This Thursday, the St. Dominic girls varsity basketball team will host senior night against Nerinx Hall. The team gets to honor their eight seniors during a special and unforgettable game. 

Most of the girls have been playing basketball since they were in elementary school, but it was their choice to pursue their careers at St. Dominic. The seniors were able to create a special bond with each other as many memories were made, and lessons learned. 

Senior Grace Alkire has been playing basketball since she was in the third grade. Her connection with the program and community is something she will miss the most after finishing her career at St. Dominic. From her teammates and coaches, she has learned to always work hard and have a positive attitude.

“My favorite memory is our game this year against Lutheran North in the Queen of Hearts tournament. I hit a buzzer beater in the 1st quarter and the game winning three after going into triple overtime,” Grace Alkire said.

Abigail Ryan, who has also been playing basketball since third grade, has also learned to play for her teammates, and to never give up. One fun fact about Ryan, is that she was born with red hair and it turned blonde as she got older!

“I will miss the friends I have made through basketball the most,” Ryan said.

Unlike Alkire and Ryan, Anna Burcham started her basketball journey in fifth grade. Her favorite memory is winning districts her sophomore year, and bonding with her teammates. Like the rest of her team, she learned to play with confidence and joy.  

This year the girls got a new head coach, Justin Wilmes. Having a new coach their senior season can be hard, but they all worked hard during the staff change. One coach, eight seniors and five months allowed for the team to bond and teach new things. 

“One thing that I’ve learned from this senior group is that they will all somehow change the world. They are a very hardworking group, but they are also extremely dedicated to those around them. So they’re just fantastic kids,” Coach Wilmes said.

In all seriousness, the girls know how to have fun with each other. Outside of games and practices, the team will get together for special occasions for some extra bonding time. 

“This year we did a secret Santa, where the girls bought each other gifts. It was a lot of fun seeing the girls give each other gifts, but some of the jokes that they played among the gifts as well,” Wilmes said. 

Make sure to catch this fantastic basketball game and support your Crusader athletes. Not only is this game senior night, but there is also an opportunity to earn some house points.