The Stanley-Boyd Orioles girls basketball team features a unique family connection this season with sisters Lula, Stella, and Vaida Chwala playing together. Each brings her own strengths to the court while supporting one another as teammates. From consistent effort to key moments in comeback wins, the Chwala sisters show how shared experience and teamwork play a role in the team’s success.
Lula Chwala – Senior
As the oldest of the three, senior Lula Chwala has set a steady example both on and off the court. She first started playing basketball in elementary school, inspired by her mom, Tanya, who also played. Over the years, Lula has developed into a reliable defensive player, often taking on the specialized defensive role known as the “Wolf,” a position Head Coach Ryan Wundrow has trusted her with throughout her career.
Some of Lula’s favorite memories aren’t just about the games themselves, but the time spent together.
“My favorite memories are the carpools to summer league,” Lula shared, highlighting the bond she shares with her sisters and teammates.
Lula says her sisters have inspired her the most throughout her basketball journey because of how they motivate and push her to be better. One of her favorite moments this season was playing at the Sonnentag Center, which she described as a “really cool” experience. Outside of basketball, Lula stays busy by also golfing and running track.
Stella Chwala – Sophomore
Sophomore Stella Chwala brings energy, and enthusiasm to the team. She first joined basketball because all of her friends were on the team, and along the way she’s built memories that will last a lifetime — including one unforgettable (and funny) moment.
“One time we tried to get Caitlen to dunk, so I picked her up and Vaida air-balled a shot and hit her in the face and gave her a bloody nose,” Stella shares.
Stella credits her teammate Caitlen (Ketterhagen) as her biggest inspiration, saying “She is always there for me and she always pushes me and always makes me feel good about myself.”
Outside of basketball, Stella also participates in track, continuing to stay active year-round.
Vaida Chwala – Freshman
Freshman Vaida Chwala is already making an impression in her first year at the high school level. She started playing basketball in 4th grade, inspired by watching her older sisters play before her. Vaida plays guard, a position she’s stayed in from elementary school through now.
One of her favorite basketball memories came before high school, when she played in the Greater Northern Basketball League (GNBL) State Tournament in 8th grade. This season, her favorite game so far was the Orioles’ first matchup against Wausau East.
“We were losing by a good amount, and we came back and won,” Vaida said.
Vaida says her biggest supporters have been her mom and her teammates who play the same position, helping her grow and gain confidence. Like her sisters, she’s also involved in golf and track.
Whether it’s pushing each other to improve, sharing leadership, or supporting their teammates, the Chwala sisters have become a consistent and positive presence within the Orioles girls basketball program. Together, they show how family and teamwork translate on the court, with each contributing in her own role through defense, energy, and scoring opportunities. Head Coach Ryan Wundrow said the sisters “bring a lot of energy to practice and games” and called them “a joy to coach and great teammates.” Coach Karyn Nitz noted that their intensity, speed, and determination make them key components of the Orioles’ defense, creating turnovers that lead to offense, while also adding outside shooting and penetration on the offensive end. “Glad to have the sisters on our side!” she added. “They are a joy to have on our team!” Coach Matt Miklasz remarked that the sisters are “hardworking, coachable, and keys to our defense- they are a joy to coach.” As the season progresses, the Chwala sisters continue to be players to watch as they work hard, add points, and help set a strong, team-first tone for the Stanley-Boyd Orioles.
Congratulations to Stella, Vaida, and Lula Chwala — this week’s Stanley-Boyd Athletes of the Week!
