Athletes of the Week: Peace Kabari and Michaela Streep
If you’ve ever watched Big Red’s girls’ varsity basketball, then you’ve seen the dynamic duo, seniors Michaela Streep and Peace Kabari, consistently light up the court. Over the past three seasons alongside one another, the co-captains have put up an impressive record of 45-19 while taking home two NEPSAC championships.The two are known to lead by example, consistently driving the team members to find their best selves through their own perseverant actions. Senior Julia Jackson commented, “They push themselves to run faster, lift more and generally go harder all the time, inspiring those around them without having to utter a single word.”Lower Charlotte Polk reiterated this point, saying, “Mish is very reliable and sweet, and Peace is always helping people to get better. They’re both very kind and do a great job of leading by example.”Teammate and lower Ella Johnson added, “As an athlete, Mish [Michaela] always finds a way to help the team. She always plays her hardest, and she’s reliable no matter where she is on the court.”
“I know that they will continue to shine wherever they go in the years to come.”
Jackson also commented on the captains’ characteristic drive. “No matter what obstacles they face—be it physical injury, illness or personal affairs at home—they always bring their best attitudes and abilities to practices and games.”Streep said, “As a captain, I’ve discovered the importance of several things—being receptive, being focused, working hard and having a good attitude.” She went on to explain how these components can either “make or break a team.”Having been on several varsity sports, Streep explained how, above all, the team has pushed her to develop grit and perseverance. After breaking her wrist last season, Streep was discouraged by what the team’s future held for her. However, Streep added, “I didn’t [quit] because the group of girls I was with, and the coaches taught me that anything was possible as long as you worked hard.” Streep reiterated that the team was the hardest working team she had ever been on due to the girls’ resilient work ethic.Kabari had similar thoughts, and said, “We learn lessons like to fight hard even when you are down. Who knows? Maybe you’ll pull out the win in the end. We have done that a few times, and even if we didn’t win, we knew that we left everything out there.” It was through many years of experience that Kabari had found not to count a team out when things looked bad.Streep added, “A team that’s not focused in practice sure as hell won’t be focused during a game. If you aren’t receptive to criticism, then how are you supposed to improve? I’ve noticed that when teams are/have all those things, they are successful.”With that being said, Kabari believes that it’s not all about the win. She said, “Even though we hope to go for the three-peat, what is most important are the friendships I’ve made and the life lessons I’ve learned.”Kabari also reflected on the strong bonds formed on the team since her freshman year. “Coming in as a prep, it really pushed me to go outside of my own bubble. Over the years I’ve made some friends who have long since graduated that I talk to till this day.” Exeter basketball promoted Kabari in being more outspoken. The captain began utilizing the communication skills crucial in basketball off the court in her personal life.Reflecting on her time with the team, Kabari said that what she will miss most are the team dinners. Kabari noted, “Dining hall is where we can all just talk about whatever and forget about the homework we have that night. My teammates and Michaela Streep never cease to keep me laughing.”Jackson concluded, “I speak on behalf of the team when I say that they are genuine, friendly people who are loved by all of us. They will be sorely missed by the team, the athletics department and the entire school upon their graduation this spring, but I know that they will continue to shine wherever they go in the years to come.”