RITUALS AND TRADITIONS

In years past the Voorhees girls’ basketball teams initiated rituals and traditions that were unique to their program. Rituals tie teams together. They give the players something in common –a group identity, or a sense of belonging to something bigger than themselves. We all do better when we feel connected. Teams that feel connected are stronger and more resilient in difficult times. Rituals and traditions connect players and programs to their past, present and future.

There was a connection between the Voorhees players of the mid 90’s through 2011 and the younger players aspiring to play for Voorhees. The stands were packed for home games – both sides of the gym - and North games were routinely sold out. Younger players watching from the stands were motivated to learn and improve by watching the Lady Vikes play. The talent pool was deep with 3 or 4 travel teams operating in the district and feeding the Voorhees program.

There was one particular tradition that was memorable because while it was important to the players it was also a tradition that the younger kids knew about and anticipated. Up until about 2011 the Voorhees program recognized graduating players on Senior Night in a special way. As part of the Senior Night activities each senior was introduced by an underclassman who spoke about the player and the personal connection they made through the program. It was a kind of “passing the torch” ritual that seniors and underclassman alike looked forward to. Sometimes it was emotional, sometimes it was funny, but it always reminded you about the importance of sports and the deep connections the kids can make going through the highs and lows of a high school career. I’m not sure when or why the tradition ended but it did.

One Voice also has a few traditions and rituals of our own. At the beginning of each practice, before the formal activities start, the high school players make the rounds to greet and check in with all the younger players. Lots of the younger kids are in awe of the high school players. By greeting and engaging them in conversation they put the younger players at ease and make them feel like they are a part of the program. We also want the high school players to actively recognize the role the younger kids play in sustaining the quality of the Voorhees girls’ basketball program. They are the future of the program.

Another tradition celebrates when a player has attended 50 One Voice workouts. 50 workouts demonstrates a significant commitment to improvement. We recognize this with a Black One Voice jersey. The black jersey let’s all the kids in the program know that those who earned one have put in a lot of work and are dedicated to the Voorhees tradition. These players are also resources to new players. They can help them by explaining our routines and getting them oriented to the program.

To date 26 players have earned a black jersey. They are:

Emma Jones             Jess Katzenberger              Erin Jones                  Allie Best

Caitlin Reilly             Hailey Conroy                     Taylor Noll                Olivia DiRienz

Lauren Wagner        Tess Rodenberger              Sydney Collins         Katie McComb

Kelly Reilly*              Courtney Ambielli*           Julianna Mac Neir     Eliza Truempy    

Kayla O’ Sullivan      Colby Gavornik                  Maggie Felts             Hailey Ader

Sophie Kasulanis      Lily Folsom                         Lily Kasulanis

Caroline Kenzari       AJ Edmund                         Mary Kate Etheridge 

*attended more than 50 sessions before it was recognized with the black jersey

This year, in November we are going to revive the Voorhees tradition of honoring the seniors and make it a tradition of our own. When the seniors are at their last One Voice workout we’ll ask the underclassman to address the seniors on behalf of the entire program and thank them for their contributions.

Other stuff:

The middle school players were focused and engaged this week, working through the station drills. Next week - one on one and three on three – should be interesting.

We had a good number of high school players this week. Focus was on finishing inside, dribble attack skills, passing, use of ball screens, gap responsibilities in a zone defense, anticipation (rather than reaction) in man defense - a lot of the stuff they identified as improvement targets. We continue to talk about the difference between knowing it, drilling it and executing it at game time.

Check out the video recap from this year’s NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship game between Villanova and Michigan. It’s a 9:40 summary of the game. I’ll forward the link on a separate e-mail. In the video you’ll find several great examples of the fundamental skills that we talk about and practice – executed at a high level of play.

Make sure you get in some reps during the weekend.

Bob Peterman