Stories

After our girls’ basketball team won both their conference and the QCC Tournament Championship, their coaches (three Charlotte Prep teachers) reflect on the journey that awarded them this title for the first time in 14 years. 

Success in sports is about more than wins, trophies, or championships. It’s the unseen elements that define a team’s journey. As our basketball season progressed, it became clear that our team had something special. From day one, their commitment was apparent. Our goal was simple: clinch the conference championship and the QCC Tournament Championship. However, the path to victory was far from easy.

Our 8th graders set the expectations in practice, fostering a culture of dedication and support. Throughout the season, a few things started to shine through: these girls showed up every day ready to give 100%, and they supported each other in easy and hard times. Winning nine consecutive games bolstered our confidence—but then it happened. We lost. We knew two things were possible after this loss: our team could learn from it, or we could let the loss defeat us. Nelson Mandela said it best, “I never lose. I either win, or I learn.” Embracing Nelson Mandela’s wisdom, the team learned from defeat, returning with renewed determination.

After that loss, our girls started bonding more as a team, with our 8th graders taking charge of having their teammates set goals for games and bringing the team together with silly games and loud singing on the bus. They ensured that every single team member felt like she belonged. This is what’s best about Prep Athletics. Students can start out brand new to a sport, looking up to their 8th-grade classmates for help, and grow up to become the mentors and leaders on their teams, pushing their teammates to be their best with grace and love because they remember how they felt when they started. 

One of our 6th-grade players, Miraya P., commented: “Being a younger player on the team and having the older girls to look up to was great. I learned a lot throughout the season, and I am very glad I joined the team this year. Even though I was new to the sport and was learning, the older girls were nice to me and helped me learn how to play.” Watching this group of girls bond over the last month is the true success of our season. The amount of fun they had could easily be seen on our bus rides, during practices, during games while they were cheering each other on, and in small conversations during the school day with their teammates. When your team becomes successful at being good teammates and working hard, it translates on the court. 

Our girls went on to another six-game win streak. They won the regular season conference for the first time in 10 years and the QCC Tournament Championship final for the first time in 14 years.

But how do we measure the success of a team? This quote comes to mind: “In the end, true success isn’t just about what you achieve, but who you become in the process.” It’s about the journey. The collective effort, shared victories, and the bonds forged along the way. As a group, we worked toward a common goal, evolving both individually and collectively throughout the season, and that is how this team’s success should be measured. The lessons learned and memories made this season on and off the court will stick with these young ladies for the rest of their lives.

Check out photos of the big game and a highlight video below.