THOMASVILLE- Brookwood junior varsity and varsity girls and boys basketball teams have taken a new approach to foster team building through establishing a culture of bonding and thankfulness.

On Wednesday, October 30th, the boys teams traveled to the University of North Florida and the girls teams traveled to the University of West Georgia. Boys Basketball Coach Nate VanDuyne said that the teams were able to tour the campuses, practice in D1 practice facilities, and begin building the culture for the ‘24 – ‘25 season.

Brookwood’s Athletic Department began implementing groundbreaking ideas on team building last spring. Under the direction of Jennifer Lauderdale, Brookwood’s Athletic Director, the Athletic Department instituted J. P. Nerbun’s proven process set out in The Culture System. Through training courses, departmental meetings, and one-on-one conversations with Nerbun, the department has begun implementing techniques for transformational leadership, establishing culture, and supporting and enforcing said culture. Girls’ Basketball Coach Nik Schweikert took time to explain how he is personally implementing these new strategies with this innovative field trip.

“This allowed our athletes to see how important a culture is to building a team [and for] our girls to spend quality time together away while on the trip,” Schweikert said. “It begins with the best version of ourselves.”

The bonding experience created an atmosphere outside of school where student-athletes were able to create memories together. Students enjoyed the opportunity to play and practice on D1 courts and were thrilled at what a great bonding experience the trip was for them. Abigail Squires said that she was thankful the experience brought them closer together as a team. VanDuyne said the trip would allow quality time together as a team.