With the new school year underway, winter sports are gearing up. The Windsor girls basketball team has new leadership this winter.
The team is now led by Jeff Stoffey, who takes over as head coach after serving as a varsity assistant for the past 14 years. Kim Schmidt, who led the Owls since 2014, resigned after last season.
Stoffey, a longtime teacher in the district, inherits a roster featuring three seniors — Haley Rose, Ariana Eslamian and Lyla Bieser — who bring leadership and experience to a young squad.
The team also returns sophomore Ella Montgomery, who knocked down 28 three-pointers last season, finishing second on the team behind Haley Rose’s 39.
Bieser said she is excited for what the season could bring — and for the guidance of her new coach.
“I think we are going to be a lot better than what people say,” Bieser said. “We are a very young team, but we have a lot of potential. I always look forward to basketball season coming around.”
She added that she appreciates the caring and supportive approach Coach Stoffey brings to the program.
Stoffey said the team will feel the absence of Brooklyn Johnson, who was injured during the offseason, but noted that the setback opens doors for others to grow into larger roles.
“Losing Brooklyn hurts because she’s such a great player,” Stoffey said. “But it also gives others an opportunity to step up. We’ve got seniors Lyla Bieser, Ari Eslamian and Haley Rose, and we’ll rely heavily on them. If players like Haley Rose and Ella Montgomery score the way they can, we’ll win some ballgames.”
Sophomores Aila Young and Lexi Adler, along with juniors Addison Davis, Paige Lorella, and Jayden Estes will contribute this winter. Stoffey is also encouraged by the incoming freshmen class, which brings momentum from last year’s conference-winning 8th-grade team. Camryn LaPlant and Peyton Stemmler will both see varsity minutes this season.
“I’m excited because several freshmen are going to help us right away,” he said. “Two of them are going to see a lot of varsity minutes. With Brooklyn out, we need someone who can handle the ball and run the offense, and I think those freshmen are ready for that responsibility.”
With strong senior leadership, proven shooters and a motivated freshmen group, Stoffey is ready to get the games started.
“This group has talent and a willingness to work,” Stoffey said. “If we stay together, we can have some success this season.”
