As senior Joey-Madison Shaul prepares for the upcoming basketball season, she has a goal in mind that’s eluded here since becoming a member of the varsity.

Shaul, who plays center, has never made the postseason. She would like to end that playoff drought before she hangs up her uniform.

The Zephyrs are scheduled to play 20 games this year, with the season kicking off on Dec. 15 against Allen. They’ll take the floor under the leadership of new head coach Will Robertson, and that’s where Shaul’s optimism begins. She believes Robertson and his staff holds the key to breaking that cycle.

Shaul said that there’s an air of positivity around the program and that’s fueled her optimism. She said that the coaching staff is detail-oriented, looking to help each player individually to get better. It’s created an atmosphere which she thinks will help them achieve their goals. And tops on that list is making the playoffs.

“I definitely think with the new program we’re going to be a lot more successful,” said Shaul.

Shaul, who will play center for the Zephs, said that her calling cards are aggressiveness and a competitive spirit. She’ll bring that to the court every game and hopes it will serve as a template for the younger players on the team.

Shaul began playing basketball in eighth grade. She made the varsity squad her sophomore season, and is now one of the key returning members of a squad that finished 6-16.

While basketball has been the driving force in her athletic life as a Zephyr, she also spent time on the volleyball court, getting her feet wet in middle school. This year she decided to return to the volleyball court, becoming an important cog in the Zephyrs lineup. She felt that playing volleyball would help her to get in shape for basketball, and that was one of the driving forces behind the decision. It was also her final year of school and she wanted to give it a try.

It turned out to be the right decision.

“It was a lot better than I thought it would be,” said Shaul. “It was really fun.”

She said she developed a leadership role playing as a middle hitter, and that was a big part of why the fit was so enjoyable.

“Being a senior leader was exciting,” she said.

She’ll now get the opportunity to lead another cast of underclassmen. She’s excited about the chance to have them jell together and make a push for that ultimate prize.

Shaul said that deciding to play two sports this season has presented some challenges, but she’s welcomed the steps necessary to overcome this challenges. She just wants to compete. This last year has taught her to appreciate every moment where she gets to don the maroon and gold.

“It’s about being grateful for the time and opportunity that we do have,” said Shaul.

She said that she’s always relished playing and competing, and that’s especially true this year as she wants it to be as memorable as possible.

“It’s always been exciting for me to go into a new sports season,” she said.

Shaul has opted for remote learning. She said that cyber schooling has presented its share of challenges.

“It’s definitely more difficult than being in school,” said Shaul. “I have to learn it on my own.”

She describes herself as a “hands-on learner,” and that’s been the biggest adjustment with learning form home. It will be that way until the end of the school year.

Shaul also has a job at Giant, adding that to her plate. With school, sports, and work, the senior will be busy, but she wants to embrace this final year and make it the best it can be under the circumstances. She plans to attend college where she’ll look to enter the criminal justice field, with an eye on being a private investigator. Once she makes that decision, she said that playing volleyball will be something that she’ll pursue.