Juntas, Juntas! Buena Vista Cheers up the Season

  1. Updates

Juntas, meaning together in Spanish, is just a piece of a cheer I taught my girls’ basketball team yesterday afternoon at lunch recess. 

With leagues coming up and hardly any space on my yard due to construction, running actual basketball games during our practices is a no go. As a result of having no hoops, passing drills are about as close as we can get to mimicking what a true basketball experience might be like. I could tell that my team was feeling discouraged because of the lack of resources and space at our school.

In order to transform their attitude, I knew I would have to create some kind of outlet.  I knew I needed to find a way for them to acknowledge that they are a unique team without the reassurance of putting a ball into a basket. Thus, "Juntas! Juntas!" was born.

A simple and silly twenty second cheer completely changed how the team worked together. Not only has their energy grown since we made up our cheer, but also their excitement to play basketball. Their team spirit has increased immensely simply due to the fact that we stand in a circle, clap our hands, and chant juntas.

With juntas, the team has really grasped the concept that winning doesn't matter; that playing on a team is all about working together and making sure that when one of our teammates feels low, the others are there to pick her up. I never thought a special cheer would be so uplifting to a group of twelve ladies. 

-Coach Whitney (Buena Vista Elementary)

More Updates


January 24, 2024

Indoor Recess Transition Plan ›

From snow and cold to rain, smog, and everything in between, weather can throw a wrench in your outdoor recess plans. When inclement weather strikes, transitioning to indoor play can…

December 18, 2023

Playworks recognized as a NYSS Champion ›

Playworks becomes an NYSS Champion Playworks is pleased to be recognized by the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services…

August 22, 2023

2022-23 Annual Report ›

We are thrilled to share with you our highlights of the 2022-23 program year and invite you to read our NorCal Annual Report 2022-23. Our dedication to program quality and…