If ever there was an example of cooperation being key to victory, then one has to look no further than Loyola’s women’s basketball team.
The season so far has been filled with major successes for the team. They have managed to rack up thirteen wins in a row as of their Jan. 20 game against Thomas University’s Night Hawks.
Lizzi Ratcliff, number 23 on the court and a junior in the classroom, led the team in points that night, adding 13 points to the final 83 to 49 total. Taylor Thomas and Caitlin Travis followed with 12 and 10 points, respectfully.
Even with the slew of victories the team has achieved, Coach Kellie Kennedy is making sure to keep herself and the players grounded.
“I just don’t want them or us to get ahead of ourselves,” Kennedy said, “I just want us to go one game at a time.”
One of the things the coach loves most about the team is how “they mesh so well together.” And it’s not just her who has noticed this.
Taylor Thomas, a graduate student and number one on the team, stated that they and their teammates like one another, even off the court. According to Thomas, the team’s chemistry has been one of their greatest strengths this season.
“We all want each and every one of us to succeed,” Thomas said.
Junior Bria McClure, who holds number 3 on the team, holds a similar perspective.
“I believe we’re a very unselfish team,” McClure said, “We all share the ball, and we know how to be there for each other.”
The chemistry the team shares has not only helped in the social sense, either. According to graduate student Sandra Cannady, number 24, the team has also developed their discipline and ability to grow.
“I think our greatest strength has been us getting better and continuously progressing throughout the season,” Cannady said. “I think that everybody’s gotten a lot more comfortable with each other.”
Coach Kennedy also recognizes the journey of progression the team is on, and is confident in the team and what they can accomplish.
“I’m so very grateful to be in charge of [this team],” Kennedy said.
