Bonham Lady Warrior Athletics

As our fall seasons end and winter sports begin, we stop to reflect. I, along with my coaches, pause to digest the big picture - everything that has taken place since late spring. Preparations for fall sports began in May and continued through our summer strength program and the season itself, from August thru the end of October. There is a lot invested during those months, by coaches, players, and their families. I've been in this profession long enough to know that success isn't measured strictly by wins and losses. As I reflect, I ask myself: Did the program improve this year? Are we competing on a daily/weekly basis in practices and games? Are we building/maintaining a positive and healthy culture? Are we representing Bonham ISD with respect and integrity? These are just a few of the questions that are involved in the evaluation process. I am proud of the work our ladies have put in, along with our coaches. We WILL continue to grind and do the right things.

Before the break, I had the chance to observe basketball practices at L.H. Rather. Coach Tayler Hughes is new to our staff this year, and she has brought a passion and enthusiasm to our Jr. High program. She, along with returning staff members Coach Sewell and Coach Winkels, are organizing practices and teaching the fundamentals needed at that level. Cathie Patton is not an "official" basketball coach at LHR, but she serves in a coordinator role and oversees the program. Her years of experience as a player and a coach are invaluable to our Jr. High girls. Here are a few of our results so far this season:

*8th A is 1-1. Aaliyah Gonzalez scored 25 points in one game.

*8th B is 2-0.

*7th A is 1-1.

*7th B has only played one game and fell short.

Our varsity girls are off to a great start with a 4-3 record. They also were 2-2 in the tournament during Thanksgiving break. Even in our losses, 2 out of 3 were 4-point games. It's been very satisfying to watch this program grow under Coach Bockman. She definitely brings passion and consistency to her team. Our JV girls are also off to a 2-1 start. If you haven't seen our girls play yet this year, you will see a group of young ladies that play hard and leave everything on the court.

Monday, November 27 marks the first official day of soccer practice. We are excited to have our new head coach, Madison Norman, taking over our soccer program this year. She played for the Lady Warriors during her time here and has always wanted to lead this program. Madison will be out on maternity leave until we return in January, so in the meantime, her assistant Kay Aimes will be in charge. Coach Aimes is a veteran in the coaching business and will do a fine job steering the ship until Coach Norman returns. Congratulations to Madison and Andre Norman on the birth of their new daughter!

Our off-season programs are busy preparing for softball, track, tennis, and golf. We're putting time in at the weight room, on the field, and on the track. Our focus continues to be on mental and physical toughness and pushing through adverse situations. Friday is "competition day". It's important to put our athletes in competitive situations and have them work as a team to achieve goals. Competition Day brings energy, comradery, and puts our athletes in situations that make them compete at their highest level.