ATHENS ACADEMY GIRLS BASKETBALL
ATHENS ACADEMY GIRLS BASKETBALL
Varsity Squad Following State Playoff Win to Advance to Sweet 16
2023-24 Season Recap
Event Flyers
Capstone Project Snapshot
Initial Project Pitch
Youth girls’ basketball has arguably never been more popular. Given the rise of interest in both college womens’ basketball as well as the WNBA. Viewership across WNBA on ESPN platforms alone during this regular season is the most-viewed in 17 years with an 18% increase since last year, averaging 440,000 viewers Viewership across its national television partners – ABC, CBS, ESPN and ESPN2 – was up 21 percent over the 2022 season. The league also set new highs across WNBA digital platforms, social media engagement and sports betting (WNBA 2023). For Athens Academy specifically, their girls’ team placed second last year in the Region 8-AA championship game against Banks County. Though game attendance is not as packed as their boys varsity team, nonetheless they have garnered the support and respect of their community given their record and style of play.
The primary form of communication I will be using is their active Instagram page (@ACAD_WBB). The past 6 months has primarily been supporting athletes who compete in other sports in addition to showcasing summer and fall basketball games. The team prints flyers of their seniors for the gym to recognize them throughout the season. The main message of these social media posts to be recaps of games in addition to reposts of news articles featuring the team, and general support of Athens Academy athletics as a whole. In terms of messages the group receives, they are typically support from family members, former players and students. Athens Academy’s reputation is revered throughout their own school as well as fellow competitors and from experience I can attest to their professionalism and dedication to excellence on and off the court.
The central focus of the content I produce is capturing players during the course of their season and showcasing the highlights of each game. My videography, graphic production and editing will help boost morale for both my client and the community as a whole. Pitfalls I expect to encounter in covering this sport are finding ways to produce content outside of games, though as previously mentioned there are accolades I can promote in addition to special events. Outside that, the only other pitfall I foresee is in the case of large blowout losses, which are infrequent but a possibility nonetheless, what kind of alternative content I can provide.
In closing, through my past experience covering this team in addition to my tenure in my mastery journey, I foresee a strong jump in quality content and promotion of this team as a whole. I take it upon myself to use the venue of sport and my skills as a professional in uplifting this community – win or loss – by capturing an elite program and all it has to offer its students.
Media Kit
Head Coach Brian Olson & 2023-24 Captain Myeisha Sally Bullard
(Credit: Alex English)
History of the Girls’ Basketball Team
Athens Academy is a co-educational, independent, college preparatory day school that offers traditional liberal arts curriculum on a 152-acre campus with approximately 930 students each year.The first Athens Academy girls basketball team was established in 1986, whereas the private school itself was founded in 1967. Located on 1281 Spartan Lane in Athens, Georgia, the current athletic director is Kevin Petroski, who has served in this role since 2008. With an emphasis on the development of complete basketball players, the girls’ varsity basketball program has enjoyed a successful history. The girls’ programs have a track record of multiple Region Championships and deep playoff runs winning 3 region/area championships and runner-up 6 times, while placing 3rd in the state twice in 1997 and 2003.
This is Coach Brian Olson, James Banks, and Beth Sensing’s 9th year coaching together, achieving over 100 wins throughout Olson’s tenure as the program’s head coach.
For further details or inquiries on athletics programs contact our athletic director 706-433-2377 or email kpetroski@athensacademy.org.
Athens Academy
1281 Spartan Lane
Athens, GA
(706) 549-9225
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Alex English
alexander.english1999@gmail.com
(706) 202-5221
ATHENS, GA, December 1, 2023 – The 2023-24 Athens Academy Girls Basketball team is a young group of talented athletes, who when they come together and put team over self can achieve great things both on and off the floor. This group is one of the youngest in program history with five freshman on varsity, which can lead to some game inexperience, but will be accounted for by their strong desire to compete at a high level and get better each day. They’ve gotten familiar with each others’ game throughout not only their middle school playing careers but with the older girls getting runs in during fall and summer basketball leagues, which we were invited to participate in as a group for the first time. This is Coach Brian Olson, James Banks, and Beth Sensing’s 9th year coaching together, seeing over 100 wins throughout Olson’s tenure as the program’s head coach.
