Despite being days away from officially leaving for Rupp Arena, the Apollo E-gals got a sendoff from several area elementary and middle schools Friday when the team hopped on a bus and drive around the county that had given them so much.
Coach Natalie Payne said it was a good experience for the players and even the coaches.
“I think they definitely realized the positive impact that they are making on the community, especially the young kids that are looking up to them and want to be a future E-gal in some way, shape or form,” she said. “Some of them got even a little emotional because it touched their heat. Those signs, those kids take so much time and put in so much effort into those signs. Some of the heartfelt notes that they put on the signs, I took several pictures because those are precious memories and it was definitely a great experience for these kids.”
“Plus, we went to several elementary schools that they actually attended so they got to see some of their past teachers, even some siblings. It was really neat for those girls to be able to experience that.”
The E-gals departed from the Apollo High School parking lot and hit Sorgo Elementary, Audubon Elementary, Burns Elementary School, Burs Middle School, Tamarack Elementary and Southern Oaks Elementary before returning to AHS.
Payne’s mother even joined the caravan for the first few stops.
“That’s so my family,” she said. “They have been so supportive since I was little bitty. Playing, they didn’t miss a game. They didn’t miss a game in high school, in college. If they could have gone over to Finland and stayed with me there, they would have. My mom did for a month. Both my parents, the unconditional love and the love they have for basketball and this program and wanting to see us succeed. They wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
Senior Kassidy Daugherty grew up in McLean County and moved to Owensboro during his sophomore year.
Even though she didn’t have a connection to the stops they made, she still knew the impact it had on the kids.
“I’ve never done that before,” she said. “It is different because I’m not from here so those teachers aren’t my teachers but it’s super rewarding, humbling to go and have them wave at you and have your name on stuff. It’s just super, super exciting.”
Fellow senior Zoë Floyd echoed her teammates sentiment.
“That was so much fun and seeing all the kids that were genuinely excited to see us,” she said. “I remember being that little kid and seeing the kids that were going to region. They really think that we’re celebrities. Stoping, talking and taking pictures with them … It was so sweet and touched my heart.”
The E-gals officially leave for Lexington Wednesday as they’re in the middle of preparing for Henderson County, their opening-round opponent at the KHSAA Sweet Sixteen.
