Written by: Kyra Welch
As winter is approaching, so is basketball season! The Girls’ Varsity Basketball team at Providence Academy has been on a roll these past few years, winning the state championship title three times in a row. The Lions plan to defend their title again this year. All of the girls are motivated and confident that they will make it happen again.
The Lions are a talented group and many hope to continue playing in college. This team is entertaining to watch and the environment they create is special, with the crowds they draw to witness their amazing team chemistry. They have a lot to bring to the table this year.
The Lions start out their season playing Maple Grove, Eastview, White Bear Lake, and Dowling Catholic. The team has one goal: a four-peat. Coach Conner Goetz has been helping the girls prepare for the upcoming season.
“We have been doing open gyms, working out with skills trainers on Sundays, Mondays, and Wednesdays,” said Goetz.
The Lions have been locking in and practicing during the off season. Captain Emma Millerbernd, ’27, has been focusing on basketball more in order to prepare for the season.
“Mentally I am just staying focused and locked in. We need to believe in ourselves because we lost a few good players, so we have to just stay confident. Physically I had a great year in AAU and have been training a lot during the offseason,” said Millerbernd.
With every new and exciting season comes more seniors ready to take the reins and lead the team to another championship.
Senior Captain Hope Counts, ’25, is prepared to bring the team to another championship, but she is sad to leave this team next year especially with the friends she has made along the way. Counts has an exciting basketball future ahead at Lipscomb University in Tennessee.
“I’m really, really thankful for my experience here and I’ve learned a lot. It’s been really fun and it made me find my love for this sport and because of this it’s going to be really sad leaving them but I’ll keep on watching them so the distance won’t feel that far,” said Counts.
Captain Maddyn Greenway, ’26, prepares not only physically, but also mentally. Greenway has a quote that keeps her motivated on the court and reminds her that God is always with her: “Audience of One,” said Greenway.
Goetz and his coaching staff know that a lot goes into each season and they’re ready for the challenge.
“We need to stay healthy and we need to keep playing together as a team even when things look down, like how we did in the state championship last year,” Goetz said.
As usual, the community is behind the girls this year and is ready to come support their efforts.