GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (GRPS) - As the Union girls basketball team prepares for the 2025–2026 season, head coach Mamie Hai brings a clear vision rooted in the team’s core values.
“I expect them to hold our program values each and every day on and off the court,” Hai said, referencing the team’s pillars of CLARITY: confidence, leadership, accountability, respect, integrity, teamwork, and youthfulness. “I want each player to express themselves and be prepared to be a better person and player, athlete and student every day.”
This year brings a unique challenge: blending players from multiple schools into one cohesive unit. With only four returning seniors and a roster packed with fresh faces, chemistry will be a storyline from day one.
“Growing chemistry could be a challenge,” Hai admitted, “but it’s also something we own as far as developing that team chemistry on the court. It’s a blessing too, because kids get to bring their uniqueness from their backgrounds and schools together to make each other better.”
Even with so many new players, the Redhawks aren’t planning to overhaul their style of play. Instead, Hai aims to strengthen the mindset that helped the team improve steadily last season, particularly in second matchups against conference opponents.
“I wouldn’t say anything will be different, but I want to encourage them to go harder and be a lot more confident,” she said. “We’re small in size but big in heart. I feel like we can be competitive because we bring it every game.”
And when asked what she hopes Union’s identity will be this year, Hai’s answer was simple and emphatic: “Compete! I want to make sure we’re just going out there to compete.”
Seniors Ready to Lead the Charge
A trio of Union seniors—Zyreair Craig, Ciara Taylor, and Asiyah Green—enter the season with a renewed sense of purpose. Each brings something different to the floor, but together they form the backbone of the Redhawks’ identity.
Each senior is particularly excited about how the team will develop this season. Craig looks forward to seeing the growth of the group, Taylor is eager to see months of hard work come together, and Green is interested in watching how the team gels as the season unfolds. Their confidence comes from collective progress: the seniors agree that the team’s understanding of the game has improved significantly, and their cohesion—built through offseason dedication and time spent together—feels stronger than last year.
Eyes on the Future
For the Redhawks’ senior trio, the 2025–26 season is about more than just wins and losses; it’s a chance to grow as players and leaders while chasing long-term goals. Craig aims to improve her stats to attract college opportunities, while Green shares the ambition of playing at the next level. Taylor, meanwhile, emphasizes leadership: “My biggest goal is to better myself on and off the court and lift my teammates up.”
Beyond individual ambitions, all three seniors value being part of Union basketball. Craig, who arrived at Union last year as a junior, says joining the team “felt natural… like I was the missing piece.” Taylor and Green also highlight the program’s culture and supportive community as reasons why Union is a special place to play. For them, the season is as much about fostering connection as it is about competing.
With a mix of new faces, established leaders, and a coach committed to instilling confidence and clarity, the Redhawks enter the season with renewed focus. They may not have the tallest lineup, but they’re banking on heart, cohesion, and that trademark Union grit. One thing is certain: as this group grows together, their presence will be felt across the conference.
Important Season Dates
- First Game: December 8
- Game at Van Andel Arena v. Ottawa Hills: December 23
- Youth Night: January 26
- MHSAA Districts: March 2-6
