PUBLISHED ON January 26, 2026
Karoline Roche '27
From the initial tip-off to the final shot, the 2026 basketball senior night was one for the books. The three seniors, Kelsie Schmidt, Penelope Haley, and Jena Gaudet, had a memorable night celebrating their five years in the Chapelle basketball program and their dedication to it. Anyone present can tell you the amount of love and support that filled the Burrow was unimaginable. The amount of teachers, faculty, friends, family, and students, all coming together to beat the Dutchtown Lady Griffins. The spirit and Chipmunk pride truly filled the atmosphere and helped drive the basketball chips to a victory over Dutchtown!
In a recent interview with a senior, Kelsie Schmidt, when asked, “How it felt to play in such an intense atmosphere and what the Chapelle basketball program means to her”, she responded, “Senior Night was a night I will remember forever! It was truly special and made me reflect on my basketball career here at Chapelle, the bonds I have formed with all the coaches and players, the successes, failures, and memories. The game itself was incredibly fun and made it clear why I have such a love for the adrenaline and emotional rush of close, intense games. This program means the world to me, and even when I am no longer a part of it in a few months, I will always cherish and value Chapelle Basketball!” Schmidt is a five-year letterman and a key factor in the program and in what it means to truly be “loyal to green and white.”
The next interviewer, senior Jena Gaudet, was questioned about “How far your basketball team has come this year and where you think they will be a year from now without you being one of their main leaders.” She replied, “I truly believe my team will be just as outstanding as I know they can be. As one of the main leaders, I am showing the other upperclassmen what it takes to assume such responsibilities and maintain a strong team. During senior night, I truly saw how much my team cares about me and wants to take the next step in their basketball career.” Gaudet plays a key role as a top shooter and team leader for the Chipmunks.
Lastly, senior Penelope Haley was asked, “How she felt when her teammates greeted her with gifts and expressed how much she meant to her team.” She replied with, “I was astounded by all of the love and support I received. I have never felt more loved by a community, and the parents and my teammates did such an amazing job making it a perfect night!” Penelope Haley is an amazing team player and always has her teammates' backs!
As a junior a part of the team, I look up to these three seniors and aspire to become the leader they are now. I hope to guide my team next year by filling in the seniors' shoes and following in their footsteps in the best way possible. If I am half the leader these seniors have been, I will be overjoyed. I can’t wait to be a senior, but I’m also upset to grow up. Chapelle has shaped my life, and I dread the day I have to leave, but I look forward to taking the role of leading this program!
Three jerseys, three journeys, one unforgettable night- and a bond that will last far beyond the court. The legacy of the Chapelle basketball program lives on as courageous, impactful leadership and bonds that last forever.
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