Carlisle Girls Basketball: A Season of Growth, Grit, and a Glimpse at a Bright Future
Under the direction of Head Coach Kelsey Stasyszyn, the Carlisle High School Varsity Girls Basketball Team embarked on a transformative 2025 winter season. With a roster full of youth, fresh faces, and only two returning varsity players, the team’s journey wasn’t defined by a win-loss record, but rather by resilience, development, and the establishment of a promising foundation for years to come.
Despite finishing the season at 9-13, the Herd showed flashes of brilliance, notching historic victories, embracing high-pressure opportunities, and witnessing the rise of a young core ready to carry the torch into the future.
Leading the Herd: Hairston and Heckman Shine
Two standout players emerged as key contributors during the 2025 campaign:
Nylajah Hairston, a junior point guard, was not only named Team MVP but also earned Mid Penn Conference Third Team All-Star honors. She anchored both ends of the court, leading the team in steals and assists, and served as the emotional and tactical glue that kept the team connected. Hairston’s leadership and intensity were evident in every possession.
Isla Heckman, a sophomore forward, led the team in scoring with 11 points per game. Her ability to consistently put points on the board gave Carlisle a competitive edge in tough matchups and will undoubtedly be crucial moving forward.
Together, Hairston and Heckman laid the groundwork for the team’s identity: fast, scrappy, unafraid, and ready to grow.
A Season of Milestones and Memories
In Coach Stasyszyn’s words, this season was "very young." With only one senior and a starting lineup that included two freshmen and two sophomores, the team’s inexperience was both a challenge and an opportunity.
Yet, there were undeniable highlights:
Defeating Cumberland Valley twice marked a historic achievement, as it was the first time Carlisle had swept the powerhouse program in over a decade.
The girls had the unforgettable experience of playing on the Philadelphia 76ers' court prior to an NBA game—a moment that not only boosted morale but also bonded the team in a once-in-a-lifetime setting.
Even with a roster in flux and injuries testing their depth, the team fought through each adversity with heart and hustle.
Breakout Stars on the Rise
As the season progressed, several young players began to rise to the occasion, showing growth that will pay dividends next year.
Delaney Schmick, a sophomore forward, gradually developed into a reliable scoring option. Her progress on the offensive end provided much-needed support and hinted at her potential to become a consistent two-way threat.
Sadie McMeekin, a freshman shooting guard, made impressive strides in both ball handling and scoring. As her confidence grew, so did her role on the team. By the end of the season, she had become a dependable presence in the backcourt and is poised for a breakout year in 2026.
Coach Stasyszyn highlighted these two as future cornerstones, both already demonstrating a deep understanding of the game and an unwavering work ethic.
Battling Through Adversity
Perhaps the defining characteristic of this season was the team’s ability to persevere through adversity. Already young and lacking varsity experience, the roster was further challenged by a string of injuries that forced four freshmen into varsity roles at one point.
But rather than fold under pressure, the team showed incredible resilience.
“They never backed down,” Coach Stasyszyn said. “They embraced the challenge and grew from it. Every minute on the court made them better.”
The hard-fought losses became lessons, and the painful growing pains became a training ground for future success.
The Senior Farewell
While the team had only one senior, her impact—though not elaborated upon—was undoubtedly felt in a leadership capacity. A team this young needs guiding voices, and any veteran presence is crucial for modeling behavior, work ethic, and the emotional investment required at the varsity level.
Coach Stasyszyn’s focus, however, was firmly on the future, and that’s where the most excitement lies.
A Bright Horizon
The outlook for Carlisle girls' basketball is filled with hope and anticipation. Coach Stasyszyn emphasized the passion and dedication of her returning players. The young core is not only talented but deeply committed.
“The potential of this group is high,” she said. “They love basketball and are already working to improve their game this offseason.”
That off-season work includes:
Skill development
Pressure defense training
Building confidence
With a team so invested in getting better, it’s easy to see why expectations are starting to rise.
A Program in the Making
This season wasn't about championships or flawless records—it was about laying a foundation. The Carlisle girls showed their toughness by competing night in and night out with limited experience, and the strides they made will serve them well in the seasons to come.
A 9-13 record might not grab headlines, but the context tells a different story: two wins over a long-time rival, the emergence of a dynamic backcourt, and a core of underclassmen already dedicating themselves to the offseason grind.
Coach Stasyszyn has helped set a tone—one of accountability, effort, and long-term vision. With more experience and a full offseason to sharpen their skills, the 2026 team will enter the court not just as underdogs but as contenders.
Final Thoughts
From battling through injuries, trusting the process, and earning big wins against top-tier opponents, the 2025 Carlisle Varsity Girls Basketball Team proved that they’re not just a young group learning the ropes—they’re a program on the rise.
As the returning players continue to grow in confidence and skill, and as Coach Stasyszyn refines the system and fosters leadership, don’t be surprised if this team becomes one of the Mid Penn Conference’s toughest matchups in the coming seasons.
The Herd is learning. The Herd is building. The Herd is coming.
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