Our success is not based off of dynamic player ability. It is based off a group that works hard together and plays basketball the right way and that’s for each other. Our coaching staff is very forthcoming and honest in their assessments of games with our players as we believe that is the foundation for producing a healthy environment that promotes growth and cohesion. Our job is to help bring these kids together and create a level of play that is larger than any one individual can accomplish in addition to giving them the tools to approach life outside the game the right way and leave a positive mark on the Athens community at large. Coming off a very successful 2022-23 season, we have earned more opportunities to showcase and develop our talent being invited to state tournaments in addition to out of state tournaments such as the Christmas tournament in Tampa, Florida. These nonregion games will prove to challenge our girls outside their usual competition and help them learn to adapt to new environments and situations. In a very simplified breakdown of our approach to the season, we want our kids to learn more, get better, and have fun. We don’t expect to win every game, but we expect our team to never allow themselves to feel defeated and compete regardless of the score or who is on the floor. If we can achieve that, especially on the defensive end, we can uplift one another and by extension this very city.
VIDEO NEWS RELEASE
https://youtu.be/oAxLnNAr_j8?si=O61QI_su71PpjGdf
SHOT LIST
1. Athens Academy Team Bus (3 seconds)
2. Group Shot on Court (7.8 Seconds)
3. Team Goals Shot in Locker Room (6.4 Seconds)
4. Coach Olson Talking (13.1 Seconds)
5. Whole Team Walking Out (15.8 Seconds)
6. Kendall Lawson, Freshman Hits Big Shot Forcing Timeout (25.5 Seconds)
7. Close-Up Sally Bullard (6.7 Seconds)
8. Sally VO About Team with Photos (22 Seconds)
8. Team High-Fives (3.6 Seconds)
9. Close-Up Josie Collins (7.3 Seconds)
10. Josie VO About Team with Photos (20 Seconds)
11. Team Having Fun Pre-Game (2.2 Seconds)
12. Close-Up Marie Rutledge (8.8 Seconds)
13. Marie VO About Team with Photos (15 Seconds)
14. Shot of Fans at Home Game (5.8 Seconds)
15. Sally Scoring (9.6 Seconds)
16. Josie Scoring (6.2 Seconds)
17. Tell Me Something Good (7.9 Seconds)
18. Marie Block (10.4 Seconds)
19. “We Love Yall” (3.5 Seconds)
20. Spartan Logo (2.9 Seconds)
SOUNDBITE 1 – Head Coach Brian Olson ( TRT: 00:01:13:00 )
Coach Olson Coaching During Tallulah Falls Game
(Credit: Alex English)
“All of us in the gym are excited. It’s a good group of girls. We’re looking forward to continuing to build, also just having a good time. It’s the most girls we’ve had in the gym for a while, so 9th grade through 12th grade, we’ve really been doing a nice job. They provided a lot of energy so looking forward to it. The thing about this group – this group really enjoys playing together and it’s going to be by committee, so they’re really doing a nice job not only taking our practices to the next level but our games to the next level. I think people will really be surprised by not only how they play together but the way they work together, so I think that chemistry is huge. I think road trips actually provide an opportunity for the team to grow, bond before we get home. Home puts a little bit of a different pressure on players because they want to perform for their friends, fans, families and everything else, so we like going on the road. We’re really just trying to determine what kind of team we’re going to be. We like to give our players a lot of ownership, make sure they’re comfortable with what we’re doing, and if we need to make adjustments it’s going to show us where we are with our conditioning, with some of our system stuff, just make sure we are on the right page as we continue to build towards our region after Christmas.”
SOUNDBITE 2 – Marie Rutledge, Class of 2025 ( TRT: 00:00:13:00 )
Marie Rutledge During Pregame Shoot Around
(Credit: Alex English)
“My name is Marie Rutledge. I’m a junior. I’ve been playing basketball since the first grade and I’ve been on the high school team since my freshman year so this is my third year. This team brings such positive energy and it’s so fun to be around everyone and they’re like a second family to me. They make coming to basketball fun every day and it’s a fun escape from school.”
