“Throughout the game, in my mind, I always knew we were going to win, but it's kind of like a different type of realization when the time is about to hit zero and you really realize you're actually going to win,” Somvichian said. “It's kind of a surreal feeling, and when the buzzer went off we were all just so happy. It was just a great moment.”

“It starts with opportunity, it starts with exposure, and it starts with falling in love with the game. Our goal is just to help girls fall in love with basketball,” said Coach Packie Turner

“If we're talking about Hoopers, there are [movements that] I call prehab movements, things that are going to help you stay out of rehab,” Sanchez said. “The ankles and the hips are so vital to them, right? So just simple things [such as] ankle rockers or mini band work so that it helps the hips strengthen and allows the gluteus medius to do what it's supposed to, [and] stretching the hip.”

“I think that it's definitely going to be beneficial for young athletes to make sure that when their bodies are in their prime, and they're able to train and have the time and energy to train as much as they can, they want to make sure they’re getting the most out of it,” Abaya said. “So much of [preparation,] recovery, and fuel is in nutrition, and it doesn't seem like kids have that knowledge.”

“Sports, academics, public speaking, in the operating room, or wherever, you have to know how to manage your emotions. No matter what happens in front of you, stay in that performance state. Deal with the other stuff later, but you can't just all of a sudden fall apart,” Toon said.

“For me, that's just finding ways that I can slot in and contribute to our team winning games, you know. Whether that means scoring, whether that means passing, whether that means just making sure people are in the right spots, playing defense, whatever that takes, I'm willing to do it,” Friedkin said.

“I think [my] favorite part [of my job] is just seeing how people approach life, you know, there's no right way, there's no wrong way. I think everyone has their own way of doing it, and then capturing greatness within that individual,” Crocker said. “So being able to translate just greatness and potential within people through film, and through videos, I think is the most fulfilling thing, and the relationships afterwards are really cool too.”

“I've had the best of both [teammates and coaches] and that is rare. Very rare from what I've heard from former teammates I’ve played with or even people that I played against,” Thomas said. “So our connection has been really good. I would definitely call them another part of my family for sure. They make things not just easier, but they make you enjoy the experience.”

“Like anything in life, it begins with your mindset. With what you believe to be true. If you have self doubt, you will hesitate in [the] game. We work to not only sharpen your physical tools but also your mental tools to allow you to fully trust your work and stop listening to the old stories in our head as to why we cannot do something,” Coach Packie said.

“The most important thing [is] everybody that works hard will get an opportunity at some point. I think my suggestion is trusting the process and being okay [with] starting at the bottom. Pay your dues… Look for that opportunity and when you receive [it], work hard and be patient with it. Enjoy the process of growing and learning instead of just expecting instant success.”

“They're invested in seeing him be successful on and off the court. So when he has struggles or some frustrations, it's been nice for them to give us some encouragement… You can’t always get that from different places. UPB is just not just a training place, it's a community. They want to see kids achieve.”

Over the last week of November, the Saints placed in the D2SIDA Women’s Basketball Division II Media Poll for the first time in program History. The team tied with Southwestern Oklahoma State at No. 25. Sopak not only credits the team’s defense for their success, but also credits the relationships that she and her teammates have built together.

The grind did not stop for Chidom after AfroBasket 2021. Two days after winning the gold, she arrived in Angers, France on Tuesday, September 28th to start her season with Union Feminine Angers Basket 49 in their first game that upcoming Saturday on October 2nd. It was a quick turnaround, but Chidom was up for the challenge to quickly learn the team’s plays and get into the rhythm of European basketball.

My favorite part [about playing overseas is] being able to play a game that [I] love and [do what I have] always [dreamt] about when [I was] a little girl, to play professional basketball. Now I'm finally doing it, and [I am] able to play and travel the world,” Melgoza said. “Like that's literally my job, to play and travel the world. I think that's just an amazing thing, and I'm so grateful that I had this opportunity to do that.”

Hernandez played in her first collegiate basketball game on November 7th when the Anteaters hosted Westcliff University and won 114-53. Hernandez played 13 minutes and had five points, three assists and two steals.

“The most important thing we want people to get from [the clothing brand] is the message behind it and to help people who are in our position, who just feel like they don't fit in,” Manjon said. “We want them to understand the truths of our God, and we want that message to get across while providing good clothes that they can wear.”

“Just being ready whenever my number is called is the number one thing and to continue to make my teammates better every single day, whether that's on the court or being a leader in the locker room,” Begovich said.

“It was honestly really surreal just because it's something I've been working on for a while,” Mastora said. “My basketball journey has just been such a long one I feel, and it's definitely taken a lot to come to this point to get here. Now that I'm here, I'm ready and excited for what else is yet to come.”

I was happy and relieved [to make the team] because it was a stressful three days. It was just a lot of basketball and a lot of trying to make sure like I'm doing everything I can do to make the team,” Washington said.