Dare to Dive Baller. Shot Caller.

BY EMMY WAKE [sports writer]

The Girls basketball team’s season ended at the beginning of the month with a six point upset against Valparaiso. The Lady Bulldogs ended the season with an overall record of 14-10, and a conference record of 4-3.

Many would describe this season as a rebuilding year for the Lady Bulldogs due to losing their star players. However, it seems that two new star players have emerged. Ava Ziolkowski, a junior, has the most points and rebounds in the Duneland conference, and was the team’s statistical leader this season. Abbi Foster, a senior, had the most charges per game in the Duneland conference and the most with an inkling of interest to come and give it a try. There are no rules of who can or can not dive. Just a passion to be better and learn.”

Green’s hopes to continue her accomplishments. Green says that she hopes students will learn to “... not be scared to come out and do different sports, and that just because they’re black doesn’t mean they should pass on important opportunities.”

When asked about how she discovered she was the first African American female on varsity, Alyse states that, “It was my mom’s idea to look into it, and I’m glad she did.” Green then described how surprised she was by the discovery, considering how assists and blocks on the team. But what does this mean for the Lady Bulldogs?

Seven out of seventeen players on the team will be graduating next year, including Foster, so it may be up to Ziolkowski to build the team up. However, the team and coaching staff have faith for next year’s squad.

“I think that there are a lot of kids that are hungry, that have been waiting for their opportunity. We had a great JV season, so there are a lot of younger kids that have been waiting behind these seniors and the senior before them and my hope is that they learned leadership wise, how to treat people, and how to do all the great things that these seven seniors have exemplified on a daily basis,” Coach Chris Seibert said.

The senior players on the team are looking towards graduation, and are reflecting on their basketball careers.

“My career overall was awesome, I learned so many things from basketball and met lots of wonderful people along the way,” Foster said. “[But,] I would change losing to Valpo twice so that we could’ve won sectionals.” long Crown Point has been around.

Green’s bright future is ahead of her. “I’ve been looking at colleges to go to a Division 1 school, but we’ll have to wait and see where that goes,” Alyse said.

Regardless of where Green’s diving career takes her in life, it is undeniable that this young woman has worked hard to get where she is today. Her talent has led her to make history, and by daring to dive, Green has opened up opportunities for countless young women of color to gain courage as athletes and achieve their dreams.