can do in the playoffs,” she said. 

by ClashRoyaleLover

Published on February 24 2024

Oshkosh West Index Volume 121 Issue V