Marin Catholic High girls’ basketball team is poised to make history as they prepare to vie for their third consecutive NCS title on Friday. The team’s legacy transcends mere recent success, as it is deeply ingrained in the Wildcats’ basketball program.
Sisters Alyssa and Brooke Spagnuolo have played an integral role in shaping the team’s success. Their mother, Nicole (Silacci) Spagnuolo, was a standout basketball player at Santa Clara University. Alyssa, a senior guard, and Brooke, a freshman guard, have yet to taste defeat against an MCAL opponent, maintaining an impressive winning streak.
Drawing from their basketball lineage, the sisters have found guidance and inspiration. Their mother, Nicole, a former star at Santa Clara University, instilled in them the values of commitment, hard work, and mental fortitude – attributes that have undoubtedly contributed to their success. Alyssa’s recent selection to the MCAL second team is a testament to her prowess as a shooting guard and defensive specialist, while Brooke provides an impressive burst of speed coming off the bench.
The Spagnuolo family has also left a lasting impression on their former coach, Caren Horstmeyer, a member of the Marin Athletic Foundation Hall of Fame. Horstmeyer has become an avid supporter of the Wildcats, owing much to the influence of the Spagnuolo family. Mutual admiration exists between the two families, as both have played significant roles in each other’s basketball journeys.
Nicole Spagnuolo remains actively involved in the basketball community, imparting her expertise to young athletes at the annual Caren Horstmeyer Girls Basketball Camp. Her daughters, Alyssa and Brooke, have taken after her, serving as mentors and role models for budding young basketball players.
The opportunity for the Spagnuolo sisters to play alongside each other has added a layer of depth to their basketball journey. Alyssa’s leadership and experience, combined with Brooke’s youthful energy, have contributed to the team’s winning culture. The bond they share on and off the court is a testament to the unique dynamic they bring to the Marin Catholic team.
As they vie for the NCS championship, the Spagnuolo sisters are poised to leave their mark on the court. Their undeniable talent, coupled with the guidance of their mother and former coach, has undoubtedly laid the foundation for their success. Their unwavering commitment to the game and to each other is truly remarkable, and it is evident that they are leaving an indelible mark on Marin Catholic’s basketball program.