The girls varsity basketball team ended their season with a 25-6 winning record, finishing first in Marin County Athletic League (MCAL) and Division I of the North Coast Sectionals (NCS)—both program firsts at Redwood. The team also earned the No. 3 seed in CIF NorCal Division II, but fell short in the first round.
After competing in Division II in previous years, Redwood moved up to Division I this season following key pre-season victories, including their face-off against Acalanes High School and Salesian College Preparatory. Those victories boosted the team’s confidence and ranking early on.
Head coach Zach Borello said that the players have an active role in shaping the schedule, often pushing to face stronger competition.
“It builds confidence, win or loss, throughout the season just knowing how good we are,” Borello said.
Senior captain Kitty White, the program’s all-time leading scorer, credited Borello for instilling confidence in the players.
“He is always telling us how great we are. He knows that we can compete with the teams, and so that gives us the confidence and comfort when we play hard teams,” White said.
Preparation played a key role in the team’s success. Borello said players regularly studied game film, noting and practicing their plays to familiarize themselves before games.
“They started taking ownership of knowing exactly which key was where, and I knew that they were going to be so prepared for whatever,” Borello said.
The team increased its use of film this season, with some players going beyond team sessions to study on their own.
“That’s a testament to them wanting to be as organized and ready as possible,” Borello said.
Leadership from the senior captains White, Brooke Denler and Elsa Houtkooper also helped facilitate the team culture. Borello said the captains maintained focus and energy in both positive and challenging moments.
“They did a great job of reaching out to the team during good situations and bad. They made sure that everybody was focused [during] pregame and shootarounds,” Borello said.
White said that the team prioritized three standards to maintain energy and unity: uplifting each other, high fives and huddles.
“It is really important to make sure the team is doing well on and off the court, because then it means we’re all on the same page,” White said.
Communication on the court was another key factor. Borello said that players were consistently vocal in huddles, addressing mistakes and recognizing patterns.
“The level of communication, whether they’re prepared or not prepared, had to be on point,” Borello said.
That communication was strengthened by a close team bond. White said the team made a deliberate effort to build relationships throughout the season.
“We focused a lot on team bonding this year. We wanted to make sure that everyone was really together and like family,” White said.
That trust translated into stronger performances on the court.
“Having played with most of these girls the past three or four years, we all trust each other and know when to put faith in [each other],” White said.
Despite the early postseason exit, Borello said the focus now is on growth and the future. With several players returning next season, the team is already motivated to build on this year’s success.
“I know the girls that are coming back will be hungry to get some revenge,” Borello said.
