The Girl’s Basketball tryouts are quickly approaching! Our talented lady cougars are ready to get back on the court and show off their skills! Here at Dakota, we have three Girl’s basketball teams: Freshman, JV, and Varsity. With anticipation growing fast, I wanted to talk to some players from our team from last year to see what they had to say.

Amanda Hill played on the Dakota Freshman team last year and will be trying out for our JV team this year.

When asked what her favorite thing about basketball is, she said, simply, that it is, “Being on the court with my closest friends.” She spends so much time with these girls that it’s hard not to become close.

Next, I asked what excites her the most about potentially being on the JV team this year. She told me, “The higher level of competition, being on the court with new people, and learning new things about the sport I didn’t know.” Her response, though short and sweet, proves that she has a deep love for the sport and is ready for the new season.

I also talked with Tara Bieniewicz as well to get her take on it. Tara was a Varsity player last year and will again be trying out for the Varsity team. Talking with her, I can really tell that she is ready to leave her mark in her final year at Dakota.

When I asked Tara what her favorite thing about basketball is, she told me, “All of the opportunities it offers. I get to meet and play with great teammates, get to learn mental toughness, and I am able to compete. It teaches life lessons even though it’s just a sport. Also, I create lifelong friendships and bonds with my teammates.” Her answer to my question shows just how dedicated she is not only to the sport, but to the friends that she makes along the way.

I then asked what she excited her most about the upcoming Varsity season. She responded by saying, “ I would say the talent and potential we have to make it far this season. We can make it super far as long as we play together and work hard as a team.” Her answer further proves her love for the sport and the team.

These two girls are obviously extremely eager to get back out on the court and play some ball. For those of us who cheer them on for the bleachers, you should be equally enthusiastic. Dakota High School has such amazing talent and our Lady Cougars are no exception. This year is sure to be one to remember.

Our girls are ready. Are you?