Every year, the Varsity Basketball team matches up against a group of returning NDB alumnae basketball players in a highly anticipated game over Thanksgiving break. This year, the annual tradition continued, with the game taking place on November 27. Many NDB graduates came back to campus to compete against the current team in a friendly, yet competitive matchup. 

For many alumnae, this game represents the nostalgic return to the court where they once developed their love for the game. Whether they graduated in 2024 or years ago, the game serves as a nostalgic reunion for all involved, allowing for the rekindling of past friendships and reminiscing about past athletic seasons. In the days leading up to it, both the varsity athletes and alumnae team members looked forward to the chance to join together and reconnect with their former teammates who they once played with before. 

A key player of the Varsity team, junior Julianna Loar, enjoyed playing in the game and seeing everybody.

“I’m so excited because I get a chance to see my old teammates who I haven’t seen since they left for college,” said Loar. “Also, it’s a fun way to get everyone back together which is perfect with Thanksgiving around the corner.”

This event has become a beloved tradition for members of the basketball community at NDB. Alumnae players, coaches and current athletes prepared weeks in advance to get ready for this intense matchup. While the alumnae started strong in the beginning, the Varsity team’s skills could not be beaten and got a hard-earned victory, making the final score 35-29.

Despite the outcome, the objective of the game was achieved: bonding over a game of basketball. As the current Varsity Basketball team continues gaining playing time in preseason games, they will use skills from this annual tradition against other schools throughout the season.