The Pine Bush girls varsity basketball team has had quite the season so far. With one game left today, Thursday, Feb. 22, Michelle Bouffard’s team is 15-1 and eyeing sections just around the corner.
Their motto this year is “Us-We-Together-Family.” And that is exactly how they’ve played.
“We have really built a culture of together on this team,” said Coach Bouffard. “Hold the rope means if you were hanging, could you trust any teammate to hold that rope? They have a bond like no other.”
This year, the team decided they would each honor someone who has made a difference in their lives. They invited their person to the Feb. 5 game at Pine Bush High School. It was the “My Jersey, Your Impact” presentation! Each girl presented their jersey to someone in the district who has made a difference to them. They each wrote a note explaining why that person is important to them.
“Thank you for (having) more confidence in me than I have for myself,” wrote one of the players in her letter. “You have impacted my game/life so much. Not only do you care about us as players but you care about us outside our uniforms as well. We are all so grateful to have someone like you in our lives.”
“It’s important for the staff to know they make a difference,” said Coach Bouffard.
And of course, they make a difference in each other’s lives. Coach Bouffard said they are a close group.
“They play for each other,” Coach Bouffard said. “Their unselfishness is something you cannot coach. Team chemistry is everything and they have it!”
The team has five seniors this year – Tia Fisher, Nia Merritt, Amaya Segarra, Jah-esa Stokes and Nevaeh Valentin. We are grateful for all the dedication, skill and leadership they have brought to this close-knit, talented team.
Good luck in sections!
My Jersey, Your Impact
- Nia Merritt- Helen Fitzgibbons
- Nevaeh Martin- Jane Hernandez
- Theresa Bell- Eric Johnson
- Camyrn Kodgis- Allie Peifer
- Jaylah Breland- Jennifer Leonard
- Leticia Watson- Coach Michelle Bouffard
- Jahesa Stokes- Coach Kimberly Craft
- Katie Cragan- Dawn Mazzella
- Ketura Rutty- Brenda Lawerence (bus driver)
- Kayanna Cauthen – Chris Passudetti
- Nevaeh Valentin- Neil Lisberg
- M’ya Watson – Maggy Garcia
- Tia Fisher- Elizabeth Schmidt
- Audra Meberg- Coach Lisa Bouffard
- Amaya Segarra – Daniel McMahon