SJ Girls Continue To March On

St. Joseph Girls Basketball's Journey of Resilience and Growth

Staff Writer

2/5/24

The St. Joseph Girls Basketball team has been on a phenomenal journey this season, boasting an impressive 15-0 start, though they faced a challenging loss to cross-town rival Trumbull High School recently. In a conversation with Head Coach Chris Lindwall, we explored the team's successes, Lindwall's coaching path, and the intriguing connections between his Hoopsters program and the former Metropolitan Basketball League initiated by the legendary Coach Vito Montelli.

Coach Lindwall's Coaching Odyssey:

Chris Lindwall's coaching journey spans playing days at Warde in the '80s to coaching stints at Barlow High and Fairfield University's women's team. However, it was his time alongside the legendary Saint Joseph Coach Vito Montelli that left an indelible mark on Lindwall's coaching philosophy. Montelli, still coaching the boys in 2009 when Lindwall took over the girls program, showcased the importance of creating a lasting culture of winning.

Inspired by Montelli's efforts, Lindwall established the Hoopsters, an AAU basketball program at Saint Joseph's. Drawing parallels to Montelli's Metropolitan Basketball League, the Hoopsters serve as a comprehensive feeder system for the high school team. What Montelli achieved with his Metro League, fostering a connection between current players, coaches, and aspiring basketball enthusiasts, Lindwall replicates through the Hoopsters.

Hoopsters vs. Metropolitan Basketball League:

The Metropolitan Basketball League, under Coach Montelli's stewardship, became a revered institution for Catholic grammar school kids. It served as a bridge, introducing aspiring players and their parents to Saint Joseph High School, fostering a love for the game coupled with a desire for a Catholic college prep education.

In a similar vein, Lindwall's Hoopsters program brings young girls and their parents into the Saint Joseph community at an early age. It operates as an entry point, just like the Metropolitan Basketball League, providing a structured system for nurturing talent, instilling a love for basketball, and creating a pathway for future players to seamlessly integrate into the high school program.

A Culture of Hard Work and Tradition:

According to Coach Lindwall, the hallmark of this year's team is their unwavering commitment to hard work. Lindwall emphasizes that the players aren't just present during the official season; they are a year-round force. From summer league to fall league, off-season workouts, and involvement in AAU basketball, the team's dedication is palpable.

Players like Erin Lovett dominating the boards, Grace Montelli diving for loose balls, or Gigi Gracia showcasing speed and athleticism, by beating opponents down court for easy layups, doesn’t happen by accident. Lindwall attributes these individual successes to the collective effort of the entire team. Their commitment to constant improvement is evident in every game they play.

Facing Adversity:

The recent loss to Trumbull High School may have broken the team's perfect record, but Coach Lindwall sees it as an opportunity for growth. Acknowledging the disappointment, Lindwall explains that the defeat releases the pressure of maintaining perfection, allowing the team to refocus and learn from the experience.

After reviewing the game film with the players, Lindwall sees a silver lining. He notes the toughness and willingness of his girls to use the loss as a stepping stone for improvement. The philosophy of real growth coming from failure, passed down by Grace Montelli's grandfather, resonates with the team.

Conclusion:

The St. Joseph Girls Basketball season is not just about the wins and losses but a testament to the resilience, commitment, and growth embedded in the players and their coach, Chris Lindwall. As they approach the playoffs, the cadets carry the lessons from each game, win or lose, proving that true champions are forged not just in victories but in the face of adversity. The Hoopsters program, echoing the spirit of Montelli's Metropolitan Basketball League, stands as a vital contributor to this success, nurturing talent and character while ensuring the legacy of basketball excellence at St. Joseph continues.