Blue, Better, Best: The Making of a Great Team

When the Blue Basketball Team plays, Coach Mike McCullough arrives sharp and ready, sporting his finest blue to take his position on the sideline. He huddles up his team, opens the playboard, and gives the girls the floor. The girls communicate what they’re seeing in real-time on the court, making suggestions that are weighed carefully and then used to craft the next play. 

It’s not every day you see Middle School students calling the shots that earn the wins. However, the St. Mary’s Blue Basketball Team, also known as the 7th and 8th Varsity Team, is a place where girls develop agency, practice flexibility, and showcase captivating teamwork. It’s all part of Coach McCullough’s philosophy to trust the girls’ intelligence. And it’s paid off. 

“These girls are extremely smart and receptive,” said Coach McCullough. “They know not only how to execute a strategy but also why we choose that strategy for a specific game or opponent.” 

The team of 11 has taken on 16 rivals this season, only ceding three losses along the way. Their determination to “test themselves against the best of the best,” as Coach McCullough puts it, has earned the team the confidence to give it their all on the court, trusting their abilities and cohesion as a group. 

“When we played Hickory Ridge, we were outsized by a large margin,” said Gwyn Donahoe ’29. “Despite this, our team chemistry was at its peak, and we never gave up.” Anne Elise Morgan ’29 shared how teamwork made all the difference during a challenging game against Houston. “I was about to pass to Sadie, but she yelled for me to dribble instead,” she recalled. “That gave me time to think, and I ended up passing to Sarah Taylor, who scored!”

Eliza Fogelman ’29 echoed Anne Elise’s sentiment, sharing, “I’ve learned to play smart. If no one is open, it’s better to dribble and wait for an opportunity rather than forcing a pass and risking a turnover.”

This patience and thoughtfulness reflect the deep trust these players have in one another on the court. With that foundation, girls feel confident speaking up, adjusting strategies when needed, and guiding each other during the game. Instead of waiting for direction, they take the initiative to make decisions in real time.

“Our plays and independence are a credit to our amazing coach, who designs them and guides us through adjustments,” said Anna Elise. “From there, we can determine if something isn’t working, which is usually when Gywn Donahoe steps up to suggest a new play. She has such a bright presence on the court.”

Patience and teamwork aren’t the only goals for this team. Sportsmanship is another cherished virtue among the players. 

“If we’re winning by a lot, we don’t press the other team just to score more—it’s about giving everyone a good game. And if someone falls, we help them up or say 'good game' afterward. Those small acts make a huge difference in the experience for everyone.”
– Eliza Fogelman ’29

The values and skills these students have gained reflect Coach McCullough’s unparalleled strategy for empowering their success.

“Our philosophy is to appreciate the pass, the rebound or the defensive stop just as much as the bucket,” noted Coach McCullough. “We emphasize that every girl has a role to play, and when each girl does her part, we can all celebrate the team's success together.”

With over 15 years of coaching experience, Coach McCullough represents St. Mary’s philosophy of supporting and challenging students as they uncover their passion, purpose, and potential. All St. Mary’s coaches prioritize more than just outcomes—instead focusing on fostering character, strength, and determination in every player.

The girls buy into this well-rounded development, understanding it to be the mark of true athleticism. Supporting one another is what makes the wins even sweeter, and what makes the losses wins of their own. 

“From our very first practice, the expectation was for everyone to be a great teammate, and the girls embraced that,” commented Coach McCullough. “If you come watch them play, you’ll see just how special they really are.”