Senior class pivotal to Glenwood HS girls basketball team’s success
CHATHAM, Ill. — When the Chatham Glenwood basketball team takes the court this fall, fans can expect to see the Titans take their game to their opponent.
“We want the girls to play man on defense and be aggressive as far up the floor as possible. Offensively, we want to take advantage of our strengths and gaps in the defense while pushing the ball up the floor,” says Marne Fauser, varsity head coach.
In terms of Xs and Os, Marne first looks at her players’ strengths before determining a style of play. She and her staff – David Babcock, Samantha Brown and Andre Hawkins – like to develop offensive and defensive strategies that will put the Titans in the best position for success.
Statistically, they have a goal of making at least 75% of their free throws and shooting around 40% from the field in the 2022-2023 season. In terms of intensity, they want to compete hard for all four quarters and walk off the court knowing everyone gave their best effort.
But the coaches are not simply focused on developing players, they want each athlete to use the opportunity of being a part of the team to develop skills and resiliencies that will serve them well off the court as well.
“These girls play hard for each other and they are amazing representatives of the school. There is so much more to being on a team. We are proud of our special event games such as our breast cancer awareness game, Special Olympics game, teacher appreciation game, camper appreciation game and our middle school game. These are opportunities for the girls to develop leadership skills, continue to be role models and also show gratitude.”
Coach Fauser, who grew up in the Peoria area, played college ball at Illinois Central College before transferring to Division II Truman State University, where she received her degree. She served as an assistant for the Bulldogs for eight years before eventually taking over the head coaching position for UIS. Marne is now in her sixth year leading the Titans program and earlier this year was appointed president and CEO of the United Way of Central Illinois.
However success is defined, the team will rely heavily on the talents and leadership of the senior class, regardless of the role each student-athlete is assigned to play. This has become an essential part of the culture of GHS basketball. With that in mind, we asked the varsity seniors for their goals and expectations for the season. Based on their responses, the Titans look to be headed in a great direction.
Claire Black, Center/Power Forward: “I want to be a leader for the team and be someone coaches and teammates can rely on. As a senior I try to be a role model for the younger kids. I show them how to do drills, but also how to be a good teammate, communicator, and how to work hard and have fun. It’s important to have someone to look up to when you are an underclassman so I try to be that person they can rely on.”
Madisyn Doran, Guard/Forward: “My goal this year is for everyone to compete to win in every drill and every game. And to have fun. I always want to be a good teammate and cheer others on, no matter the situation.”
Carly Wilcoxen, Shooting Guard: “My goals for this year are to have fun together in practice and do well in conference play. I want to encourage the underclassmen and push everyone to work their hardest at practice.”
Madison Bales, Forward: “As a senior, it is super important to me that everyone feels welcome. When I was a freshman, I was so nervous to play, but the seniors would always cheer and be supportive. I want everyone to get to know each other better. If you gain trust and improve communication with your teammates, you’re more likely to have a better connection on the court with them.”
Grace Hopper, Forward: “As a team, I want us to be top three in the conference, work hard to develop our team skills and make it to the sectional game. As a senior, I have a responsibility to work hard every day in practice, be on time and show how things should be done on the court. And to get the younger girls involved in the team.”
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