Upperman Bees Basketball Player Maggie Butler said she sees the Bees as far more than a group of teammates.
As Butler enters her senior season at Upperman, she does so alongside much of a familiar roster, a continuity she said has helped shape the program’s identity heading into the new year. Butler said that familiarity goes beyond chemistry on the court.
“It’s definitely gave me a second family to go to when I’m feeling down but they always make me happy,” Butler said. “We love hanging out with each other. The trips are probably the best times of the year.”
That closeness has translated into a focused approach on game nights. Butler said the Bees take the floor locked in, understanding the expectations that come with wearing the Upperman uniform. This season, that mindset has helped push the Bees to a 15-3 record, a record that includes Butler and the Bees currently riding a nine game winning streak.
Individually, Butler said she embraced a role that did not always show up in scoring columns but made a difference every night. She set career highs in rebounding last season, becoming a reliable presence on the glass and a steady contributor in the paint.
“It doesn’t give the other team second opportunities and it gives us more opportunities,” Butler said. “We work on box outs and rebounding almost every practice.”
Butler said that emphasis on effort plays into her willingness to do whatever the team needs. Whether that means controlling the boards, setting the tone defensively or providing leadership, Butler said her focus has always been on helping the Bees succeed.
Butler said this season has not been without some challenges. Butler said maintaining a positive attitude has not always come easy, especially during difficult stretches, but she believes the team learned valuable lessons from those moments.
“I just think that’s important to always be positive even when we’re struggling and not get down on ourselves,” Butler said.
Even when that attitude wavered, Butler said Upperman’s energy never did. The Bees continue to compete, practice with purpose and give maximum effort every time they stepped on the floor, a standard Butler hopes carries over into her final season.
