The Marco Island Academy girls’ basketball team is stepping onto the court with fresh new energy as the 2025 season is underway. This nine-player roster is embracing a fresh start, with a new coaching staff, and months ahead of them. One of their major goals this season is to beat Donahue. 

The team is led by Coach Luke, assisted by Coach Tyler. Coach Luke recently moved from Oregon, and both coaches were seen on the sidelines for the Manta Rays football team in the fall. Through fundraising, the team was able to raise a couple of thousand dollars, which is a huge accomplishment for the team. 

Since practices have started, routines have become consistent. The team practices before school on Mondays and after school on Tuesdays-Thursdays, allowing players to get into a rhythm as the week progresses. 

Each practice follows a structure to ensure growth and development. At the beginning of practice, they always start with conditioning. With a smaller roster, endurance is key for this team. During these past few weeks, all players have been putting in the work in the gym and on the court to get ready for what lies ahead. After conditioning, the team transitions over to a mix of skill-based drills before finishing with play review and games. 

Despite the small numbers, this team is ready to make a huge impact. With the two seniors as leaders, and the underclassmen showing up prepared to learn, this team is one to watch this season.

Even without the preseason action, this team is already showing growth. The Lady Rays are ready to show up and prove that they can compete with other schools in the area with bigger rosters. They know what challenges are ahead, and they are ready to face them with confidence. 

The Lady Rays enter this season focused and ready to go.