The Lakewood Girls Basketball program has long emphasized that the sport is more than just the game; it’s about the community, teamwork, and memories made by the team. At the conclusion of each season, the team gathers to celebrate their achievements, reflect on their growth, and honor their dedication at the winter sports banquet.

​This year, the team continued a new tradition that has brought a fresh sense of camaraderie to their celebrations, blending innovative ideas with long-standing traditions.

​Starting with the 2024-25 season, the Lakewood Girls Basketball team introduced this new tradition, hosting a separate banquet at TopGolf before joining the rest of the winter sports teams for the traditional banquet and season celebration, Sunday Mar. 15.

​The dual-event approach was designed to give players a more relaxed and intimate environment to bond, celebrate their season, and enjoy some fun outside the usual sports setting. The event quickly gained popularity among players and coaches, providing a unique opportunity to compete in a friendly atmosphere, strengthening team chemistry.

​Varsity assistant coach Katie Battaglia was instrumental in establishing this new tradition. “Hosting the TopGolf night was about creating a different kind of celebration,” Battaglia said. “It’s less formal, more relaxed, and allows us to enjoy each other’s company in a different environment. It’s been wonderful to see how much the players enjoy it and how it has strengthened our team bond.”

​Coach Battaglia also emphasized the importance of adapting traditions to keep the team engaged. “While the traditional banquet is still an essential part of our season, adding this separate event helps us celebrate in a more personal way,” Battaglia said. “It’s all about making the season memorable and meaningful for the players.”

The event is a nice change of pace for the athletes as well. Senior captain Addie Garrett emphasized that it was a season highlight.

​“The TopGolf event was one of the most fun nights of the season. It gave us a chance to relax and enjoy each other’s company without the pressure of a game or practice. It really made me feel proud to be part of this team, and I think it brought us closer together,” Garrett said.

​Following the TopGolf night, the team joins all winter sports teams for the traditional banquet, where awards are presented, and the season is officially recognized. The banquet reinforces the sense of unity and shared accomplishment among athletes from different sports.

​Garrett also highlighted how the dual-event format added depth to their season’s end. “Having the separate TopGolf night and then coming together again for the traditional banquet made the celebration even more special,” Garrett said. “It allowed us to reflect on our season in different ways and created more memories to cherish.”

​Junior Olivia Andregg agreed with the importance of the event’s different celebratory measures. “The TopGolf night was a great way to kick off the celebrations. It’s a different vibe, more fun and relaxed, which helps us bond. Then, at the traditional banquet, we get to celebrate everyone’s efforts and recognize individual achievements in front of the bigger group. It’s a perfect combination,” Andregg said.

​Andregg also reflected on how these events contribute to team chemistry. “When we’re having fun together outside of practice and games, it makes us play better as a team,” Andregg said.

The introduction and success of the TopGolf event reflect the program’s broader culture. The players appreciate having a chance to celebrate in a different setting, and coaches see it as an effective way to boost team morale.

​“When they trust each other and have real relationships, it shows in how they play together,” Battaglia said.

​This new tradition has also sparked excitement for future seasons. The players and coaching staff are already discussing ways to make the TopGolf season even more engaging next year. The hope is that this tradition continues to grow and become a staple in Lakewood Girls Basketball’s annual calendar.

The Lakewood Girls Basketball program remains committed to fostering a positive environment where athletes can develop both their skills and their connections. By blending new and old events, the team’s celebratory approach reflects its dedication to creating a memorable, meaningful experience for every player.

​With next season on the horizon, the team is looking to continue creating new ways to bond, aiming to make each season more special than the last.

​“We’re more than basketball,” Battaglia said. “We’re about relationships and being stronger together. It’s the little things that matter. That’s what lasts forever and has the biggest impact.”