Puma is creating a new era for local girls’ basketball as they sponsor two elite travel teams in a partnership with the Beasts basketball program. This launches the Beasts 15U and 16U teams from local tournaments into elite circuit play. Representing Humboldt all the way, these girls are opening up opportunities for their futures in sports as they travel out of state this summer.
The Beasts program brings a lot to the girls involved. For over ten years, coaches and players have worked together to build an inclusive space that accepts everyone, regardless of prior experience. The AAU teams, or Amateur Athletic Union, have changed over the years as the program builds recognition and enters into larger tournaments, but this year brings new experiences for everyone involved.
“This year’s circuit team is different from the Beast teams in the past because it’s a higher level,” freshman Kamplyn Mohrmann said. “I feel like the coaches are putting more time into individual skill to prepare us and are preparing the teams for the next level. They’re getting us ready to change from the normal AAU level to the circuit team, where we will be playing much more advanced teams.”
From jerseys to shoes, Puma has put their name on many aspects of this AAU season.
“Puma plays a huge role because they’re providing us the opportunity to travel to out-of-state tournaments. Traveling’s going to be a lot more strenuous, and we’re in a much more difficult circuit,” 16U Coach Romeo Steele said. “It’s going to be much more serious as opposed to just showing up to tournaments and playing and hoping for the best; we’re actually competing against potential college athletes at all levels.”
The higher level brings greater pressure and responsibility. Instead of just parents and friends watching the games, scouts, college recruiters, and coaches will also sit in the stands. Players feel the added weight of performing well and needing to push themselves harder than ever before.
“This year it’s much more work and [our coaches] are pushing us harder,” freshman Jasmine O’Dowd said. “We have to compete at a higher level, and we also have standards that we have to meet because we’re representing Puma. You have a much wider audience that’s watching you, and you want to play at the best level possible.”
Traveling out of state for sports takes up a lot of time for high school athletes, especially time away from school. With the new Puma team, students might find themselves away from their studies for over a week each month. Juggling school and sports is never easy, but with the added work needed to perform well as a circuit team, players lean on those around them.
“This is a big one for me, because I hate missing school for sports,” sophomore Betty Miles said. “Something that makes it easier is that our coaches understand that we might have to show up to tournaments really late, or leave later in the day. They try to make flexible schedules because we want our program to show that we can stay on top of our grades and have a well-rounded team in all aspects of life.”
The program prides itself on producing top athletes who are also top students.
“Us girls, we are not just good athletes, we are great students,” Mohrmann said. “We take hard classes, and we want to have a future out of athletics as well. It’s hard when you take challenging classes, but you just really have to dedicate time.”
These athletes are paving the way for younger generations’ successes. Blasting open doors for new opportunities and making a name for Humboldt basketball, young girls throughout the county look up to these players. Used to being overlooked as a small town, the Puma teams bring eyes to Humboldt as somewhere that grows talented young athletes and not just tall trees.
“I’m looking forward to getting to go to the tournaments, staying in the hotel with my girls, team dinners, I love everything,” Mohrmann said. “I just love being on the court with my girls. When all the girls from all the schools in Humboldt come together and make this elite team, it’s beautiful, and it’s so fun to play with.”
