Photos submitted by Hamilton girls’ baksetball team. Cover photos and game photos by Roberta Pratt.

Emma Suneja

Eva Finnessy

How do you balance the busy life of being a student athlete?

Mainly focusing on managing your time well and setting priorities.

What was the best piece of advice you've ever received and who gave it to you?

Through being a student athlete, the most important thing is to take care of yourself and well-being first.

What piece of advice would you give someone first starting basketball?

I would probably say have fun with it. Enjoy the process of learning and improving as well as playing with your friends.

Is there anyone who you would like to shout out that supported you throughout your journey?

My dad has always been the one to rebound for me and do different drills with me in the driveway.

What is your favorite memory of playing basketball?

Upsetting Middleton my sophomore year for the regional semifinal game, and then pouring water onto our coach after the game.

What does Coach Busalacchi say?

“Only knowing Eva for a short time it was easy to understand why she has had so much athletic success in her career at HHS. She is extremely gifted along with a willingness to learn and get better. She is someone who the entire team looks up to and respects.”

Eliana Kotsonis

How do you balance the busy life of being a student athlete?

The best way to balance life as a student athlete is to use my time wisely. I've learned how to get all my work done in school so that by the time I leave, I don't have homework to finish on top of practices and games ending late. This also makes it easy to spend my free time with friends and family so that my life isn't all consumed with just sports and school.

What was the best piece of advice you've ever received and who gave it to you?

My mom told me that there will be ups and downs to everything, but that my response determines what happens next.

What piece of advice would you give someone first starting basketball?

I would tell them to just always do their best. You can't control the outcome, but you can control what you do to get there.

Is there anyone who you would like to shout out that supported you throughout your journey?

Mr. Neary encouraged me to continue playing basketball at times when I wasn't sure I wanted to keep playing. Because of him I finished it out through senior year and have no regrets.

What is your favorite memory of playing basketball?

My favorite memory is when we beat Menomonee Falls in the regional game last year because of our fight as a team and the bonding that came from it.

What does Coach Busalacchi say?

“Eliana is such a hard worker, she has earned everything she has gotten. She has seen her minutes on the court steadily increase because she is committed to playing defense and working as hard as she can.”

Jacy Fierst

How do you balance the busy life of being a student athlete?

I balance being a student athlete by using any downtime I have wisely and making the most of it. I also rely on my friends and family to lean on when I am feeling overwhelmed.

What was the best piece of advice you’ve ever received and who gave it to you?

The best advice I’ve received was from my dad. He has always told me to trust the process and know that all the work that I have done will pay off.

What piece of advice would you give someone first starting basketball?

Stay consistent, be patient, and have fun.

Is there anyone who you would like to shout out that supported you throughout your journey?

My family—they have coached me up to be the player and person I am today.

What is your favorite memory of playing basketball?

Beating Falls last year in the playoffs.

What does Coach Busalacchi say?

“Jacy is someone we respect not only for her true love of the game of basketball but her willingness to help and lead the group. She adds value by setting the example of hard work and dedication. Never misses a practice, never misses an opportunity to grow and get better. She puts the team first in every aspect of her basketball experience.”

Cameron Dahlquist

How do you balance the busy life of being a student athlete?

I balance my life with time management along with prioritizing my health. With both of these I am able to have a busy day but not feel overwhelmed with everything.

What was the best piece of advice you’ve ever received and who gave it to you?

My favorite piece of advice is to celebrate the small wins. I don’t remember exactly who taught me this, but it resonates with me through the hard times. It reminds me that there are always little things that went right even if the outcome wasn’t what you may have wanted.

What piece of advice would you give someone first starting basketball?

Be ready to work, but also have fun. With how long the season is it can be a lot for your first year. But a way I got through it was having fun, by going out with my team for dinner after a game, and just creating amazing friendships with everyone.

Is there anyone who you would like to shout out that supported you throughout your journey?

My grandparents have always supported me. When they are not able to make the trip to watch me play, they will always watch the game on their TV. After every game my grandma will text me to congratulate me, win or lose.

What is your favorite memory of playing basketball?

My favorite memory was when we beat Waupun my sophomore year. We came in being the underdogs, but as a unit we played so well and came out with a win.

What does Coach Busalacchi say?

“Cam is a vocal leader that the girls all respect and appreciate. Cam has earned her career highs in points multiple times this season. Cam is a smart, inquisitive player who we have had a great time trying to make her the best player she can be.”

Addison Schoenberger

How do you balance the busy life of being a student athlete?

I try and utilize as much of my time in school as possible as most days I have two practices. When I get home I try to complete my homework before I start any other of my nightly tasks. It is also very helpful when teachers are flexible with due dates.

What was the best piece of advice you’ve ever received and who gave it to you?

To never give up.

What piece of advice would you give someone first starting basketball?

Put in as much work as you can; don’t take any time off. The more time you take off the further you will fall behind.

What is your favorite memory of playing basketball?

When we beat Menomonee Falls in the playoffs last year.

What does Coach Busalacchi say?

“Addie has been a lot of fun to get to know and coach, she is always smiling and working really hard. Addie's biggest joy comes from just being with her teammates, building relationships and adding value wherever she can.”