On Wednesday, November 22, alumnae basketball players were invited back to campus to participate in one of NDB Athletics’ most cherished traditions: the annual Alumnae Game. Held in the Moore Pavilion, the match takes place between a team of current varsity basketball players and a team of alumnae basketball players.
The game started at 6 p.m. with both teams putting their best five out on the court. Mikayla Cary, Elizabeth Johnson, Sammy Kakala, Julianna Loar and Viviana Martinez started for the current team, and Abby Co ‘23, Ally Co ‘23, Sophia Dinelli ‘22, Sienna Loar ‘23 and Monique Samson ‘23 started for the alumnae team.
Many of the alumnae came back to reminisce about all of the fond memories that they made as players on NDB’s basketball court.
Samson, a former varsity player, said that it was weird to play against her teammates from last year.
“It makes me appreciative of when I used to play, especially since I don’t play in college,” Samson added.
The teams were pretty evenly matched with the varsity team only leading by one point at halftime with a score of 9-8. The game ended with an alumnae win and a close score of 29-31.
Athletes on both teams got to experience the joy of playing ball with current and former teammates and even coaches, calling for a fun-filled game with many new memories.
“I think watching our former teammates and alumni of Notre Dame basketball’s chemistry on the court and how it still works can help us, so we can apply it to our current team,” Martinez said.
The game also serves as a reminder of the community that surrounds NDB’s basketball program. Many of the participants stayed for dinner after the game and got the opportunity to catch up with each other, continuing the sisterhood of NDB basketball.
The program does not just support its athletes in the sport aspect of their lives, but also in the educational aspect of their lives as well. Former varsity player Sophia Rask ‘23 came back from college in order to play in the game.
“I think playing basketball in high school has set me up with good life skills, especially time management, because now I know how to manage high school and play a sport. So, I manage my time a lot better in college,” Rask said.
With alumnae who are proud to be a part of the team’s customs even years after they graduate, teaching the new players these team traditions is made even easier.
This annual game not only serves as a reason to get the alumnae and current players together, but also as a demonstration of the robust basketball program at NDB – a program that creates lifelong friends, strong leaders and a supportive community.
