They may not appear on the roster, but they are considered part of the team.

The TCU women’s basketball male practice players, or the Frog Squad, serve as a practice opponent for the team.

Many programs around the country use a male practice team to act as scout opponents.

While the players receive just Nike gear, workouts and teammates as compensation, this year’s Frog Squad has stood out for its commitment and consistency.

“This year, they want to be here a little more and they’re trying a lot harder,” sophomore center Klara Bradshaw said.

The goal of the Frog Squad is to improve the play of the women’s team.

“Get them the best look as possible, that’s what we try to do,” Frog Squad member and freshman Mason Le Donne said. “We try to get them as many game-like situations as possible.”

Both Le Donne and freshman Kenny White saw fliers around campus about the need for male practice players and thought it would be a good way to be involved, work out and be part of a team.

“The perks of being on the practice squad are the people, first of all,” White said. “The coaching staff, the atmosphere of being around the young ladies and the fellow Frog Squad [members] is fun.”

The nine members of the team attend regular weekly practices as well as team events. During practice, they participate in all competitive drills.

“They help me with my responsibilities like blocking out and taking away certain shots,” Bradshaw said. “I know that they’re going to be there, and they’re going to jump higher, so I need to make sure my job is taken care of.”

White said he aims to help the team get to where they want to be and challenge them in every practice.

Associate head coach Hanna Howard said the practice players have “absolutely” fulfilled their purpose so far this season.

“These guys have such servants’ hearts,” Howard said. “They’re doing this for very little.”