Photo Courtesy Harrison Soep
Maranda Cournoyer, a senior from Millville, MA, has many reasons to be excited about her final season on the basketball team. “What excites me the most this season is just the energy and mentality shift among the team. I’m excited to finally be able to go out and show people what the program can do. Our team goal is to stay consistent and emphasize our successes while working hard every day.”
Her basketball career began in kindergarten, where she fell in love with the game instantly. “From the beginning, I fell in love with the game—the energy, the teamwork, and the challenge of constantly improving,” she said. She also expressed that her biggest role model has been Kobe Bryant. “He showed me that success isn’t just about talent but about hard work and dedication. His 'Mamba Mentality' inspired me to always push myself and strive for my best.”
As of now, in her four seasons, she has played in 60 games and over 1,400 minutes for the team. Throughout those seasons, she has learned the importance of perseverance. “Whether it’s pushing through tough practices or bouncing back from a bad game, those moments have shaped me.”
Another valuable lesson she learned was being a teammate and supporting her team through the ups and downs of a season. “Supporting my teammates during challenges can strengthen our bond and improve our performance as a team.”
Photo Courtesy Harrison Soep
Last season, winning the Coach’s Award was a meaningful milestone for Cournoyer, recognizing her leadership and dedication both on and off the court. “It showed me that my dedication to the team matters,” she shared, emphasizing how the award motivated her to continue being a reliable and positive presence for her teammates.
As Cournoyer looks ahead to life after college basketball, she reflects on what she will miss most about the game she loves. “I will honestly miss being with my teammates every day and just the social aspects of being with everyone,” she shared. While stepping away from the sport as a player will be an adjustment, she plans to attend games and continue playing on her own.
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