The Kennedy Girls Basketball team ended their season Feb. 19, 2022 in a game against Waukee Northwest with an overall win-loss ratio of 12-11 for the season.

The team lost their head coach, Andy Courtney, halfway through the season due to his hospitalization after suffering a heart attack. Assistant Coach Madison Meier took over for the remainder of the season.

“No other team has gone through something this team has gone through. It showed me how tough and strong these girls are,” said Meier.

Meier said not knowing what was happening with Coach Courtney had a significant effect on the girls. The whole team was close with him. They stood strong and chose to fight for him during games. 

The team dedicated the first game without Coach Courtney, against Washington High School, to him, according to Meier.

“It was my proudest moment. [The team] stood together and fought the most that they could,” said Meier.

Junior Kaliyah Sain found the new coaching style difficult to get used to, but she believes the team adjusted well and did their best.

“We had it in our hearts to fight for Courtney,” said Sain.

Though the season is now over, the team made it to the second round of regionals.