Following a year hiatus, Valmeyer High School is proud to once again field a girls basketball team for the 2025-26 season. 

“Missing the season last year due to low numbers didn’t sit well with me or my returning players. We missed the competition and drive, but we really missed that sense of purpose in working hard to achieve our team goals,” Valmeyer head coach Kaitlyn Andres said. 

The Pirates went 14-9 in the 2023-24 season, and they have two seniors who were members of that squad – Tessa Knowlton and Kadence Seitz.

“(They) are great leaders on and off the court, and our young core is really benefiting from their involvement,” Andres said.

That young crop of Pirates includes underclassmen Anna Ewing, Briley Stulce, Grace Rowold and Willow Klinkhardt.

“Each one of them brings a unique style that really complements strengths and weaknesses,” Andres said.

Bridging the gap between the seniors and underclassmen for Valmeyer are hard-working juniors Kaleigh Hicks, Maddie Huddleston and Emily Rusteberg. 

Hicks in particular will be counted on to provide toughness under the rim, the head coach said. 

“I’m excited to see what we can achieve once we hit the ground running,” Andres said. “We’ve had plenty of time to learn a new playbook and form a new outlook on success. We’re young, but these girls are ready to bring our program back.”