The stomps of feet on bleachers, the roar of students, and the eruption of sport talk in Sunlake’s hallways fuels the school’s spirit every year. However, as many students become increasingly aware of Sunlake‘s numerous sporting events, many turn a blind eye to one of the most increasingly popular sporting leagues that takes place after school in our very own Sunlake gym. The GO (Girls Only) Basketball League. A youth basketball league specifically for girls of many ages to compete and succeed at the highest level.  Go Basketball goes beyond the court as it’s community oriented, gives opportunities to girls of all ages, and is a growing sports league helping redefine the girls basketball competition. 

 While there are many different Sunlake sports, it’s been made apparent by many students that some sports are just more enjoyable to attend and watch than others. This is due to the sport’s overall community orientation. Such as Sunlake’s football games, which draw in many local sponsors, and spark school spirit through a variety of different themes that most students would say they actually enjoy dressing up for. Similarly, the GO Basketball league that is held at Sunlake’s gym is just as community oriented as Sunlake football, as some of the same sponsors for Sunlake’s football team also sponsor the GO Basketball League. The league also hosts regular fundraisers at various places such as Chick-fil-A, or even Panera. Not only does the league help connect the girls to community in and outside of school, but it also helps girls find a sense of community and friendships as they play. “The program also provides a unique opportunity for girls to bond and form a comradery through their shared love of the sport.” (“BeAKid.com About GO Basketball in Land O’ Lakes, FL”). Proving just how beneficial the league is when it comes to fostering a positive community. Overall, the league is and has taken a very community-oriented approach to attract more players as well as add to their already existing audience leading to the empowerment of more and more girls each basketball season the league hosts. 

 Unlike other increasingly watched Sunlake sports such as the previously mentioned football team, the GO Basketball League allows for many ages to participate. Something that the Sunlake sports like football and basketball simply cannot do, as they don’t focus on development as an athlete but rather athletes who are already developed. In fact, many of Sunlakes Girls Basketball varsity and jv players play, practice, and train on the GO basketball League after school and on weekends. It caters to athletic and driven girls even those in middle school and younger. As they have a” Mission to teach the game, grow leaders in our community, and push the competitive level forward.” (“Facebook GO Basketball Home Page”). The GO Basketball mission statement holds true as they continue to teach and elevate the level in which girls of all ages compete and learn the game of basketball. 

 Despite the many achievements and positive change, the GO Basketball League has already had, the league continues to grow. New and returning girls come ready to ball out and leave it all on the court throughout each basketball season that they host. While traditional Sunlake Highschool sports such as the football team continue to play against the same teams, GO Basketball is growing its competition, as they have their own travel teams that compete regularly in the travel season against those of the highest level. Entering tournaments hosted across Tampa at complexes like the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Complex. Many of these teams that they play against are at or even above their grade level, with some of the teams having boys play as well, forcing the girls to improve each other’s game through training, practice, and the empowerment of their teammates. The GO Basketball coaches, parents, community, volunteers as well as donations all contribute to why they keep pushing to grow their league and put girls at the forefront of competitive basketball and their community. 

 So, while other Sunlake sports continue to garner the attention of students and sponsors each year, GO basketball is striving for more each and every year as well. By developing and gaining new players, finding new tournaments, or hosting fundraising events. Further showing how the league never stops competing and developing on and off the court. As many students of Sunlake and other competing school teams walk past or play in the Sunlake gymnasium, they are sure to see just how competitive the GO Basketball league truly is.  Whether it is the banners of Sunlake’s own girls’ basketball players, some of which are GO Basketball players as well, or the parents who show up for fundraising events. Even the sight of coaches and staff from the GO Basketball League such as coach Reesa Pledge, who coaches for GO Basketball and coaches the Sunlake girls basketball varsity team as well. It is for all these reasons that the overlooked and otherwise not known about GO Basketball League, that uses our very own Sunlake gym, is a sheer testament to the empowerment of girls, as well as the positive change a sport can have in a community, and the lives of players, and students.