Maggie Smith ’20 is a four-year senior and four-year member of the Girls Varsity Basketball team, where she is co-captain alongside Delaney Hayes ’20. Teammate Jordyn Harrison ’22 said, “She always shows up ready to play, has an amazing work ethic, and is always sure to support the team no matter the situation.”

Why did you start playing basketball?
I have been recreationally playing basketball for as long as I can remember, but I started playing on more competitive school and travel teams around 5th grade. I wanted to play basketball, because both of my parents have played (and coached) [basketball, and] my older sister, Emma [Smith ’18 has played] on competitive teams too.

What do you like best about the team?
My favorite thing about this year’s team is that we’re a small, close-knit group, and we have endless support for each other. This dynamic makes me want to give my all for the team.
Both our roster and our coaching staff looks a bit different this year. This year we welcomed only one new player, Amber Bretz ’23, and sixty percent of the team is in the senior class. With such a small roster [10 people], we became a tight-knit team almost immediately. Our new coach, Mr. Hickey, has [also] been an outstanding new addition to [the team], as well.
What is your favorite memory of the team?
When we played Kent at home. It was a tight game throughout, but in the final seconds, we had to hit some crucial jump shots and lots of free throws to tie the game [at the end of regulation]. In overtime, we fought hard and ultimately overpowered Kent to get the win, despite some injuries and our small roster. This was huge for us, because [the team] played well together and fought for the win throughout the entire game.

Have you changed as a player during your time at Hotchkiss?
I have changed drastically as a player and a person as a result of the basketball program. In addition to growing physically since prep year, I have become a better shooter, ball-handler, passer, and all-around teammate. I would like to thank Coach [Doug] Kneeland, Dr. [Rachel] Myers, Mrs. [Maggie] Crain, Mr. [Will] Boscow, Mr. [Parker] Reed, and Mr. [Michael] Hickey for pushing me to work hard and play harder. Each one of my coaches has given me constant feedback that [has allowed] me to analyze the way I play and make adjustments in order to improve. My teammates throughout the past four years are [also] reasons [why] I love basketball. I want to work hard for them, and I know that when I make mistakes, they will always pick me up, forgive me, and push me to improve.

What are some of the strategies or practices that the team is working on together?
During practice, our main focus is on developing the fundamentals. We work on footwork, ball handling, defensive slides, free throws, and boxing out just about every day, so that we can improve on the little things before we tackle our larger ambitions. Defense is one of our strengths as a team: we press [on our opponents] and use multiple different defenses in order to keep our opponents on their toes. We have had some difficulty with the execution of the offense, so playing strong defense is crucial to the success of our team. Our aggressive defense will turn into offense with the turnovers and steals that it will create.

What makes this year different from the previous years?
Both our roster and our coaching staff looks a bit different this year. This year we welcomed only one new player, Amber Bretz ’23, and sixty percent of the team is in the senior class. With such a small roster [10 people], we became a tight-knit team almost immediately. Our new coach, Mr. Hickey, has [also] been an outstanding new addition to [the team], as well.