Bridget Horgan ‘26, Mount Saint Joseph Academy’s basketball team captain, is an amazingly talented and hard-working player who helped lead her team on a historic state run this past March.
After years of their hard work not ending how they had hoped, Mount’s young but talented team really made a name for themselves this season.
While talking about the team in years past, Horgan said, “Last year, we were young and a bit nervous, so we didn’t perform as well as we could have. We had new players adjusting to varsity-level, so mistakes were easy to make. This year, we were still young, but our talent really spoke for itself.”
Bridget’s leadership played a key role in making this team what it is today. Junior JJ Miros ‘27, who just joined the team this year only had glowing things to say about her senior captain.
“It was my first year playing basketball, and Bridget and I played the same position. I was really nervous and knew my skills were rusty, but practicing and playing with her helped me improve. I wouldn’t want anyone else to be captain of the team—she shows poise in tough situations, is a great leader, and I love her.”
Off the court, Bridget Horgan’s leadership skills carry into her everyday life. Her fellow athletic association co-President and best friend, Avery Lasky ‘26 describes her as “supportive, determined, and goofy.”
According to Avery, those qualities naturally carry over into how she leads her team. “The way she shows up for people and never gives up is how she leads the team,” she said. “She’s a shining light that everyone is drawn to.”
Under Bridget’s leadership, the true turning point for this young team was their first win against Gwynedd Mercy. Mount students packed into Gwynedd gym completely outnumbering their home student section. With a score of 43-42, the Mount showed that they were a force to be reckoned with in the AACA.
“In the past two years, we weren’t competitive with the bigger teams in our league like Villa and Gwynedd. But beating Gwynedd this year showed us that this could be a great season. After that, we went on to beat Villa and Gwynedd again and ultimately won the league,” Horgan said.
Like most seasons, it wasn’t all big wins and celebrating. Not only did Bridget have to bring her team together she had to help pull them out of a rut. After a strong 11-0 start, the team hit a rough patch in the middle of the season.
When reflecting back at the tough point in the season Horgan said, “We hadn’t lost any games, then suddenly lost a few in a row to teams we shouldn’t have. Navigating through that difficult time—being able to rest, regroup, and come back strong—was a big challenge. But we managed it well.”
The overwhelming support from the Mount community also played a major role in not only the team’s success, but in Bridget’s confidence.
Nowhere was that more evident than at both the semifinals and finals game held at La Salle College High School where the crowd presence shifted the dynamic of the games.
According to Bridget, the difference wasn’t about doing more as a captain, but about trusting what was already there. “Our talent really spoke for itself,” she said. “I didn’t have to do much because our skills naturally guided us.”
While talking about the season Lasky said, “Mount basketball has really shifted gears this year,” she said. “The team is more focused than I’ve ever seen, and it’s been really fun to watch everyone come together and support them.”
That quiet confidence became a defining feature of the team.
The overwhelming support from the Mount community also played a major role in not only the team’s success, but in Bridget’s confidence.
Nowhere was that more evident than at both the semifinals and finals game held at La Salle College High School where the crowd presence shifted the dynamic of the games.
“The atmosphere completely changed the trajectory,” Horgan said. “It really affected their team mentally.”
In the end Mount’s season was more than just a championship; it was about transformation. The team that once struggled with their confidence, grew it to a powerhouse with the help of their beloved captain Bridget Horgan.
Bridget mentioned how the team has helped her turn into the person she is today. Through their support, challenges, and shared experiences, she has grown as not only a player but a leader. She credits her team for helping build her confidence and preparing her for years of success ahead.
From packed stands in the rival gym to a league title, this season will be remembered for the team’s accomplishments. With Bridget Horgan leading the way, Mount basketball not only won games, but made a name for themselves.
