With the fall season coming to a close, Viator winter sports are in! But this transition doesn’t happen without any pre-season preparation: lifting, open gyms, and even travel teams help contribute to this long season. This year, a new fall basketball league was implemented into the girl’s regiment. This was an opportunity for the team to practice together before the season started, getting comfortable with the new players and mending up their own rusty skills.

“I wanted the fall league to be an opportunity for our players to build on their team chemistry and learn what it’s like to play together,” said Coach Kyle Braheny, the new varsity girl’s basketball coach.

Although many were a part of fall sports, the girls would come together every Tuesday and Thursday to prepare for the games on Sundays.

“They were exactly what you would expect in the fall league. A lot of good things but also a lot of things we need to work on and improve on during the year,” said Coach Braheny.

“The games were decent because we didn’t have a lot of subs and a lot of our players had to go play on other teams,” said junior guard Serafina Salituro. “But it was enjoyable because it was player-led, so that made it less stressful.”

The fall league games were run and coached by the players, not the coaches. This allowed players to display leadership skills as well as the roles they will play during the season, both on the offensive and defensive sides.

“The players did well considering that not many people went,” said senior Sophie Vernoski. “Everyone’s really looking forward to the new season!”

This upcoming season brings excitement and anticipation with the addition of new coaches and players. Coach Kyle Braheny and Coach Paul Bjerkness worked together on the Niles West basketball team and are new to this year’s Viator girls staff. Rumors of a bigger team and newer players also create opportunities for a better season. As the girls kick off their season, it is exciting to see the benefits of this new fall league!