As the season fast approaches, the Westonka girls basketball team is fired up and ready to hit the court with a fresh attitude and a relentless drive. After a tough season last year with just one win, the team has spent the offseason hustling—working through intense workouts, AAU training, Breakdown scrimmages, and powering up in the Westonka Performance Program to fine-tune their skills, strength, and team chemistry. This season, they’re back with a vengeance, boasting a roster of returning letter-winners and four senior captains ready to lead by example and set the tone for a winning culture.

“We’ve been grinding since summer,” says Head Coach Caitlin Sunder. “This group is hungry to show that last season doesn’t define them. I can’t wait to see their commitment and chemistry play out on the court.” Alongside Coach Sunder, Assistant Coach Maegan McKernon joins as JV/Varsity Assistant, Chris Heitz will assist Varsity, Gertas Urbanavicius is taking charge of the 8th Grade/C Squad, and Brooke Berger is guiding the 7th Grade team. “We’re thrilled to bring 7th and 8th graders into the program this year—this is how we build a strong foundation, one step at a time,” says Sunder.

The team’s four senior captains, Charlotte Mitlyng, Kayla Hatlestad, Gracie O’Halloran and Mari Engesser  all bring experience and leadership to the squad.  This group has been busy organizing Captain’s practices, coordinating team-building activities, and setting high expectations for practices and games. Senior Captain Charlotte Mittling shared, “Captains’ practice was full of energy! We’ve doubled the number of players this year and have almost a full returning varsity squad. Everyone is working hard together and super excited for a successful season!”  When asked about hopes for the season Captain Kayla Hatlestad said,  “I am most excited for every player to grow in their own ways.  We have a lot of things to learn and improve on this season, which is going to make the outcomes and successes even better. I can't wait to watch everyone  get better and use each other's strengths to have a stronger season."

This year, the team also returns with experienced letter-winners ready to elevate their game—9th grader Charlotte Huls, 10th graders Valarie Mobagi, Jamison Reinke, Lizzy Nash, and Kenna Tappen—are all primed to contribute after gaining valuable court time last season.

Coach Sunder is proud of the work that the students have put in this off season.  “Our girls have  put in a lot of time and energy this off season and it is fun to see their growth.  Their dedication to personal improvement has helped raise the level of intensity in practice, and they are eager to bring that energy into the season’s first games.”

Coach Cait has ambitious goals for the season, emphasizing growth, resilience, and teamwork over mere wins and losses. “I don’t see last year as a ‘rebuilding year’—we’re always building, pushing forward. This group has taken last season as motivation. I’ve had conversations with each captain, and their top goal is to build a strong, positive team culture.” For Coach Cait, creating an environment that athletes are excited to be a part of is just as crucial as competitive success. “This offseason, we’ve found that balance of fun, motivation, and drive, and I know it’ll carry through the season. This group is special!”

With a strong group of leaders, a core of returning talent, and a commitment to teamwork  the  girls basketball team is poised for an exciting season. Fans are encouraged to come out and support the team in their home opener on Friday, November 22.