The Storm King School girls AA prep basketball team has officially tipped off its winter practice schedule, but their coach, Tian Tang, has been preparing them for a great season both mentally and physically since the start of the school year.

So far this fall, the team has wrapped up a total of eight pre-season open gyms. Open gyms offer student-athletes the opportunity to develop their on-court chemistry before the season begins and showcase their abilities in front of college coaches. “We were able to host coaches from 10 different colleges on campus in the last two months, including NCAA Division 1 (Central Connecticut State University, Long Island University – Brooklyn, United States Military Academy West Point), NCAA Division II (Mercy University, Adelphi University, Pace University, Southern New Hampshire University), NCAA Division III (Mount Saint Mary College, SUNY Cortland, SUNY Purchase). As a result, two NCAA Division I full scholarships have been offered to our players to date,” explained Coach Tang.

Support for Storm King’s players also continues well after graduation. For example, Coach Tang recently traveled along with several current SKS girls’ basketball players to cheer on recent graduate Marisa Chapman ’23 at Yale’s home opener against Monmouth University. “Throughout her career at SKS, Marisa exemplified excellence both in academics and athletics. Since the team’s transition to NEPSAC AA, Marisa contributed each season, showcasing remarkable development that drew attention from college coaches across the northeast. This dedication and steady improvement culminated in multiple Division I scholarship offers during the summer before her senior year, including one from Yale University. Marisa committed to Yale that summer,” continued Coach Tang.

Marisa’s senior year at The Storm King School was marked by outstanding achievements. She succeeded in earning All-NEPSAC and NEPSGBA Class AA All-Star selections, underscoring her hard work and the support of the SKS program. The current team visit to Yale served to reaffirm the enduring connections fostered at SKS, with Marisa’s father expressing deep gratitude for the continuous support from the School and coaching staff. He told the current players, “Once you study and play at Storm King, you will always be part of the SKS family.”