The Albemarle girls basketball team hasn't had the best record over the last few seasons, including going 5-20 last year.
But the Patriots have a new coach, a new attitude, and have been working this summer for new results.
AHS wrapped up a two week camp this week, and the practice sessions gave new head coach Rachel Proudfoot a chance to work on the basics.
"We've been working on fundamentals," says Proudfoot. "Ball-handling, passing, jump-stops."
But the camp also has another added benefit for the new coach.
"Getting acclimated with each other, and getting to know their names," says Proudfoot. "When I get to look at them now on campus come August 22nd, I can be familiar with who they are."
The Patriots have seen the team grow since the first day of the camp, swelling from just six players, to twenty.
Proudfoot says, "I think the word is getting out a little bit."
Junior small forward Samira Hussaini says, "Once we told them about our new coach all the way from Arizona, everyone wanted to come out. We told them about how funny she was, and really friendly. Everyone was dying to see her, and come out and get better with us."
The players have been recruiting classmates to join them, which is all the more impressive during summer vacation in an un-airconditioned gym.
Junior point guard Kaila Wood says, "We were all drenched in sweat, like we are now. It's a great workout. I come here, I'm ready to work, and when I leave, I feel very accomplished."
Hussaini says, "They are a lot of work, and a lot of fun. Our new coach really helps us work together, and realize what it means to be a team."
"Their effort is great," says Proudfoot. "It's at a very high level."
"Whether it's to impress the new coach or not, they're giving great effort," the coach added, with a laugh.
After winning just five games all of last season, the Patriots are looking for a lot of improvement this season.
Proudfoot says, "My expectations are always high. I think they'll put in a lot of work, and see a lot of improvement. My expectations are always high."
"My expectation is we can win states if we have her as our coach," says Wood. "She's very determined to improve Albemarle girls basketball, and it's great."
