After finishing last season with a record of 16-9, the Robinson Knights girls basketball team has come into this season back and better than ever, already 3-0.
The great start isn’t an accident, though. The players say that the momentum came much before the first game, and their hard work has been paying off.
“We have a better team dynamic this year,” junior guard and forward Ava Harris (’27), said. “There is more energy, there is more of a drive to win.”
For part of the off-season, the team was practicing without a consistent head coach. But instead of letting the uncertainty effect their playing, they used the transition period as motivation.
“In the off-season we were kind of in between coaches, but I think we did as much as we could with the situation,” Captain Natalie Ashburn (’26) said. “Coach Kyle has been great, and he really cares about our team and pushes us to be better.”
Coach Kyle’s coaching has brought structure to the team, along with intensity and drive. Players say that expectations are high, but that is just what the team needed.
“[Coach Kyle] pushes us hard because he sees so much potential and expects those high expectations on and off the court. Whether it be hustle, behavior or just a better team relationship,” Harris (’27) said.
During the off-season, the players started to reflect on their playing. They wanted to grow as a team, and they realized they had to make changes in order to make that possible. Whether that be on or off the court, they were determined to persevere.
“We started holding each other accountable and realizing how much practice matters when you take it seriously,” Ashburn (’26) said. “A lot of us play multiple sports so that helped us see that the way we were practicing before wasn’t going to cut it if we wanted to be good.”
This mindset shift became one of the most important parts in their season so far. The girls are working harder, and it’s being reflected in the score. Their ability to self-manage and motivate themselves is helping them become a great team.
The addition of a few new players combined with the commitment and new coaching has helped transform the team. The chemistry is noticeable from the first whistle to the last.
“[The team] added a couple of new players who have been great for us. We’re really grateful to have them,” Center and forward, Ashburn (’26) said.
There are four new freshmen on the team this year. As the team grows, they get better. The Knights are learning to be a better team and switch up their work ethics.
With an undefeated start so far, the team is hoping to carry this with them for the rest of the season. They’re building a stronger team that will for sure surpass their record from last year. Their fresh identity is only the beginning of this.
is there any way you could get a quote from coach kyle for this?
