Basketball | 3/29/2024 1:24:00 PM

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (March 29, 2024) – Little girls crowd the railing above the Texas Woman's basketball bench in the St. Joseph Civic Arena.

They've arrived an hour early with posters in hand and stars in their eyes ready to cheer the Pioneers on to victory.

Little does everyone know the Pioneers and those girls just met on Sunday.

Prior to the Elite Eight, each participating team visited a school for a community service opportunity, as apart of Division II's commitment to serving those in the community.

TWU traveled to Mid-Buchanan Middle School – Home of the Dragons – for their service opportunity on Sunday.

During the hour at Mid-Buchanan, the Pioneers introduced themselves, answered questions and lead those in attendance, which was young girls from third to eighth grade, through basketball drills and games. However, the hour was so much more than that.

Through intentional conversations, encouragement and praise, the Pioneers showed the Mid-Buchanan Dragons who they were, not just great basketball players, but even better young women.

"It's been extremely motivational for our kids to see the girls achieve at a high level," said Chris Kendrick, Mid-Buchanan Assistant Principal and Athletic Director. "Going back to the Q-and-A on Sunday hearing that the team had a 3.85 GPA, and then taking it to the floor and being very good athletically to compete at that level is very impressive. Our girls are fortunate to be able to drive two miles during the year and watch Division II basketball at Missouri Western, but to see it again and to have the opportunity to host a visiting school from somewhere else, it really provides motivation to the players to know this is something they could do and excel at – that's fun for them."

Following the hour, the Pioneers stayed and spoke to each young girl, further solidifying the power of what basketball can do to drive connections.

Mid-Buchanan also gave all the TWU players Mid-Buchanan Dragon basketball hoodies, which the Pioneers have rocked to every shoot around at the Elite Eight – a fact which has proven to be a winning tradition.

On Monday, the Dragons were ready to bring the energy for all 40 minutes of action, and they did. As they called out the girl's names, brought posters, and cheered on their new friends and role models.

"I think it has been fantastic for our young girls," Kendrick said. "It started on Sunday with the welcome event for them. The opportunity to have the players do simple drills and play games with them and spend that hour with them was impactful, but getting to go watch them play – watch how well they play. They are really good teammates, which shows in how exceptional they play. I am constantly getting asked for tickets to the next game."

The young Dragons have been inspired by the Pioneers, and the Pioneers have been inspired by the Dragons.

"Going out there on Sunday was so much fun," Ashley Ingram said. "We got to play games with them and ask each other questions, and I think it's really exciting to be able to empower them and show them that this game is for fun. It's something that you get to do for fun, and you can keep growing through it and it can teach you a lot of lessons. Seeing them in the stands and hearing them be so loud was incredible. It was like they have known us this whole year. It was super exciting, and I am really appreciative of them."

On Wednesday, the scene was the same with even more Dragons in attendance, as Monday some of the girls ran in a track meet.

Following the game on Wednesday, Ingram called out to the stands and said, "How was your track meet?" The girl's eyes light up bright as she answered – a simple question with a lifetime of impact.

After each game, the Pioneers have run over to the stands to high five the Dragons and thank them.

"Post-game to have the players recognize that our girls are there – to wave at them, make the hearts with the hands on the court, all that non-verbal communication and recognizing them has been so meaningful to our girls," Kendrick said. "We see the players wearing the hoodies we gave them and all the posts and photographs, and our groups have been sharing that everywhere. For a school that's 500 hundred miles away visiting for a national championship to create these relationships in just five short days has been so impactful. I know our girls will be checking up on them and seeing how they do next season."

The Dragons will be right back in their spot in the stands at tonight's National Championship ready to cheer the Pioneers on to victory.

"Everyone post game Wednesday was just excited about Friday night," Kendrick said. "We're on our spring break, and they are looking two days down the road to figure out how they are going to get to the game on Friday night. They're calling friends and making plans to be at the game."
The Dragons and the Pioneers – a friendship forged in intentionality and the love of basketball.

"It has been so special," Coach Beth Jillson said. "It is a testament to who our players are and their intentionality. When we went to the school, I started off by just introducing them, and before I knew it, the girls were playing basketball games with them and getting to know them. Our players know their names. I think it is really important that we are great examples for the future generation, and that we are empowering young girls. Our players love seeing them at the game. We're giving them high fives after the games, and that's what's it's all about – the bigger perspective around the game of basketball. It means so much to us and has been so special."

The stands will be packed tonight with Dragons who have now and forever will be a part of Pioneer Nation.