A winning attitude drives Northampton girls varsity basketball team
NORTHAMPTON, Mass. — The girls’ varsity basketball team at Northampton High School is on a roll and is looking ahead to the state tournament. We spoke with senior and team co-captain Chloe Derby about the team’s uplifting season and the benefits of basketball.
Tell me about your season so far. What are some highlights?
Chloe Derby: We’ve had a bunch of new underclassmen come in and really step up and do their best. The leadership aspect is also really helpful. [Chloe shares team captain with Bri Heafey, Ava Azzaro and Jordan Hutchins.] We’re all really positive.
What position do you play?
Derby: I’m a point guard and a shooting guard. My favorite position is point guard because I love handling the ball.
How long have you played basketball?
Derby: I’ve been playing since second grade. It’s always just been my life. My brothers really liked it in high school and we are all 3-point shooters.
Did your brothers teach you how to play?
Derby: My dad did. He’s the JV coach. My parents are at every single one of my games. They don’t miss one.
Do you want to play in college?
Derby: I’m hoping to go to college somewhere close to play. I just want my parents to come watch me still.
What’s one of your favorite basketball memories?
Derby: Joining the team at NHS. e girls were so warm and welcoming. That made me get into it even more. Our coaches get really excited for us, too.
What’s your favorite thing about basketball?
Derby: Just how it takes my mind o of everything. I get to enjoy my time with my friends, forget about all the negative stuff, and just come to play and have fun. It’s good for my mental health.
Do you guys talk about mental health on the team? [The U.S. Surgeon General vowed to make adolescent mental health a top priority last year, citing “hustle culture” as a key factor in teen hospitalizations and suicide rates.]
Derby: We had a sports psychologist come and work with our team. They taught us about self-talk and how important that is, and that if we need breaks, we can talk to our coaches.
Do you have a mantra that has helped you?
Derby: Every time I miss a shot, I take a deep breath and say to myself, “The next one’s going to go in. This one’s going to go in.” I taught my teammates that if they mess up on offense, they’ll get it back on defense. It’s important to reward yourself – the coach [Perry Messer] is really big on that.
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