The Fanshawe Falcons women’s basketball team wrapped up their 2024-25 season with a fourth-place finish in the OCAA. The win capped off a year filled with determination, growth, and resilience. Though the outcome may not have been what they hoped for, the team is taking pride in their journey and the bonds they built along the way.

Heading into the final four, the Falcons knew they were up against the best teams in the province. The challenge was immense, but their mindset remained strong.

“We knew it was going to be a battle. Each of the teams deserved to be there,” said Chloe Meldrum, a guard on the team. “Nothing comes easy at this level. It was just about staying focused and playing the way we know we can.”

Preparation was key for the Falcons heading into the weekend. Their focus wasn’t just on strategy but also on trust. Trust in their coaches, their training, and, most importantly, each other. This sense of unity carried them through the highs and lows of the season.

The Falcons’ journey to the provincial championship weekend was a testament to their growth as a team.

“The team has grown tremendously since the beginning of the season,” said Meldrum. “Being a part of it has been a blessing. One of the things I’m most proud of this team for is our resilience and sticking together when things got tough.”

That resilience was tested throughout the season, but time and time again, the Falcons proved their ability to fight through adversity.

While the team fell short of their ultimate goal, there was no lack of pride in what they had accomplished.

“Obviously, we didn’t get the outcome that we hoped for, but we are so proud of how far this group has come. Making it to the provincial championship weekend after a competitive and hard-fought season was very rewarding.”

For Meldrum, the season wasn’t defined by a single moment but rather by the entire experience.

“I’m not sure there is one defining moment as a highlight,” she said. “It has been a privilege to play the entire season for these coaches and with these girls. The journey as a whole has been the highlight.”

When asked to describe the team in one word, her answer was simple: Family.

“This was a special group. There are no words to describe what it’s like to be a part of a team that fights for each other like sisters.”

While the season may be over, the legacy of this Falcons team will endure. They leave behind a season of passion, perseverance, and camaraderie, qualities that will undoubtedly shape the program’s future. Though this chapter has closed, the bonds they’ve built, and the lessons they’ve learned, will carry on long after the final whistle.