After a slower start to the season, the East Grand Rapids girls basketball team is beginning to find its rhythm, both on the scoreboard and in the locker room. Sitting at a 3-7 record, the Pioneers faced a rough opening stretch, but new wins and a current three-game winning streak are sparking momentum as their season continues.
“Winning against Grand Rapids Christian was a big win for us,” Caroline Hegele ‘27 said, “and then we won against Ottawa Hills.”
Those victories have helped restore confidence for a team that entered the season facing major changes. According to Hegele, one of the biggest challenges early on was adjusting after losing several senior leaders from last year’s roster. The loss was discouraging at first, but the team responded by building off of one another and being selfless on the court.
“At the start, we were a little upset since we had lost a lot of games, but we pulled it together by pushing each other at practices and trying to stay positive,” Hegele said, “Ignoring our mistakes instead of dwelling on them helped us to play together.”
This mindset has become a defining part of the team’s culture. Their practices emphasize effort and accountability, creating a new atmosphere for the team.
“We have all made the effort to have mini practices when we don’t have practice,” Sienna Gills ‘26 said, “along with staying after and shooting free throws.”
The Pioneers have also benefited from stability and encouragement from their coaching staff. The presence of devoted former assistant Coach Melton and current Coach Kathy’s outlook towards the future creates an environment for growth.
“Coach Kathy does a good job of pushing us in practice and making sure that everyone feels welcome,” Hegele said, “She’s also done well with setting up kids camps, which helps bring the middle school kids in.”
The team’s season runs through the end of February, with playoffs determining how much longer their season continues. Through the highs and lows, motivation comes from a combination of strong friendships and a new commitment to improve.
“We have been working really hard on fixing our turnover to assist ratio and sticking together as a team,” Gills said, “we enjoy being around each other, which makes it a lot easier to stick together and continue playing.”
As the competition intensifies, the Pioneers are keeping their eyes on upcoming key matchups. The girls’ camaraderie and shared passion to win more games will carry the Pioneers throughout the rest of the season. With the team’s hot streak, a winning record is completely within their grasp.
