Photo by Beth Sabers
By Angela Brunk
For Alex Crouse, a senior shooting guard at St. Thomas Aquinas, this season represents both the culmination of years of hard work and the opportunity to add another chapter to the program’s storied legacy. With two state championships already under her belt, Crouse and her teammates are determined to make history once again.
“At Aquinas, the tradition is that we play for each other and avoid focusing on individual goals,” Crouse said. “As a team, we’re focused on winning another state championship and going undefeated.”
This season, Crouse is excited to enjoy her final year of high school basketball while taking on tough opponents. “We are supposed to play some really good teams with high-caliber players on the road this year, including road matchups against Skutt Catholic from Omaha and Staley High from Missouri,” she said. In addition to tough games, Crouse is soaking in all the senior memories. “I’m just looking forward to having fun with my teammates and making the most of my senior year.”
Crouse spent the offseason sharpening both her mental and physical game. “Every day I work on my mental toughness and confidence,” she said. “From a skills perspective, I focus on lifting, diet, and endurance. I also spend time focusing on my ballhandling, footwork, and shooting consistency.” Recently, she even began practicing yoga to enhance flexibility and recovery.
Last year’s state title remains her proudest accomplishment. “Personal accolades are great, but I wouldn’t have any of them without the hard work my team and I put into playing for each other,” Crouse said.
Next year, Crouse will continue her basketball journey at Stephen F. Austin University, drawn by its winning culture and supportive coaching staff. Off the court, Crouse gives back as a youth basketball referee, helping inspire the next generation of players.
