SLAS Times 2016/2017 Winter 2016 | Page 20

THE LADY WILDCATS AND THEIR PATH TO SUCCESS BY PILAR PASCUAL Basketball is one of the most common sports among teenagers nowadays. At Shanghai Livingston American School (SLAS), basketball helps students, teachers, and parents connect. Players of different sizes, races, and genders all share the sport. The High School Girls basketball team (also called “The Lady Wildcats”) has started their 2016-2017 International High Schools Basketball Season (ACAMIS). Their coach, Mr. Tsuyoshi Kosaka, and Assistant Captain, Reika Miyazawa, kindly introduced the team and their goals for this season. most female students. However, ever since the High School Girls Basketball team went undefeated in the 2014-2015 season, the spirit of the game has taken over the hearts of most girls. This year, the team has about 12 girls, and a wonderful coach that pushes all of them to the limit. All the players are excited for the season, and everyone’s expectations are very high. Reika Miyazawa, a sophomore at SLAS and the Assistant Captain of the team, said, “I joined the basketball team with the hope of improving my skills and learning how to enjoy the game.” When she was asked about what she thought of the relationship between teammates, she did not hesitate to say, “There is a great team spirit! Especially because, when I do something wrong, my teammates don’t laugh at me. Instead, they come to help me and quickly teach me how to improve.” Reika expects to win all games as well, but, more importantly, she wants to improve her skills. “I’ve liked basketball since I was a child, and I believe it helps us connect with people from different countries and cultures,” Mr. Tsuyoshi Kosaka, the High School Girls Basketball coach and Japanese teacher at SLAS, said. “My goal for this season would be winning all the games and the final tournament,” he then added. Coach Kosaka also mentioned how much he enjoys coaching the team, and he believes there is a good team spirit between the girls. Basketball is a great sport and it is the reason for many connections. Ever since the 1890s, women have had Basketball is a very interesting sport. With five different the chance to play this beautiful sport, filled with positions – point guard, shooting guard, small forward, astonishing tactics and plays. The High School Lady power forward, and center –, multiple tactics and plays, Wildcats, along with coaches Tsuyoshi Kosaka and basketball is what you could call “the game of smart Jamal Hill, prepare for the wonderful season of people”. Ever since the 1980s, basketball among 2016-2017, as they try to stay undefeated. The SLAS women has not only been a game, but a lifestyle as community wishes them luck as they walk their path well. At SLAS, sports have not been very popular for to success! 20