The lights at Immaculeta-La Salle do not care about the calendar reflected in that the Royal Lions Girls’ Basketball team dedicate their time to work long before the season opener.
After school empties post prayer and the bell, the team stays waiting for their gym time. Depending on the day and intense schedule, they have to balance either with weight room, sand conditioning, field work, mile run, or gym time. Coming off a very successful season although coming short and losing in the regional semi-finals to Carrollton, the Lady Lions are ready for tip off November 17 against Carrollton.
Seniors Frida Acevedo and Ainoa Haliwa, team co-captains, have high expectations for leading and competing on a daily basis.
”I feel our team is gonna improve by being more dedicated and disciplined in and out of the court.,” said Frida.
It’s might be difficult to balance sports and keep up with homework and school while also maintaining stable to exceptional mental health. Myah Taher, a junior, manages a tough work load beginning with 6 am Cross Country practice, keeping a high GPA, afternoon basketball practice, and SAT preparation. Serving as the ideal representation of a student-athlete and what it’s like to give dedication to a team, Myah is concentrated on her goals.
“I time myself from going straight to practice to doing my homework and making sure I stay focused on my assignments while also still showing up and supporting my team,” she said.
Coach Danny “Slim,” father, husband, teacher, Cross Country coach, Assistant Track Coach, Assistant Coach for the Florida National University Girls’ Basketball team, and lastly the ILS Girls’ Basketball Head Coach, aims to challeng theLady Lions every single day with competitive and driven practices. Coach Slim makes it known that although tryouts start in October, this team shows the commitment way before so the Royal Lions continue to strive on the court. Holding the girls accountable for their grades, he makes sure they are successful on and off the court. This team has high standards and is proving how badly they want to win districts. It’s more than a game to these girls; it’s a lifestyle and building a family of friendships that will last the test of time.
“Having good time management and prioritizing what’s important in your life is key. This season I’m looking forward to working with a talented, hard working, united team. We have high expectations and standards that we need to accomplish,” said Coach Slim.
