In the world of sports, victory is often celebrated, and success becomes a testament to hard work, skill and determination. However, sometimes the true essence of sportsmanship lies in the ability to endure setbacks and rise above adversity. This is precisely the story of the Mound Westonka High School girls basketball team that faced defeat throughout the season but emerged victorious in a stunning victory during their first round of playoffs. 

The White Hawks started the season with high hopes and dreams of success. However, as the games unfolded, victory eluded them. The young team faced state-ranked opponents, battled their own injuries and inexperience, and navigated through many tough circumstances, resulting in a series of defeats. The scoreboard told a story of disappointment, but what it didn't reflect was the unwavering spirit and determination of the team. 

Despite the string of losses, the girls basketball team refused to be defined by their win-loss record. Coach Caitlyn McKernon focused on building character, teamwork and resilience in her players. The team continued to show up to practice with enthusiasm, growing their skills and fostering a sense of unity that transcended their record. 

As the regular season concluded without a win, the team found themselves at the bottom of the standings, facing an uphill battle in the playoffs. The odds were against them, but the girls approached the postseason with determination, grit and a collective will to never give up, no matter what. 

The opening playoff game against Apple Valley marked a turning point for the underdog team. Apple Valley is a school over double the size of Westonka and had recorded eight wins during the season. The White Hawks, though, were fueled by months of hard work, grit, and the unwavering support of their coaches and fans. They stepped onto the court ready to give it their all. The energy in the air was palpable, and Westonka fans erased any advantage that the hometown Eagles had. 

The teams battled and the lead changed hands multiple times. Fouls plagued both teams, so much so that in the final minutes of the game, Westonka’s lineup consisted entirely of eighth and ninth graders. As the final buzzer sounded, a wave of jubilation swept over the team. Final score of 68-55. For the first time in the season, victory was theirs. One parent in attendance said, “Victory is so sweet - especially when you’ve only known defeat.”

The White Hawks' lone senior, captain Kendra Mattson, reflected:

The Apple Valley victory was a great way to finish the season! This game truly showed all the work we put in throughout the season and our determination in finishing the year off with a win! Although our season didn't go how we hoped, this game allowed us to play together and showcase our growth. Following the game with a celebration of spraying water on our coaches in the locker room was definitely the highlight of my season!

Finally, the score displayed on the board reflected the unstoppable spirit that had carried the team through a trying season. Junior captain Kayla Hattlestad also reflected on the win:

That win was definitely one I'll never forget! It was really fun to end the regular season like that and be able to celebrate the way we did, with the water throwing in the locker room. It was also a nice way to see our success from the beginning to the end of the season with us scoring the most we've ever scored in a game. Other than just that game this season was a growing year for hopefully what will be a much better year next year. We weren't winning, but everyone on the team enjoyed their time together on and off the court!

The celebration that followed wasn't just about a single win; it was a celebration of resilience, growth and the strength that emerges from facing challenges head-on. The team, once defined by a string of losses, had rewritten their story with a playoff victory that will be remembered not just for the score but for the character it revealed and a strong base for rebuilding and strengthening their program into the future.

Junior captain Charlotte Mitlyng also looks at the victory as a good foundation to build from. Mitlyng said:

Our win against Apple Valley was definitely an exciting way to end our season. Despite a tough year, we were able to grow as a team and had a lot of fun. I’ll never forget the feeling after the buzzer rang, signaling the end of the game, and the entire team running, cheering and celebrating our hard-fought win! I can’t wait for next season to continue to build on everything we’ve learned this year!

Coach McKernon also was thrilled with the way the season ended, saying, “It was a great day! Our ninth graders were undefeated that morning in the New Prague Tournament, and the day ended with our first varsity victory of the season in Apple Valley."

"Our team has worked so hard and come so far," McKernon added. "Our future looks bright and I look forward to see how far they can go!”