SOUNDBITE 3 – Myeisha “Sally” Bullard, Team Captain, Class of 2024 ( TRT: 00:00:30:00 )
Myeisha Bullard During Media Day
(Credit: Alex English)
“My name is Myeisha Bullard and I’m currently a senior. I’ve been playing basketball since I was 4 years old and this is my fourth year on varsity. My experience with the Athens Academy team has been lots of relationships that I’ll cherish forever. We had a lot of alumni come to the game today so that was realy sweet to see them, but it’s like I still talk to them every single day and I know it’ll be the same with the freshman, sophomores, and junior that’s playing this year.”
SOUNDBITE 4 – Josie Collins, Class of 2026 ( TRT: 00:00:13:00 )
Josie Collins Subbing in During a Game
(Credit: Alex English)
“My name is Josie Collins. I’m a sophomore. I’ve been playing basketball since 3rd grade and ever since. They’re such a light in my life really and it’s just such a family. It’s always people I know I’ll have fun with and be cared for and we all love each other so much and it’s just such a great environment to be around where we always just have the best time doing what we love.”
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How long has this group been coaching together?
2014-15
What does this program emphasize?
Team over self, conditioning, and being well-rounded individuals who lift each other up through the highs and lows of a season
How many roster spots are slotted?
15-20 depending on tryouts’ turnout
When are tryouts?
Tryouts for the high school level team are on October 15, 2023 with fall and summer basketball carrying over roster spots and emailing bolson@athensacademy.org for further inquiries on joining outside the regular season
How long is the season?
The season starts in late October and ends in early to mid-February depending on playoff run
When is summer basketball?
Summer basketball takes place in the month of June
When is fall basketball?
Fall basketball, specifically the Sandy Spiel League, starts in mid September and ends in mid October
How much are tickets?
General admission (for non-students), $5 and can be purchased at the door or via gofan.co
Where are home games held?
Sinkwich Spartan Center
1281 Spartan Lane Athens, GA 30606
When are practices?
Practice is held directly after school from 330 until 5 and are open to the public at Sinkwich Spartan Center or the middle school gym depending on availability
When are games?
Our full schedule is available on https://www.athensacademy.org/team-detail?Team=110650#
What classification is Athens Academy in the Georgia High School Athletic Association?
Athens Academy competes in region 8-AA of the GHSA
How many sports are offered at Athens Academy?
Currently, we offer 20 varsity team programs, seventeen junior varsity teams, and 20 Middle School teams in twelve different sports
What are the biggest games of the year?
Outside playoffs, in 2022-23 season, the largest turnouts for girls basketball games took place during the Oconee High School and Prince Avenue matchups
What is available at concessions for games?
Concessions items include hot dogs, popcorn, various candy, water, powerade, and various bottled soda
Are games recorded?
All varsity matchups are streamed via the Athens Academy broadcast class on the NFHS network https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/schools/athens-academy-athens-ga
When is senior night?
This year senior night will be held on February 6 against East Jackson
Does my child have to be enrolled in Athens Academy to compete in sports?
Yes, Athens Academy enrollment is essential in order to be a member of any school team, no exceptions
How involved are parents expected to be?
Involvement from parents varies, but at least one parent is expected to attend home games with a mandated volunteering for 4 junior varsity and/or varsity concession stands.
Can athletes compete in multiple sports?
Though there are exceptions, generally speaking, athletes are bound to one sport per season due to the nature of scheduling but can compete in multiple sports across the calendar year
Quick Facts
Youngest team in program history
Coming off 2nd place finish in region tournament
One senior, Myeisha “Sally” Bullard candidate for Northeast Georgia athlete of the year
Coaching philosophy: putting team over self
Participated in fall and summer league basketball for first time
Team identity consists of defense first with fast break emphasis
First-ever Christmas tournament in Tampa, Florida
Expectations: learn more, get better, and have fun
RECENT COVERAGE
Oconee Enterprise: Coach Olson Reaches 100 Career Wins
http://www.oconeeenterprise.com/sports/article_b8d10b88-6c79-11eb-b189-77872910d781.html
Myiesha Sally Bullard Voted 2nd Highest Athens Area High School Girls Basketball Preseason Player to Watch: https://www.onlineathens.com/story/sports/high-school/basketball/2023/11/09/vote-athens-area-girls-basketball-preseason-player-of-the-year/71457114007/
COACH SPOTLIGHT
Girls Basketball Head Coach Brian Olson
(Credit: Alex English)
Coach Olson has been coaching the girls' team since 2014 and achieved his 100 wins in just seven seasons. Olson was born and raised in San Diego, California playing basketball at San Diego City College before earning his graduate degree at the University of Georgia. “Bolson” as he is affectionately called by most students and players, came to Athens Academy in 2007 and is married to fellow Spartan Carrie Olson, who serves as Middle School counselor and cross country coach. Outside basketball, Coach Olson coaches golf in the spring. His philosophy around the game of basketball is that it resembles life in many ways and said, “I want to be able to give back to those around me and hopefully make a difference in people’s lives through coaching and relationships in general.”
