A check-in with the team captains as Wildcat Basketball wraps up the first month of competition season

Dec 10

Dec 10 A check-in with the team captains as Wildcat Basketball wraps up the first month of competition season

By Skylar Mattson

On November 8th, the Wildcat basketball season tipped off with a game in California against the University of Redlands Bulldogs. After two losses in California, the Wildcats returned home where they entered a three-game winning streak before losing their first two MIAC conference games.

I checked in with senior team captains, Greta Schimnowski (Nursing, Psychology minor) and Maddy Manger (Chemistry/Biochemistry, Biology minor), to see what the start of the season has brought for the team.

The captains reported that the team brought great energy to start the season, and Schimnowski added that, “everyone came in with a ton of motivation and willingness to step up and fill the necessary spots on our team.”

The trip to California to kick off the competition season, seems to be the highlight of the season so far. The captains’ favorite memories from the season so far included getting a little workout in playing beach volleyball and seeing dolphins on the trip. Schimnowski explained, “I am super thankful that our team is able to travel together and play new teams across the country. It was a great opportunity for our team to get closer at the beginning of our season. Our players worked hard to fundraise for this trip, so I am glad we were able to have fun on and off the court.”

The captains reported that energy is what is comprising the team atmosphere this season. Manger shared, “The atmosphere has been very energetic, competitive and supportive. No one can have a ‘good day’ every day, but each individual does their best to bring up others when they feel low, and that is big for a team sport!” While encouraging their teammates to bring the energy, the pair also shared that as captains, something they are pushing on their teammates is to prioritize mental health.

As the season continues, the captains are excited to see what can be accomplished with the team’s potential after coming out of a strong season last year. They hope for improvement and look forward to making memories both on and off the court for their last season.

Next year, Schimnowski hopes to find a nursing job in the area and hopes to keep basketball in her life, likely through coaching. Manger is currently in the process of applying to medical school for next year. The close bond that this team has is going to be missed as these players retire their jerseys at the end of the season.