Your Lady Chargers are going for it all this 2022 season. Confidently led by their seniors and Coach Parks, nothing seems to be getting in the way of this year’s squad. The team is entering the 4A playoffs with the #1 seed and an undefeated record. Here is a look into some interviews conducted before the season to show how this journey really started.

A team can only be as good as its leaders, and this team is no exception. The team was confident in their abilities from the very beginning. As Desert League first team member Taylor Gauthier put it, her goal for the team has been to “win State and win well.” 

One of the reasons for this early confidence was the addition of the 5A division. Gauthier put it simply: “This year, there was a switch from 4A to 5A, and we are 4A this year. We’re hoping to put a banner up there.”

Tiarria Hill-Brown – conference MVP, Utah State University commit, and new addition to the Charger family – echoed that sentiment. 

“We have a lot of talent especially playing in 4A…With our talent, we will have a lot of success”

The road to even play this season was not easy. Last year, COVID plagued fall and winter sports, meaning that the team had no season. For the seniors on this team, a chance at State now especially means a great deal.

Gauthier relayed, “For many of us, it’s our last year so we are trying to push that we need to win. We want to leave a legacy for these younger girls so they can keep winning for the next few years.”

A year of no basketball lended itself to other challenges. While the team still held virtual and outside workouts, replication in the gym environment is a different ball game. Jamelia Coleman, a senior and first team conference member, particularly mentioned that injuries opposed this team initially.

“A lot of us [were] hurt. We haven’t been used to playing.”

Despite all of these challenges, the team has shown resilience. One strong reason this team has been able to overcome adversity is their strong connection and fostered kinship. Coach Parks has been with the varsity team for three years, and most of the seniors on the team have been together since their freshman year. 

“They have all grown with each other. This is a unique group, and their bond is definitely tight…They are the best of friends off the court and the best of friends on the court.”

This bond has clearly translated to the team’s performance. Alongside the team’s holistic connection, the leadership by Parks and the seniors on this team has been incredible. Even before the season, Hill-Brown commented, “On and off the court, a lot of people come to me for answers.”

After this season, it is up to the underclassmen to continue the team’s impressive cohesion from this season. With that in mind, Coleman takes pride in being a role model to her underclassmen teammates. 

“It’s honestly an honor [to be a leader]. I love my teammates so much and knowing that they look up to me means a lot to me. I just need to step up as a senior leader and lead my team to victory.”

For the near future though, this team is laser-focused on State. Will your Lady Chargers bring home the title? Their first battle takes place on February 17 against Silverado. Come out to show your Charger spirit and support for the team!