Alumna Veronica Verdin graduated from Westridge in 2011, but when she stepped onto campus this past January, she was hit with an overwhelming feeling of nostalgia. Despite slight changes to the campus, Ms. Verdin could remember the names of each Westridge building like the back of her hand.

“I still feel the warmth of an all-girls environment,” she said. “Walking back on campus, as cheesy as it is, it feels like coming home. Little things have changed, but it still feels like I belong here.”

Ms. Verdin was excited—and a little nervous—to relive her memories of being a varsity basketball player for Westridge, as she and other alumnae would be playing against Westridge’s current varsity basketball team on the night of Friday, January 9. 

Varsity basketball played against Westridge alumnae in the annual Alumnae Spirit Game. The Alumnae Spirit Game was part of a larger spirit event, Homecoming. In addition to the Alumnae Spirit Game for basketball, Homecoming also included a varsity soccer game against St. Lucy’s on Frank Field and a varsity water polo game against Mayfield. 

In years past, the Alumnae Spirit Game has typically had an overwhelming number of alumnae on its team. This year, however, only three alumnae participated in the traditional Westridge alumnae vs. varsity basketball game, with JV Coach and Varsity Assistant Coach Amy Bellm, along with several varsity players, joining the alumnae team due to the shortage of players. Despite the lack of attendance, the Westridge alumni beat the varsity basketball team 38–24.

The alumnae not only had a team built up upon experience, but they were excited to be back on the Melanie Horn Basketball Court. With alumnae having to balance their busy livelihoods of jobs or college, coming back and playing the game they love on home turf was refreshing. Sarah Kong ’24 swiftly charged past defense, scoring baskets back-to-back. Now attending the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Sarah still tries to play basketball in her free time, despite her demanding academic work. Regarding the game and returning to campus, she said, “I miss the spirit… But, it’s really fun, mostly just seeing everybody.”

Ms. Verdin lived away from Los Angeles for a long time, moving back to LA just last year. Coming back to the gym where she used to play her favorite sport as a Tiger brought her closer to the community she loves. “It feels amazing,” she said. “I was on the varsity basketball team, and my Westridge teammates are still all very close. So basketball and Westridge together are still a thing that keeps me feeling very connected to the community.”

Physical Education Teacher and JV Basketball Coach Karen Hanselman was proud to see the amount of growth the alumnae reached, especially as they transitioned to adulthood. “It’s heartwarming to see them. My students are now adults who are thriving and leading the world,” Coach Karen said.

The gym didn’t just hold former students; there was another familiar face watching from the sidelines—Coach Melanie Horn, previous Athletics Director, returned to campus to support the alumnae team. “It’s always so fun to come back to the Melanie Horn basketball court. It feels weird to say it,” she said. “I’m super excited to be back.”

Current Athletics Director Coach Alice Lee, who is in her first year at Westridge, was pleasantly surprised to see the camaraderie and connection the Westridge community held together, even long after they had graduated. “It’s so great to see the alums from the different class years come back and still be so engaged, and they’re really good,” she said. “With [Coach Horn] here too, and that connection throughout the years, it feels everlasting, and I think really great for our younger Tigers to experience.” 

After the alumnae won the game, both the alumnae and the varsity team gathered around in a circle where the graduates gave the players advice for their futures. “One that stuck with me was someone said keep in touch with all of your Westridge friends,” said freshman Sara K. 

Even though many of the varsity players had never met the alumnae before the game, they made new connections, sharing one identity: being a Tiger. “I didn’t know any of the alumni except for [Coach Amy Bellm], but it was really cool,” said Lucy H. ’28. “It was a fun game, and it was nice to get to know them.”

Although wishing his team had won, Coach Brett Washington, Head Coach of varsity basketball, was nevertheless happy with the way the team played. “I’m very proud of the way we played, especially in the second half,” he said. “I think these girls have so much respect for the alumnae.” 

Concluding the night with stacks of empty pizza boxes, the varsity players made new friends, and the alumnae got to experience Westridge magic once again. “I think it’s super fun to have games like this and build team spirit and school spirit,” said Coach Bellm. “It’s super fun to have alums back here ready to play.”