Valley Academy of Arts and Sciences Basketball Season Preview

As the new season approaches, coaches and players alike are gearing up for another round of intense competition. For Coach Marc Fernandez and the girls at Valley Academy of Arts and Sciences, this year’s basketball season is all about continuing their success and taking their game to the next level. I had the opportunity to sit down with Coach Fernandez to get a preview of what we can expect from the team this year. Under Coach Fernandez’s leadership, the Valley Academy of Arts and Sciences girls basketball team has become a formidable force in their division. Their combination of skill, teamwork, and determination has led to impressive victories and a strong sense of camaraderie among the players. But what can we expect from this year’s team? Who are the players to watch out for? And what strategies will they use to stay on top? When asked about the top returning players from last season, Coach Fernandez cited Lara Ledesma, Michelle Barinova, and Martina Magsaysay as key players to watch. Lara, who had a standout season last year, will be leading the team and taking on more responsibilities. Michelle, who has been working tirelessly since her freshman year, is ready to make an impact on the varsity team. And Martina, although filling big shoes this season, has shown great potential and is expected to be a strong floor general for the team. What makes these players stand out is not just their skills on the court, but also their leadership qualities. “A lot of people think being the best person on your team makes you captain; it doesn’t,” Coach Fernandez explained. “To be the captain there takes a level of controlling the locker room, knowing how to explain things to your teammates without demanding, someone people can get behind, and most of all, taking on the load when others can’t and leading them through things that seem impossible.” These players exemplify these qualities and will be crucial in maintaining team chemistry and camaraderie. Speaking of team chemistry, I asked Coach Fernandez how he plans on implementing it this season. He stressed the importance of transparency and treating everyone as equals. “Players have doubts and worries and I, as a coach, have them as well,” he shared. “But it does not change the desire to be my best.