With just two wins in the last three years, the Peabody-Burns freshly acquired girls’ basketball coach Travis Schafer isn’t expecting his new team to be aiming for any state titles.

Instead, Schafer’s teaching his team to focus more on perseverance and how to handle rough waters.

“In order to accomplish their goals, the girls must stare adversity down, learn from mistakes made, and continue to grow,” he said. “This is one of the most important skills a person can have in their life.

“The attitude to never give in and to keep working toward a common goal shows a great deal about a person’s character.”

As a second-grade teacher, it’s not like Schafer’s a stranger to the team he inherits and starting over again.

“Knowing many of these girls for a number of years, I wouldn’t expect any less from them,” Schafer said of his team’s character. “They are some of the grittiest girls I know, and I never have to doubt their effort or heart in anything they do.”

Not only did Peabody battle trying to compete, depth was thin with a low number of players to help.

With 11 girls on the roster, depth won’t be as big a concern as experience may be with five freshman the largest class.

How quickly the newcomers adjust to the faster, more physical style of varsity action will play a big part in the Warriors’ improvement.

Schafer will at least have a quartet of upperclassmen to provide leadership on and off the court with Sydney Hodges and TJ Clover the lone seniors.

Hodges put together a strong offseason to work on her game and the likely leader of the team.

Clover brings a good attitude and work ethic with her game.

Adriana Newman and Clarissa Stokes are the only juniors and it’ll be half a season before Newman’s able to join due to knee surgery.

Newman brings a positive attitude to the team and can frustrate teams with her defense.

Stokes is perhaps the Warriors’ most energetic and she’s not afraid to dive for a loose ball or attack the basket.

Sarah Spencer and Kaete Johnson saw time a year ago as freshmen with Johnson seeing more time inside.

Johnson’s extended her game to where she can fit in anywhere on the floor and is one of the Warriors’ hardest workers.

The same work ethic Johnson brings, Spencer does too, with both desiring to stay late working on different skills.

Spencer is another who’s not afraid to go after a loose ball and can make her teammates better with her intense urge to compete.

McKayla Hauck, Mya Winter, Ariana Marcenaro, Shealee Rine, and Skyler Stucky complete the freshmen class.

Schafer expects the newcomers to make an immediate impact in terms of athleticism, a good work ethic and attitude, solid defense and shooting as well as wanting to improve every day.

That could be just what Peabody is looking for with up being the only direction to go.