Gym lockers slam shut as the girls basketball team concludes another grueling season full of after-school weight training sessions to early morning practices, dedicating hours to refining their skills and building unbreakable bonds.
However, for some players, this season wasn’t just a chapter in their careers. For seniors Sara Harley and Avril Smith, this experience marks the continuation of their dream.
With several District Championships and State apperances, their consistent hard work and intense commitment didn’t go unrewarded. This success has opened doors to new opportunities beyond high school.
As a result of this dedication, Harley and Smith have committed to playing basketball at Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska.
Although Concordia University was neither of the plaers’ first choices during the recruiting process, they were both drawn to it for the same reason: the people.
“The Concordia coach is everything I want in a coach. Supportive, hard-working, high basketball IQ, and gave me a plan for what he saw in me,” Harley said.
Because of the instant compatibility between the players and faculty and the short one-hour drive back home, Harley and Smith knew this school was right for their future.
Having played since elementary school, Harley and Smith have had time to refine and hone their talents.
From a young, underconfident freshman to a well-rounded and fierce senior, Harley has used her challenges to shape herself into a better player today.
“I play the game; I also surrounded myself with talent. My teammates constantly push me to become better, and I do the same for them,” Harley said.
With the support of teammates and coaches, Harley and Smith have built a connection that sets them apart from the rest: their chemistry.
Their intuition in training and in the game has allowed them to push the boundaries of the sport altogether.
“I think our chemistry will help us because we have always played together, we also played in club and in the summer which helped us for the high school season as well. I think it will make us even stronger players in college,” Smith said.
Through this teamwork experience in and out of school, Smith and Harley have achieved extreme player highs as record-breakers.
Smith broke the MN career rebound record with 766 offensive rebounds and Harley broke the career 3-pointer record with 155 3-pointers made.
These achievements highlight the incredible opportunities and enduring encouragement available for athletes at Millard North.
“We practice and play at a high level and have high expectations and demands of our players,” girls basketball coach Christopher Paulson said.
Beyond the physical aspects, MN fosters a mindset of perseverance and teamwork.
“Both [Harley and Smith] have brought a winning mindset to our program,” Paulson said.
With the combination of strong mindsets, physical priming, and optimism, Harley and Smith have created a work ethic and motivation that drives them toward success.
Although Smith and Harley have shared experiences and techniques, they must learn to navigate the unfamiliar waves of college athletics.
“The biggest challenge is matching everyone’s physicality and adjusting to college life while balancing a sport and school work,” Harley said.
However, Smith and Harley feel prepared to face their shining future head-on. With this new chapter, they reminisce on the journeys that led them here.
As Harley and Smith prepare for the upcoming journeys of collegiate athletics and life, they carry with them not only the skills refined over the years but also the friendships and lessons learned along the way.
Their experiences on the court have shaped them into resilient individuals ready to endure the challenges ahead.