By Litzy Grijalba
“We have to keep pushing to get to the top of that mountain!” said Unique Horton, a freshman majoring in psychology. That is how Horton describes the team’s mindset heading into the final stretch of the season. With only a few games remaining, Barry University’s women’s basketball team is focused on finishing strong.
The Barry Buccaneers started the 2024-2025 season with four straight wins, scoring double the points against their opponent at times. When in defeat, the Buccaneers put forth a strong effort, making the game highly competitive and narrowly falling short of victory.
The Buccaneers currently boast strong record with victories exceeding their losses, going 15- 8. Their ability to bounce back from adversity and remain competitive in every game has been a testament to their resilience and commitment to improving with each match.
Kaliyah Morales, a freshman majoring in communication and media studies, describes the team’s overall performance this season.
“I would say we are doing pretty good, but at the same time we have yet to reach our full potential,” said Morales.
While the team has shown impressive progress, Morales emphasizes that there is still room for growth. She remains optimistic, noting that with continued effort and teamwork, they are confident in reaching their peak performance as the season progresses.
Despite the challenges they’ve faced, the Buccaneers have demonstrated resilience under pressure. With each matchup, the Buccaneers are faced with the added pressure of competing against stronger opponents. The season is near its conclusion, which means the competition intensifies, and the games become progressively more challenging.
Trust is at the heart of the team’s success, creating an environment where players can rely on each other both on and off the court.
“Trust. Knowing that everyone puts in the work and is as eager to win as anybody else, that means a lot. I can pass the ball to my teammate knowing she’s gonna make a winning decision, and my teammates trust me to do the same,” expressed Morales.
This sense of mutual confidence enables the Buccaneers to execute plays more seamlessly, as each player knows their role and trusts their teammates to fulfill theirs. As a result, the team’s collective effort has become a driving force behind their strong performance throughout the season and alleviating any pressure they may encounter.
The Buccaneers’ motivation this basketball season is bountiful. During their games, the stakes are high, fueling a strong sense of motivation.
“We always strive to uplift each other and stand by one another, no matter what,” said Horton.
The team's ability to motivate one another, whether through words of encouragement or a supportive gesture, creates an environment where each player feels driven to perform at their highest level.
“My team is definitely like a family,” said Morales. This sense of camaraderie is not just confined to the court; it extends into practice, where players consistently push each other to be better.
The Buccaneers have demonstrated exceptional perseverance and determination throughout the season, but their success is not attributable to their efforts alone. Head coach Heather Macy has played a pivotal role in guiding and supporting the team, significantly contributing to their achievements as well as shaping the women’s mindset and approach for the season.
“In the beginning of the season, Coach Macy would always say, ‘We are at the bottom of the mountain right now, and we need to climb it together.’ Every game, every day at practice is another chance to climb that mountain and reach our goals of making the NCAA tournament,” said Morales.
Coach Macy's emphasis on team work and incremental progress has instilled a sense of unity and purpose within the team, motivating the players to take each challenge in stride.
“She constantly pushes us to improve and ensures that we keep growing as a program,” expressed Horton.
This focus on continuous improvement has been a vital factor in the team’s development. Rather than becoming discouraged by setbacks, the players are encouraged to view each obstacle as an opportunity to learn and advance. This is key to their success as they eye a strong finish.
As the Buccaneers approach the final stretch of the 2024-2025 season, their sights are set firmly on reaching the peak of their potential and aiming for the pinnacle. The team’s committed perseverance, resilience, and strong sense of trust in one another have been central to their success thus far. Their determination this current season has been unmatched as they head into the final stretch of the season hoping to reach for the very top.
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