CAPTAIN’S CORNER: A Conversation with EA’s Basketball Captains- Bella Notaro ‘24 and Natalie Magnotta ‘24
G.O.: Can you tell me a little bit about your background in basketball and your trajectory at EA on the Basketball Team?
Bella Notaro: I have been playing basketball ever since I can remember. Starting in kindergarten all the way through senior year. I played AAU and CYO up until about 8th grade. At EA I played on the varsity team for 4 years through high school and had both successful seasons and learning seasons.
Natalie Magnotta: I grew up playing basketball and have played CYO as well as AAU through 9th grade. I competed for EA basketball on the varsity team for four years and have really enjoyed being able to play on a competitive team and keep up my love for the sport throughout my high school career despite discontinuing basketball outside of school.
G.O. Reflecting on your season as a captain is there any one “stripe” that resonates with you that embodies the season?
Bella Notaro: Respect resonates the most with the EA girls basketball team. Because of the respect we have for each other as teammates and for the game we are able to have so much fun together during both games and practices while being successful.
Natalie Magnotta: I believe the stripe that resonates most with me for this season is gratitude. Despite facing challenges in a season with many ups and downs I am so grateful for the entire team and the connections we made this season. I have the most gratitude for being able to spend my senior season with such a hard working team that plays for each other.
G.O. As a senior and a Captain, do you have any advice or insight for freshmen just starting out in high school at EA with regard to Basketball or otherwise?
Bella Notaro: To enjoy EVERY moment. It’s such a fun game, so different than every other sport so soak it all in because the 4 years goes by way too quick. Some of my best high school memories have been basketball practice every day, every break, and every weekend.
Natalie Magnotta: I would just say to have a good and positive mindset and always be willing to lift up others around you. This is very crucial to building the foundation of a strong team and community that you will be so glad you got to be a part of. So again, like Bella said, enjoy every moment.