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Cross Country
US National High School Preview Series
Sat, August 31, 2024 at 08:08 AM . Arizona
High school sports teams are not only about competition and winning but also about building a strong team culture and creating lasting memories. This year, the Willow Canyon High School varsity team is ready to conquer both on and off the court under the guidance of Coach Heather Casey. Building upon a foundation of promising players from last season, the team is also welcoming new talent that is sure to make an immediate impact. With a focus on setting goals and fostering team chemistry, this year's team is looking to push themselves to their full potential and make their mark in the highly competitive high school sports scene. One of the key factors in building a successful sports team is having strong, talented players who can lead the team both on and off the court. When asked about the top returning players from last season, Coach Casey mentioned a few names that have caught her eye. "Jason Pohl and Samuel Hagon are returning seniors who have conditioned all summer, challenging themselves beyond their previous skill levels," says Coach Casey. But it's not just the returning players who are expected to make an impact this season. Maya Delgado, a returning senior girl, has also shown tremendous improvement and has taken on a leadership role within the girls' team. As the team looks towards building a strong team culture, leadership is a crucial aspect. Coach Casey believes in allowing players to step up and take on leadership roles. Freshmen Elaina Rogers and Kyler Varming are some of the players who are already displaying the qualities of great team captains. With their positive attitude and determination, they are sure to make an impact on the team. Not just talent, but team chemistry and camaraderie are essential in building a strong team. Coach Casey acknowledges this and has already taken steps towards fostering a positive and supportive team culture. "We have team leaders who not only set a good example with a positive culture and the importance of being on time but also with an emphasis on academics and having overall good character," explains Coach Casey. The team utilizes shared team bonding activities to help build relationships and a sense of camaraderie among the players. As with any high school sports team, motivation and pushing oneself to the fullest potential can be the key to success. Coach Casey understands the importance of this and encourages her players to constantly challenge themselves. With a lot of freshmen joining the team this year, it's important to develop a culture of setting personal goals and striving towards improvement as a team.