Credit: Sofia Ciciarelli

In a previous game, as a Westford player defends, sophomore Campbell Powers looks for a way to dodge them.

After back-to-back seasons of change in coaches, the girls basketball team hopes that new head coach, history teacher Timothy Glavin can propel the program to new heights.

“They know me [as a teacher], but they don’t know varsity coach Glavin,” Glavin said.

After longtime head coach Amanda Rukstalis, who totaled over 100 wins in her career, stepped down in 2023, Stephen Marks took over, but after a 4-16 2024-25 season, and Marks’ departure, the team is searching for stability.

Glavin was the former junior varsity (JV) coach for Wayland, so unlike Marks, he has prior experience with the team. He is also a freshman boys soccer coach and head distance coach for the outdoor track and field team.

“When we play Weston, that’s going to be the first time that they’re going out with me, so I’m trying to kind of jolt them with some new challenges,” Glavin said.

Glavin said that he wants to emphasize physicality and set an energetic tone that carries from practices to games.

“We need to be the tougher team in every game, both physically and mentally,” Glavin said. “We want to be the team that dives on the floor and gets every loose ball possible.”

Three returning seniors are anchoring the team this year as captains: Sarah Powers, Eliza Russell and Riley O’ Driscoll. Powers – who earned Dual County League (DCL) All-Star honors last season – was also a captain last year.

“We rely on all players, but [Sarah] knows that we’re going to challenge her and force her into some difficult positions,” Glavin said.

Glavin also said that each captain brings a unique skillset to the team. O’Driscoll, who Glavin called “the emphasis of energy,” is excited to get to work.

“One of my goals at practice is to really try and make things fun,” O’ Driscoll said. “We need to figure out how to communicate well and translate what we do in practice to a game.”

According to Glavin, Russell will serve as the team’s physical leader.

“She works hard, dives after balls and does exactly what we need,” Glavin said. “She’s a silent leader, and she sets a great example.”

The team is rooted with senior leadership, but also has some strong underclassmen. Sophomores Grace DiStefano – the team’s Unsung Hero winner last year, which goes to a player who shows great attitude and effort – and Campbell Powers – one of their best offensive scorers – will look to take on higher roles in 2025.

“Last season, we thought we were going to walk through some teams, and that just didn’t happen,” DiStefano said. “This year, we’re going to learn from mistakes, work together and become stronger as a team.”

Across the team, there was a consistent urgency to win more games and do better than last year. The season will start on Thursday, Dec. 9 against the team’s rival, the Weston Wildcats. Wayland’s full schedule can be found on Arbiter.

“I’m excited for us to feel the nervous energy and see if we can go out there and take it [to Weston],” Glavin said. “Let’s see if we can push them around mentally, physically and be the tougher team.”