XBC Impact Story: More than just a game ball

Five ribs and 35,000 dots may seem like simple characteristics, but to basketball players and coaches, they make up one of the most important components of the game, a basketball itself. 

Without a basketball, there would be no game; it is used to dribble, pass and shoot. The entire offense is set upon protecting this one object, while the entire defense is set on stealing it away. A basketball is the forefront of the sport, which is why the Xavier High School girls’ basketball team asked to receive ten new basketballs for their 2019-2020 season, which were graciously provided by the Xavier Booster Club. 

“The basketballs wear out faster than they should, and with the support of the booster club, we have been able to supply our program with new ones every year,” Head Coach Tom Lilly said. “These balls are used for MVC play as well as state tournament play, so getting new equipment keeps us up to date with the newest technology in the world of basketball.”

Tom Lilly is one of the few teachers and coaches at Xavier to also be a member of the Xavier Booster Club, giving back to a program that has given him and others so much. 

“The boosters [members of the booster club] have always been there for us. When we sought out a new shooting machine, they were there. When the school needed new fitness equipment, they were there,” Coach Lilly said. “New uniforms on a regular basis are needed periodically. So, the booster club means a great deal to us.”

In particular, this year, the booster club helped the girls basketball team by equipping them with new basketballs, which are used for practices, open gyms and before and during the games.

“The Xavier Booster Club’s support of the basketball team and different activities at Xavier is huge,” senior Sophie Schmit said. “Because we use the basketballs everyday to improve our skills, the balls start to lose their grip. Replacing them has helped us improve our season. The big role that the booster club plays often times goes unnoticed.” Not only has the Xavier Booster Club helped the team by giving them new basketballs, but they have had a larger impact on the players and coaches.

“I appreciate the booster club supporting the basketball team because knowing the Xavier community has our backs is something that is special to everyone on the team,” senior Grace Ries said. “Their support for us and for Xavier strengthens our bond as a team and our bond as a community.”

The Xavier Booster Club Golf Outing is the next major fundraiser for the booster club at Elmcrest CC Monday, June 29, 2020.  Click here to learn more about sponsoring or golfing in the event. For more information on the Booster Club and how to join please visit: https://xaviersaints.org/xbc.