Ellie Hommel attends Gilbert Christian High School and is a member of the AIA's student SID program.

Being a member of the GCHS basketball team , I know first hand how wonderful the community is. The girls were so welcoming and ecstatic for more girls to join this year. The community makes you  feel at home and is encouraging during practice by helping each other grow in every way, always showing respect for the coaches and one another. Their kindness and positive attributes continue on and off of the court. 

What might inspire this encouraging environment? The team has a chant, “I am a child of God. I am a Gilbert Christian basketball player. I respect my coaches. I always work to the best of my abilities, and never quit on my team. I honor God at all times” (Mark Lovelady). This is our team's creed and we chant this belief every day to remind ourselves of who we are in Christ and of how we wish to play or practice that day. We start practice with devotions to focus ourselves, and end practice with a discussion on our strengths and weaknesses for improvement. Prayer is a regular part of our day as well. We do not just say this, we truly believe it!

The GCHS Women's basketball team is centered on Christ. From the creed to a prayer, we encourage each other and work hard no matter the circumstance. Holding ourselves up and pushing each other closer to each other and Christ is our goal. We open our arms to new girls each season because our God first mindset; this team's strong christian community drives us, and reflects on the court.