Courageous. Strong. Determined. Those words describe the three captains that have stepped up to lead the varsity girls basketball team.

Senior Kailey Hunt plays a hybrid mix of a post and guard and she is determined to represent the team in the best way possible by bringing a whole new meaning to being a captain.

“Normally, when we think of captains we think of these big, heroic figures that are always making the plays and all this big, glorious stuff,” Hunt said. “One of the things specifically for me is, it is like that sometimes but it’s not always about the heroics. We do a lot of behind the scenes stuff; making sure that everybody on the team knows what they need to do, everybody is on the same page, we’re kind of making sure we have a heart, we have a soul for the team.”

In order to lead the team to victory, shooting guard senior Reagan Hjort sets personal goals to push herself to become not only a better leader, but also a better player.

“As a shooter on the team, I want to make at least two three-pointers in a game. I also want to be a role model as a captain out there,” Hjort said. “I want to show my teammates that this is what a captain should be and I just want to be a good leader.”

Like Hjort, junior Jennifer Parker wants the team to reach higher than ever, not only winning games but breaking records that will put them on the board.

“I want the team to be able to reach playoffs,” Parker said. “One thing that I want is the team to break different records. I want all of our names to be up on the record board this year and be able to help each other become better players.”

All three captains’ work together to push the team to higher levels. They posted wins over Hallsville, Anderson and Vandegrift in non-district and they face Stony Point in their first district game Friday, Dec. 11.

“The three of us go out on each game day to talk to other teammates and talk to the referee about the roles about the game we’re playing,” Hjort said. “And also to just lead the team on and off the court with showing good role model skills.”

To Hunt, being a captain is a lot more than calling the shots, she sees it as another opportunity to unify the team.

“It’s very humbling to have been chosen captain, it shows that I’ve gained respect from my teammates and that something that I’m immensely proud,” Hunt said. “To be able to have my teammates respect, and have their trust, and support.”

To this trio, being captain takes a lot and it’s an off the court job just as much as it is on the court. Surrounding themselves with their hard-working teammates makes them work harder to play better.

“The game is fun but really it’s the people who you’re playing with that makes the game what it is,” Hunt said.  “And I think that that’s definitely by far, the best thing I like about basketball.”