Mission Statement

Marquette Girls Basketball Mission Statement

In the spirit of Marquette High School, which provides its students with educational opportunities both broad and deep, the Marquette Girls Basketball Program is committed to sustaining a culture of values and codes. The basketball program plays an essential role in teaching students to conduct themselves with honesty and integrity, make sacrifices, strive for excellence, persevere through adversity, and compete with dignity and pride while developing a commitment to teamwork and service to our high school and community.

Marquette Girls Basketball believes strongly that its program should represent the same level of excellence established here at Marquette, thereby providing the opportunity and encouragement for each student-athlete to reach her fullest intellectual and athletic potential. The common goal among our coaching staff and athletes is to achieve success at the highest level possible while abiding by the standards of good sportsmanship and ethical conduct. In sum, Marquette Basketball expects to produce athletes whose performance both in the classroom and on the courts are a reflection of the values of this institution and community.

On a daily basis, Marquette Girls Basketball values codes for coaches and players. We affirm that we all will strive every day to adhere to the codes below.

Players Code:

I understand that I have a responsibility that goes beyond the game of basketball. I accept that my actions, positive or negative, affect the entire basketball program. I understand that it is a privilege to play basketball for Marquette High School. Not everyone gets that chance. With this responsibility, I will serve as a role model through the way I communicate and act. I will act with a sense of pride and dignity. I understand that the things I say – either verbally, written, or through social media – reflects on my basketball program, school, family, and the community.

I understand that being engaged in this program carries the responsibility of speaking up for what is just, no matter how unpopular. I will have the courage to help teammates and others empathetically fight to do what is right.

I understand that I have a responsibility to treat coaches, teammates, referees and opponents with high regard and respect. We are all in this together. This includes the community outside our circle of basketball, too.

I understand that I have a leadership role on this team. My sprit will affect people and teammates around me in a positive manner in and out of basketball.

I promise to do the very best I can for the Mustang Girls Basketball Program. I understand that this effort extends to practices, games, and events. I know that this commitment to maximum effort is a promise to my school, teammates, coaches and family.

I understand that good sportsmanship is a key component of a healthy program. I understand that I am just a small part of this program. I know that in this journey there will be many ups and downs, but I understand the importance of staying level-headed and respectful to everyone around me. I am an individual, but a part of something much bigger.

Coaches Code:

We understand that our job as coaches is to help ensure these young women leave our program with a sense of responsibility that is greater than themselves. We want these ladies to be women of integrity who will lead, be responsible and be good citizens. We know that as coaches, we have a tremendous amount of influence and power. We will use this platform to better our community, school, and program.

We understand that coaching has a huge impact on the development of these young girls. We promise to coach with affirmation, to believe that every single player has value and purpose, and to do everything we can to build up each player.

We understand that positive communication between player and coach is essential for the player to succeed. We understand that private and public communication between coach and player is vital for mutual respect, and therefore both are treated with the utmost value. We know that players must understand their role in order to be the best player they can be. We know that coaching can be a tricky feat and sometimes affirmation gets lost, but we understand that there is no place for screaming, shaming, swearing or sarcasm in our program.

We understand that these athletes are students first and players second. These are student-athletes. We will do everything possible to promote a culture of education both on and off the court. It is our responsibility to help these young ladies grow in both and create an environment to succeed in both.

We understand that our actions are a reflection of our program, school and community. Just like our players, we hold ourselves to honoring the game by respecting the opposing team, referees, timekeepers, fans and families regardless of scores or intense situations.

Parents Code:

I understand that I have a responsibility to help endorse the values of this program. I promise to do everything I can to support and encourage my daughter, her teammates, and her coaches.

I understand that the coaches do their best to promote and encourage these ladies to be women of integrity who will lead, be responsible and be good citizens of our community. I promise to help support this effort through the sport of basketball and have effective, productive communication with the coaches. I know that it is through positive communication that a common mutual understanding can be achieved. Positive communication includes not just parent to coach or player to coach interaction, but parent to daughter communication as well. We are all in this together. Negative communication affects us all both on and off the court. Therefore, I will empower my daughter with positive statements and help her learn from adversity.

I understand that as a parent, it is extremely important for a healthy program to have parents that are truly supportive in the stands, even in those intense moments. I am a role model in victory as well as defeat. I will support and demonstrate characteristics of integrity, empathy, sacrifice and responsibility for my daughter, her teammates, and the opponents. I will refrain from boasting and will cheer and support all kids - not just my own.

I understand that issues can arise between the players and between players and coaches. I will encourage my daughter to meet with her coaches before issues overwhelm. I want to promote self-advocacy and awareness. If clarity is still needed, I know the coaches will be open to communication without any retribution.

Credits: Marquette Basketball Coaches, University of Brown Athletic Department, and Joe Ehrlmann “InsideOut Coaching”