North Branford High School basketball captains Stephanie Torniero, 18, and Ashley Arre, 17, share what it's like in a day in the life of a sports captain and what they think of their position on the team. 

North Branford Patch: How did you get involved in basketball?

Stephanie Torniero: I’ve always been playing since I was young. Dad was a big basketball fan so he kept me playing and pushed me through it.

Ashley Arre: I actually started when I was in 4th grade on the North Branford recreation team. I wasn’t originally going to play, but my mom really influenced me. I think she knew I was good at it but, I was too nervous to start before that.

North Branford Patch: How does one become a captain?

Torniero: You have to work hard throughout the year, show Coach you can be a good leader and that you’ve been setting a good example for others.

Arre: Ever since freshman year, I got pulled up to JV and varsity and I worked really hard, I showed a lot of effort and I think that’s what led Coach to choose me to be captain. 

North Branford Patch: What characteristics would you say a captain must have?

Torniero: A captain is someone who can be a good leader, support everyone on the team and always be a good role model.

Arre: You have to be not only a good leader, but also show you’re hard working and won’t give up. You’ve also got to be a good example for other team members.

North Branford Patch: What’s the most challenging part about being a captain?

Torniero: Staying positive all the time is tough. This season’s not going so well–we've only won two games–but I’ve got to keep encouraging everyone.

Arre: I think getting everyone focused and on the same page. Getting all the team members to care about this as much as you is the biggest struggle.

North Branford Patch: What’s the most enjoyable part about being a captain?

Torniero: Being able to see the bond of the team; the reaction when everyone does well and knowing you played a part in that.

Arre: I think just the fact that I love the game allows me to get back into it every day, regardless what our record is.

North Branford Patch: How do you keep everyone motivated when the season isn’t going so well?

Torniero: I just try to encourage them and tell them that their hard work will pay off and I keep them motivated for next season. 

Arre: Going into every game, we keep our heads up and don’t worry about the record. We look at the positives and try to make each other feel better. We focus on our strengths.

North Branford Patch: What is a day in the life of a captain like?

Torniero: There’s school and then practice is right after for about two hours every day. For practice we have to make sure everyone is on the court on time to stretch, then we start the warm up. I have to make sure everyone is there and focused throughout practice. After that, when I get home, it’s pretty much just time for homework, food and sleep.

Arre: I get up and get ready go to school, do my hair, go to school, try to be friendly to everyone on the team, go to practice early, try to get everyone there and stretching early, get home around 5 p.m. after I make sure everyone has gotten a ride home, then it’s homework...lots of homework. 

North Branford Patch: What are your plans for college?

Torniero: I want to attend the University of Hartford to study psychology. I’ll maybe play for a recreational team, nothing official, though.

Arre: I’m only a junior so I haven’t really looked into it yet, but I think, if anything, I wouldn’t play at a competitive level, just intramural. As for school, I think I’m going to go out of state.