Kankakee Valley High School’s girls basketball team is approaching the 2025–26 season with a sense of readiness and unity under the guidance of head coach David Walstra.
According to Walstra, after fielding one of the youngest varsity lineups in the region last winter, the Kougars are returning four starters from a team that showed steady improvement throughout last season and concluded with a strong postseason performance.
Walstra said that last year’s team “started two freshmen, two sophomores and a senior,” expressing confidence that this experience will be beneficial in the upcoming season. “We’ve done a ton of shooting through the summer and expect to pick up right where we left off,” he said. Now in his third year as head coach, Walstra attributed the program’s growth to his players’ leadership and team chemistry, highlighting film study and consistent practice as crucial elements for early success.
Returning players Olivia Adams, Mallorie Rose, and Reese Van Meter shared their aspirations and motivations for the season. Adams expressed her desire to remain healthy and “contribute to the team for the whole season.” Rose acknowledged the team’s progress, noting significant improvements since last year. Van Meter emphasized her commitment to “keeping the team’s energy high” and serving as a positive leader as they aim for both conference and sectional titles.
The Kougars are set to face Kouts on Thursday, November 13, at 7:00 p.m. at Kouts High School.