His hobbies include mostly outdoor activities including surfing, wakeboarding, wakesurfing, mountain biking, motorcycle riding, snowboarding, skateboarding, and golf. His favorite athletes growing up were Magic Johnson and Kobe Bryant. Meanwhile his role models include his grandfather Robert Applebee and aunt Robyn. His aunt passed away when he was 19 years old and was his mentor growing up. She was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis when she was 12 and then developed rheumatoid arthritis as well. Olson said that she never felt sorry for herself and always gave to others. She was very active in the disabled community and developed one of the first handicapped housing communities. She had a degree in social work and was a counselor at Casa Colina Rehabilitation Center while still dealing with her own complications. As for his grandfather, he played basketball at the University of Rhode Island and was drafted by the New York Knickerbockers in 1943. His University of Rhode Island team was the first in URI history to win 20 games, first to play in Madison Square Garden, and the first to be invited to the NIT.
PARKING
Parking can be found directly outside Sinkwich Spartan Center with additional parking located directly in front of Slaughter Field.
Executive Summary
Through a survey sent out to Athens Academy Athletics’ parents via a listserv, research was conducted to obtain data on the time commitments and rising costs of participation sports’ role plays in both their own and children’s lives. The following questions were proposed:
1. How many children in middle and high school do you have?
A. 1
B. 2
C. 3 or more
2. How much time do you devote to sports activities per student?
A. Less than an hour a week
B. Between one and two hours a week
C. More than two hours a week
3. Do you agree with this statement: I feel my student(s) benefit from the social aspects of sports activities.
A. Strongly Agree
B. Agree
C. Neither Agree nor Disagree
D. Disagree
E. Strongly Disagree
4. Do you agree with this statement: I feel my student(s) benefit from the physical endurance aspects of sports activities.
A. Strongly Agree
B. Agree
C. Neither Agree nor Disagree
D. Disagree
E. Strongly Disagree
5. Do you agree with this statement: I feel the benefits to my student(s) from sports activities outweigh the financial cost of sports.
A. Strongly Agree
B. Agree
C. Neither Agree nor Disagree
D. Disagree
E. Strongly Disagree
6. Do you agree with this statement: I feel my student(s) will benefit in the future from involvement in sports today (full or partial scholarship, professional or Olympic hopeful).
A. Strongly Agree
B. Agree
C. Neither Agree nor Disagree
D. Disagree
E. Strongly Disagree
With a response rate of 50 submissions in the span of 5 days, data concluded that most parents spend over 2 hours a week devoted to sports for their children and 90% of responses strongly agreed that sports activities outweigh the financial cost. 40% of responses agreed that their children would benefit in the future for a full or partial scholarship, while 36% neither agreed or disagreed and the remaining 14% disagreed. 84% of responses strongly agreed that their children benefit from the physical endurance aspects of sports activities while 16% just agreed. In terms of students benefiting from the social aspect of sports, 92% strongly agreed while 4% just agreed and the remaining 4% neither agreed or disagreed. Of all the participants, most had multiple children in middle or high school at 64% (20% of such being 3 or more).
Next steps for the capstone based on this research would entail a follow-up poll to see parents’ expectations and areas of growth for their child’s sports programs. Given the fact that 40% of these participants are expecting their child to receive an athletic scholarship in the future, resources for college recruiting and possibly booking a school/athletic facilities tour can be coordinated as well using alumni and career readiness resources offered by the school.