On October 20 and 21, girls gathered at the EF Robinson basketball court to showcase their skills during the basketball team tryouts, where coaches evaluated players’ basic techniques to select new members for the upcoming season. After a year without a girls’ team, the energy in the gym signaled a fresh start and renewed school spirit.
“I love sports,” said Mei, an 11th grader who also plays volleyball. “My goal for this season is not to get injured and to have better skills.” Fellow athlete Luzia Ascasibar, a senior and former volleyball player, added, “I just love sports and trying new things. My goal for this season is to get better at team sports.”
For Julie, a junior who also runs cross country, joining the basketball team was about growth and belonging. “I just wanted to have a sport to be in,” she shared. “I hope to improve my basketball skills this season.”
Leading the team this year is Coach Rick Duque, whose goals extend beyond just winning games. “My goal is for each player to get better,” he explained. “For each player to build confidence in themselves and see improvement in their abilities over the course of the season. And finally, to understand that if you really want something, you need to put in the effort.” Reflecting on tryouts, he praised the players’ positive energy, saying, “I was impressed with the spirit and enthusiasm the players brought to practice. They were coachable, willing to take chances to change for the better, and showed real toughness and competitiveness.”
Coach Duque also shared what keeps him passionate about coaching and what challenges lie ahead. “I was blessed with good coaches, role models, and mentors who made me feel I could reach my true potential,” he said. “I love seeing people improve and watching a group of individuals become a team that supports each other. The biggest challenge is that we don’t have a lot of experience or time together compared to other teams, but I know this group has a lot of heart.”
As the season begins, EF Academy’s girls’ basketball team stands ready to prove that with effort, teamwork, and passion, even a brand-new team can make a powerful comeback.
