In his first season as head coach at Rock Creek for the high school girls’ basketball team, Trevor Keller, or you might know him by Coach Keller, has already made a culture of teamwork and self improvement. With a strong focus on passing and team unity, the Mustangs are proving that they are a force to be reckoned with on the court.
Taking over a program always comes with challenges, but Keller has embraced the opportunity to build something special.
“We talk about getting 1% better each day”, Keller said. “It’s Rock Creek versus Rock Creek. We don’t care about the name on the other team’s jersey; we care about the Rock Creek or Mustangs name that’s on ours.”
When asked about the most valuable lessons basketball teaches, Keller emphasized two key qualities.
“This group really shares the ability to go into different roles and contribute to a team,” Keller said. “Basketball also builds mental toughness, which is a critical skill both on and off the court.”
For senior Hadley Rempe, her season is all about more than just wins and losses, it’s about setting the tone for future Mustangs. Hadley focuses on leading by example and creating a welcoming environment for the rest of her teammates.
“Showing up everyday, giving my best effort, and being a role model to the younger girls is really important to me,” said Senior Hadley Rempe. “I want to make sure they feel comfortable asking questions and learning new things.”
And her advice for all the younger players out there, “Be open to new positions,” she shares from experience, “I recently switched from point guard to shooting guard. Also do your best, be a good teammate, those little things matter.”
And when reflecting on her most memorable moment of this season she couldn’t help but laugh,
“When Keller got his first technical,” Rempe said. “He barely whispered something, and the ref called a technical foul on him. It was hilarious.”
And as Hadley prepares to graduate, she knows she’ll miss her bond with the team the most.
“The vibe this year has been amazing, the practices and games have been so much fun. I’m really gonna miss these girls.”
Joining the girls’ high school basketball team as a freshman can be overwhelming, but Karli Reitz has embraced the challenge.
“Their intensity in practice is on another level,” Reitz said. “It motivates me to work harder and get better every day.”
For Karli the best part of being on the team is the growth she sees in herself.
“I know I have so much room to improve,” Reitz said. “I love coming to practice ready to work and push myself.”
Lastly, Karli’s biggest challenge she overcame this year was her fear of messing up in front of the upperclassmen.
“At first, I was worried they’d get upset or think differently of me if I messed up,” Reitz said. “But now I know they’re super supportive. It’s a lot less stressful.”
Whether it’s a senior like Hadley Rempe leading the group, a freshman like Karli Reitz finding her place, or a coach instilling a winning mindset, one thing is clear, this team is more than just a group of athletes, they’re family.
