Late last year, Spectrum News 1 introduced you to a girls' varsity basketball team from Rochester that faced long odds — right from the first tip-off. The Franklin Lady Bulldogs hadn’t had their own team in about a decade. Despite many more losses than wins on the court, the team has found inspiration from many places.

Taryn Delanie Smith came to Franklin High School to inspire. It’s the most important job, she says, in her reign as Miss New York State.

“Your dreams don't have to make sense to anybody but you,” said Smith. “You deserve to live the life that you want to live.”

That’s the message conveyed to the Franklin girls' varsity basketball team. It is a team that’s fought hard this season — the school’s first girls' varsity team in a decade. Guided by coach Chris Bianchi, the team faced struggles on and off the court.

“It’s been tough,” said Bianchi. “Yeah, the average person has no idea what these kids go through on a daily basis, let alone the whole entire season.“

Spectrum News 1 first introduced you to the Lady Bulldogs after their first home game. During the season, there have been losses. Lots of them. There was even a shooting at the front doors of the school. 

There was also disrespect, says their coach, from outside, and inside, the school.

“Becoming a young woman, especially in an environment that if you're a person of color in this country, It feels like there are so many odds against you,” said Smith. “And I think to have somebody validate that, and say yes, the things that you're feeling, the confusion, maybe even anger that you're feeling, is totally valid. Giving them an outlet, giving them a safe space to talk about it, this is so important.”

That’s why Bianchi wanted the first runner-up in the Miss America contest to meet his girls. Growth is something this team has experienced. They recently won their first, and only game, of the season. 

Still, there are doubters.

“It hurts your feelings when people don't believe in,” Smith told the team. “When people minimize your accomplishments like your win. That's amazing. Do not let anybody take that away from you, ever.“

Bianchi has said many times — this season has marked the most important coaching job of his life.

“It’s bigger than basketball,” he said. “It's not about wins and losses, it’s about our journey.“

“I’m just so grateful to be able to be here to support this team, because I really believe in what they're doing,” said Smith. “I believe in these girls, and I see they have a lot of people around them that believe in them too.”