The girls basketball team fosters team spirit during their times on and off the court.

Junior Maddie Schaefer embodies this philosophy through her commitment as a captain. Not only does she shine on the basketball court, Schaefer is also a captain and key asset for Parkway Central’s volleyball team, where she continues to showcase leadership and dedication.

“My role is to be encouraging and set an example for the other players,” Schaefer said. “Play hard and just give a lot of effort.”

Coach Paul Hussmann sees the impact that Schaefer has on the team.

“Her energy and effort are pretty contagious and it’s worn off on some girls.”

Junior Amanda Schaut was out all last season due to injury, and has diligently stepped into her role as captain, to be the best teammate and leader she can be.

“[I] lead by example, encourage my teammates and help keep everyone focused and united,” Schaut said. “I try to communicate clearly, support my teammates, and represent the team positively both on and off the court.”

Being a senior and captain comes with lots of responsibility and dedication both on and off the court, and Rachel Wahl has made sure to be a role model for the underclassmen.

“I continue to be a leader on the team and make sure to have a strong voice and motivate my teammates,” Wahl said.

Paul Hussmann has been a coach for 11 years at Parkway Central and fifth year as head coach, and while he heavily relies on the captains, he also highlights that any player can step up to make an impact on the court.

“I try to emphasize that you don’t have to be a captain to be a leader,” Hussmann said. “I strongly encourage every girl on the team to be vocal, communicate, and be a leader, even if they’re not a captain.”

As with every year, Hussmann hopes that each player puts in 100 percent effort in every game. No matter the grade level, each person has the capability to make an impact.

“We have a really unique opportunity this year to fully see our potential with our upperclassmen and give them the best chance to have the best year possible,” Hussman said. “We’ve also got a lot of young girls in the program. That’s a unique opportunity to realize our potential as this year’s team, but also build for the future of the program.”

Wahl pushes her teammates each day to be the best versions of themselves, and their hard work and dedication has been seen.

“Everyone is very hardworking and there is never a moment where I think someone isn’t running as hard as they can,” Wahl said.

Schaefer is a key aspect to the team, and that is seen each and every game. As of Feb. 9, she has 253 points, 86 rebounds, and 91 steals. 

“Maddie Schaefer set the school record for most steals in a game earlier this year,” Hussmann said.

Similarly, Wahl’s dedication has shown off her hard work by accomplishing 118 points and 185 rebounds as of Feb. 9. Wahl is in the top 20 in the metro area for rebounds per game.

“Rachel Wahl had a really good start to the season,” Hussmann said. “She was at or near the top of the list for rebounding in the area, and I think it’s been cool to watch everyone grow.”

Schaut has bounced back this season after being injured her sophomore year. Some of her stats as of Feb. 9 include 36 rebounds, 29 assists, and 14 steals. While their record might not reflect their hard work and effort, the team chemistry the girls have is unmatched.

“We’re very close and supportive, which makes it easier to communicate on the court and push each other to get better,” Schaut said. “Everyone is willing to put the team first which is great.”

With each year comes improvements, and Wahl hopes to set this season apart from last year.

“I want to have more confidence while playing,” Wahl said. “Have more of an impact on the court and I want everyone to put in energy and keep improving on and off the court.”

As players graduate and new faces join the team, each year the team focuses on going all in every second of the game.

“Our work ethic, defensive intensity, and ability to play together as a unit,” Schaut said. “We also have good leadership and a lot of players who are willing to step into different roles when needed.”

As her final high school game is approaching, Wahl reflects on her last four years and everything that this basketball team has given her.

“I’m going to miss this community that basketball has given me,” Wahl said. “Every year I look forward to being with the team and every single girl that comes through the program, and playing a sport I love every day for a few months.”

Even though everyone wants a favorable record, Hussmann hopes the players will take away a bigger picture from the program.

“They’re not going to remember how many games they won or how many shots they missed,” Hussmann said. “They’re going to remember the bus rides to and from the games with their teammates, and being a part of something that’s bigger than you and that they are capable of doing hard things. If they take that away from the season and the program, then that would be great.”