When watching seniors Vallory Kuelker and Katherine Garr play on the court, one thing is certain: they have a special connection that goes beyond just being teammates. The no-look passes, the intuition of knowing where the other will be on the court, and the unspoken understanding of each other’s thinking. This connection isn’t just based on skill; it’s a connection that’s built on years of passion, friendship, and trust.

The two girls met back in 2017 on an AAU team called Teach 1. This is where the duo started to build their friendship, and with every practice and game, their bond formed and grew quickly, blossoming into the very relationship they share today.

“When I first played with her, she was such a good shooter, and I was just so inspired by her,” Garr said. “I was probably intimidated by her because she was so good, but I loved playing with her.”

Throughout middle school and the beginning of high school, the two played on different teams, now competing against one another instead of alongside one another. Despite these few years apart, though, they both ended up at Pinewood, withKuelker transferring her sophomore year and Garr joining a year after that. Both were drawn to the school by Pinewood’s prestigious girls basketball program, and since transferring, neither of them have looked back ever since.

Even though Kuelker and Garr largely transferred for athletic and academic purposes, their close friendships and old ties with girls already on the team helped make their transition to Pinewood much easier. Not to mention, both Kuelker and Garr had expressed a desire to play together some time in the future, but neither of them knew or thought it would become a reality so quickly.

“I didn’t think that we would ever end up playing together, but I had always wished that we would because I knew that Katherine and I work so well together,” Kuelker said.

Although their chemistry on the court is special, their bond ultimately goes beyond basketball. Kuelker describes Garr as someone who is dependable no matter what, and always someone who has her back. Garr said that one of Kuelker’s most admirable qualities is finding fun in everything she does, bringing joy to those around her.  Together, they bring out the best in each other, creating a connection that builds on a shared love for the game and contributing their full effort for the best of each other.

After 2 years of being on the same high school team, one moment stands out for both Kuelker and Garr: Pinewood’s win over Priory on Jan. 14. The game was not only significant because it was a highly-anticipated matchup, but because it also meant facing off against their former teammates on Teach1 and some of their biggest rivals. To both of them, the victory meant more than just winning, and doing it together made it all the more special.

“It definitely was a very emotional game for us and something that I’ll remember for the rest of my life,” Kuelker said. “Being able to do it together just made it a full circle moment.”

Throughout the years, their friendship has blossomed into an unbreakable bond that will last a lifetime.

“I think the relationship that we’ve built over time is so rooted in trust because of the fact that we’ve known each other for so long,” Garr said. “I feel so comfortable with her on and off the court, which also helps our chemistry. We celebrate each other’s wins.”