A large reason for the recent success of the GA boys and girls basketball programs has been the contributions of integral players, notably boys captain Mick McKee ‘26 and girls captain Claire McKee ‘27. The two siblings have both individually been very successful in leading their team to success, despite the challenges they have both faced as leaders.
As a major part of her team, Claire McKee attributes her relationship with her brother as a motivation to improve both on and off the court. The competitive bond between the two siblings creates an environment that pushes both of them to improve and stay consistent in their hard work.
“I think that we’re just always working to be the best players that we can, while also pushing each other and, in some sort of way, trying to outwork each other, just trying to be the best that we can on and off the court, “Claire McKee ‘27 said.And I think him [who?] being here, he really pushes me and helps me strive to be a better basketball player.” As a result of her hard work, Claire McKee has had a lot of special moments during her basketball career at GA. From team accomplishments to the connection she has with her teammates, Claire McKee has had many highlights in her three years with the GA girls’ basketball team.
“My proudest moments during my basketball career at GA was probably winning the Inter-Ac my freshman year. But overall, I think every year, just the team chemistry and the bond and the sisterhood that we built with each other is just so special,” Claire McKee ‘27 said. “And that’s probably one of my favorite moments during every single basketball season, just really getting close with all my teammates and building off of each other and just getting better.
In addition to motivating his sister, Mick McKee shares similar thoughts about how having a sibling by his side on campus has affected him. Through helping each other through highs and lows, and having someone in the house to talk to, this sibling duo always remains focused and ready to help their team win games.
“I think it’s really cool to see her play, and just to be around her all the time and support each other,” Mick McKee ‘26 said. “I think it really helps having someone else in the house who plays basketball too, so if you have a bad game or a good game, you always have someone to support you, and it’s really fun watching her play too. She’s pretty good.”
As a captain himself, Mick McKee has had a lot of accomplishments to be proud of. This season, Mick McKee has selflessly prided himself on his contributions to team success and shifting the culture of the GA boys basketball program.
“I think this year just winning games, that’s what really matters to me,” Mick McKee ‘26. “I think just getting some Inter-Ac wins this year, and helping change around the program have been my proudest moments here.”
Mick McKee and Claire McKee have both contributed to the GA basketball program through their emphasis on hard work and team success. The siblings have played key roles in the development of the team and its recent progress.