The Vermilion Catholic Lady Eagle Basketball Team walked out the school gym into the main hall and they were greeted by a cheering student body.

The Lady Eagle players had their bags packed as they carried them through a line of yelling and cheering students and teachers.

When the players reached the entrance of the school, they walked out the doors and headed for designated vehicles.

On Wednesday, the players, along with the coaches, left Abbeville en route to Monroe.

While the Class A finals was not until today, VC head coach Kim Guidry said she wanted her team in Monroe the day before. They were expected to attend two state final match-ups on Wednesday in hopes of getting a feel for Fant-Ewing Coliseum before they play today at noon.

VC, the No. 2 seed, plays West St. John, the No. 1, for the title.

This will be the second time in 14 years VC girls coach Kim Guidry coaches a team in the state finals. Behind the twin towers of Macie Meaux and Brooke Williams in 1999, the Lady Eagles won the Class 1A title.

When the Lady Eagles won that state title, the players on this year’s squad were only 2- or 3 years old. Guidry talked to the team about that 1999 team, pointing to their photo that hangs in the gym. But, she also pushed for the 2012-2013 team to go and make its own mark.

“I am excited for the kids,” said Guidry. “It is not about me. I told the kids to go out and leave their own legacy.”