December 2024
By Nancy Medina
The varsity girls’ basketball team is gearing up for what promises to be another unforgettable season. With close to 40 games on the schedule, this year opens the door to seeing the Lady Cardinals add a state title to their legacy.
Though the season doesn’t officially begin until December 13 with a game against Founders Classical Academy, the team has already been hard at work. Their preseason alone had them competing in tournaments against schools such as Saint Stephen’s, Idea Bluff Springs, Manor New Tech, and the Texas School for the Deaf.
While it’s no secret that every KIPP Collegiate athletics team puts in effort to train, the court presence from this one in particular is unmatched. Despite their fresh uniforms, sleek shoes, and impressive hairdos, the team shows up for themselves in ways far beyond just the physical.
Having watched a few games myself, I can confidently say that they make an impression in every gym they step into. The second they step onto the court, skill, and agility radiate from within each of them. Their warm-up consists of a meticulous and carefully curated stretch routine, followed by multiple, even effortless, free throws.
Angela Castillo, the team manager for the past four years, shared that everything the girls exude is with reason. Castillo explained that practices are not only during the school day, but on Saturdays from 8 to 11 AM as well.
The starting lineup for this season includes senior Genesis Robles, and juniors Jackelyn Reyes, Carolina Yanez, Aimee Santiago, and depending on the game either Abigail Perez or Daisy Diaz.
Anyone who’s seen the team in action will subconsciously detect the strategy that runs through each of the players’ heads. As Coach Hurst puts it: “Act fast, think steady.” This philosophy perfectly captures their approach to every game. Despite playing aggressively, the girls are also collected and wise.
One match the team looks most forward to is the against Kipp Austin Brave, a deeply rooted rivalry in Collegiate history. Castillo explained that while she doesn’t anticipate them being a challenge, she knows students will enjoy the watch given that the teams haven’t played each other in two years.
If Kipp Austin Brave, or any other school for that matter, isn’t already fearing the Lady Cardinals, they should be. With only three losses in their preseason (losing to Manor New Tech, St. Stephen’s, and the Texas School for the Deaf) The Cardinals show no signs of inner defeat. The losses, if anything, have only made them stronger, allowing insight into their strengths and areas for improvement.
With the season just getting started, the anticipation builds. Yet, one thing is for sure: the team is ready to make their mark.
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