As UHS’s Winter athletic season continues, the Girls Varsity Basketball team holds a 4-11 record. Although they have struggled the past several games, the team has shown persistence.

During their game against Cypress Creek, UHS stayed neck and neck with their opponents for the majority of the game, until CCHS took a sudden two-point lead, creating a final score of 42-40. Compared to their previous 36-point defeat to Boone, their performance was an impressive feat, the result marking their closest loss this season. “We are constantly improving with each game. I feel optimistic about how far our team has come and I have faith that we will continue to grow,” said sophomore player Giuliana Chalmers. 

 At last week’s match against the Winter Park Wildcats, UHS fell 35-54. Despite their challenges on the court, players remain hopeful about how it concluded.“Our last game was tough, but what matters the most is that we all tried our best,” said freshman player Malilah Castillo-Canova. The team has shown dedication during practice, striving to refine individual skills as well as working to improve collaborative performance. “We have preached the concept of getting 1% better each week. This means being sharp and focused at each practice, taking care of your work in the classroom, watching film, going over coverages, and keeping your body healthy,“ said Head Coach Rashad Russell. Pre-game rituals are another important aspect of achieving athletic success. “Before a game, our coaches will typically review plays to prepare us. I try to get into a competitive mindset because it helps me on the court,” shared Team Captain Gabriela Castellanos.

  With the introduction of a new coaching staff, the team has adapted to accommodate a fresh set of faces. “We are a very new team and still very much in the building phase. A new head coach, new assistants, new systems, with a lot of underclassmen,” said Russell. University’s next game will be held on their home court this Tuesday against Lake Howell High School.