By members of Elgin Academy's 2009-2010 Girls Basketball ISL 1A Regional Champions

Members of the 2009-2010 Basketball Team sent letters of support to this year's team when they learned that they would be competing for the Independent School League Class 1A Regional Championship on Thursday, February 9. The alums understood the excitement and tension surrounding Regionals, because they won the Regional title back in 2010.

The letters from the alums are a combination of sweet reminiscing about their own "glory days" and an outpouring of support for the current Hilltopper team. Between the lines is an expression of the collect ethos that unites our Elgin Academy community.We thought you might enjoy seeing the letters!

Hi Hilltoppers,

Congratulations on making it to regionals!

I look back on the regional tournament with such joy. It was both challenging and fun to play these tough games with my friends and teammates. In one game, we were down by 2-points with around 15 seconds left. My teammate made a 3-pointer to take the lead and then another teammate came up with a huge defensive play on the other side of the court. We ended up winning! Everyone did their job, played hard, and had faith in our teammates. It was one of my favorite memories from high school.

I hope you find the same joy in taking on the challenge of regionals with your friends and teammates. The Team of 2010 is rooting for you!

Lauren Steimle '10

Washington University in St. Louis '14

University of Michigan, Ph.D Candidate

Go Hilltoppers!

Congratulations on making it to Regionals, ladies! It is quite an accomplishment, and you should be proud of it. Play smart, work hard, and, of course, enjoy yourselves. Good luck - I'll be rooting for you from Boston University!!

Best,
Brigitte Keslinke '13

Boston University '17

Congratulations ladies!

You've proved that hard work and determination can take you places! As a former player of Coach Bill I could not be more ecstatic that you have fought your way to the Regional Championship. One word of advice: don't give up until that final buzzer sounds. Live in the moment and cherish these memories forever!

Good luck to you all--I'll be cheering for you! :)

-Alyssa Peña '10

Congrats ladies!

I still remember the regional title game that we won in 2010. I remember the incredible feeling of holding up the regional plaque and celebrating with my teammates.

That being said you guys have put in all the work and heart to make it this far. Now you just have to relax, get pumped, and play your hearts out knowing that you're prepared to win this game! Make sure you enjoy every second of it! Best of luck to you guys, bring EA home another regional title!

All the best,

Ashley Barnes 12

Roanoke College '16

Northwestern University, DPT Candidate

Dear EA Girl's Basketball,

2010 was my sophomore year at Elgin Academy. Our team pushed each other and kept a positive attitude, which led us to regionals- where you are NOW!!! It was a learning experience that I brag to my friends about to this day. To be honest, basketball wasn't my best sport, so my biggest contribution was cheering my teammates on from the bench. What I learned from this, is that even though I didn't make all the points, my encouragement and support was a crucial part for our success.

Remember to enjoy these moments of friendship, teamwork, and the experience of just being at Regionals!!! WORK HARD and remember that whether you are a starter or a player on the bench, your role on this team is needed and important.

Be humble, BUT remember to celebrate your accomplishments whether you win or lose.

If you need any advice- college, work, testing, etc. I'm always open.

Love always,

Angie Martinez '12

Judson College '16

Congrats girls on making it to Regionals! I remember how great it feels to have your hard work on the court pay off, so I can only imagine how proud you all are.

Keep working and I'm excited to see how the playoffs turn out!

Best,

Samayra Siddiqui '13

Duke University '17

Go Hilltoppers!

You aren't just playing in a regional game; you are making memories.

Best wishes,

Desiree Dussard '10

Eastern Illinois University '14

Suffolk University MPA '16

Dear 2016-17 Women's Basketball Team

WOW!!! Congratulations are certainly in order concerning your fantastic accomplishment of reaching the regional basketball game! It takes dedication, teamwork, and a lot of sweat and tears to make it this far into the post-season. My peers and I are very proud of you. Good luck at your game, we will be rooting for you from all over the country. Keep a cool head and rely on your fundamentals to get you through this marathon of a post-season.

Go Hilltoppers!

Sincerely,

Caitlin Ward

Elgin Academy '11

Washington University in St. Louis '14