The 2025-26 Pleasant Valley Spartans girls basketball season ended on Feb. 24 in a substate final loss against Waukee Northwest. However, the loss does not define the team’s exceptional season. With a regular-season record of 15-5, the Spartans exceeded expectations. 

The girls’ success this season was well deserved. It wasn’t just talent that brought them this far, but also a willingness to work together and support one another. Their positive attitudes led to growth in every practice.

Senior captain Isabelle Kremer shared similar views, saying that team chemistry played a major role in the team’s success.

“We work so well together because we all get along as friends,” Kremer said. “We are able to make our practices and games fun which definitely makes for good team chemistry on the court. We have improved so much since the beginning of the season even with so many people having to take on new roles.” 

The team’s chemistry did not just create an enjoyable environment for games and practices, but also contributed to improvement in all areas of play. Communication and trust allowed the Spartans to grow stronger with each practice and make real strides in developing as a team. Each win showed how far the group had progressed. 

The team’s success and development throughout the season did not go unnoticed by head coach Jennifer Goetz. 

“They work,” Goetz said. “They strived to be better each and every day they touched the court. Their commitment to their own personal growth coupled with our team’s growth is why this year was a success.”  

Despite the difficult end to the season, the team’s improvements created a strong sense of pride among both coaches and athletes. Goetz said she is proud of the team’s dedication and hard work throughout the year..

“We were 110% a better basketball team at the end of the season compared to the beginning,” Goetz said. “Their coachability & their ability to focus on the controllable was remarkable all season. They represented PVGBB to the highest level.”