As sneakers squeak across the gym floor, the shot clock winds down, and the referees blow their whistles, the Cate Girls Varsity basketball team charges the basket. Their ball movement is carefully handled by the girls who control the court as they navigate the dance of both offense and defense. Their infamous locker room routine, “who’s hype” is a highlight of what this team is powered by. While the team sits in the equipment room, Sanai Edwards ‘25 leads the chant and as she yells “who’s hype,” the team responds by saying, “I’m hype” fueling their energy for the game. Led by Laura Moore, Dan Mercer, Casey Ortiz, and their captains Ada Hansen ‘24, and Riley Pan ‘24 have created an atmosphere where, with each pass and dribble, the team functions as a tightly-knit family, bound together by their passion for the game and their unwavering support for one another.
Below is a series of interview questions asked to the players of the of Girls Basketball team:
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What’s the story with your locker room routine...what’s “who’s hype” really all about?
Riley Pan ‘24: I think the idea of 'who's hype' and our breathing circles are about grounding ourselves in the 'now'. We're able to scream all our nerves out and connect to each other before we go out on the court.
Ada Hansen ‘24: “Who’s hype” brings the energy back up because we usually do a breathing/meditation circle beforehand. Gets everyone in the game mode.
Sanai Edwards ‘25: I don't really know where it originated but the "Who's hype" in our locker room routine serves as a means to drain all of nervous energy. I am the one who leads it, and I enjoy circling up with my fellow teammates and screaming at the top of our lungs before we prepare for battle.
If your team was an NBA team, which team and why?
Riley Pan ‘24: I'm inclined to say Warriors, but that might just be because they're my favorite team. But the Warriors— they're my favorite team and we have a similar win-to-loss ratio.
Ada Hansen ‘24: Warriors - best team
Sanai Edwards ‘25: I agree with Riley in saying the Warriors.
Describe your coach, Laura in one word.
Riley Pan ‘24: Passionate
Ada Hansen ‘24: Passionate
Sanai Edwards ‘25: Mother
How do you like your coaches? What are your thoughts on Dan as a new coach…?
Riley Pan ‘24: I love Laura. Her passion and energy are the backbone of our team, and she shows up for us off the court as well. I don't know Dan as well since this is his first year, but I can tell you that he always bops his head to Superbass by Nicki Minaj whenever I play it in the Yukon. I appreciate his calm demeanor and he seems to know literally everyone in Carp. Shoutout to Casey Ortiz as well— he's so much fun whenever he's able to make it to our practices.
Ada Hansen ‘24: I love Laura and Dan - they bring different types of energy and coaching styles which was fun to have during the season
Sanai Edwards ‘25: LOVE LOVE LOVE Laura. I could write a whole essay on the things she's done to change my life but I won't take up your page. Getting Coach Dan as a coach was definitely something our team had to get adjusted to but I think overall it worked out well. He always pushed me to get better and never let me dwell on my mistakes for too long. He has the most kind soul and contagious smile and truly loves the game of basketball.
How do you feel about your team environment? How does that translate to the court?
Riley Pan ‘24: It's definitely a tight-knit group. I don't think I spend this much time with any other team I've been on. Our games are usually late and long and the same with practices (not that I'm complaining). Also for half of the team, it was our third year playing together and playing with Laura which I felt was visible on the court— there's a comfortability that you settle into when you play with people for that long.
Ada Hansen ‘24: For better or for worse we are all friends. This usually translates to amazing energy on the court but there can be some tension as with any sport.
Sanai Edwards ‘24: I feel lucky that some of the people on our team didn't start off as friends. Even for me as a freshman, some of my closest bonds came after playing basketball. I feel like we have a good sense of spirit and love that translates on the court seeing as even if stupid mistakes are made, we always support one another.
Lastly, for Seniors, How do you feel that this is your final season? How do you think the team will do next year…who are the rising stars?
Riley Pan ‘24: Wow, that ellipsis makes it sound ominous. I think as much as I'm bummed we're not going to playoffs, I'm super proud of us and it's so special to get to end on a win— especially one as decisive as our dub against Santa Clara. I think the team is going to be great next year, I'm excited to see how the juniors lead. The underclassmen were looking really great at the end of the season as well, and I hope Emerson keeps driving to the basket like she did in our last game.
Ada Hansen ‘24: I think the rising seniors will be great leaders. I feel confident about the year ahead. We have a pretty strong young team.
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The last game of the Girl's Varsity Basketball team's season ended with a big win for the girls. While their season had some ups and downs, they continued to push through together. As a family, they continue to support each other on and off the court; you may even hear a “B-Ball-Swish” in the Hitchcock Theater during assembly. As the last buzzer echoes on this team's roster, “Who’s Hype” continues to linger around Sprague Gym as the anthem of their journey. It has become more than a ritual, but something that lives in the roots of their triumphs and losses. So as they say goodbye to the seniors, “Who’s Hype” will continue to propel the team forward, fueling them with excitement, and each time they yell it in the equipment room, it will always be their journey home.
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