April 10, 2008

Height:  5'8"

Current Class:  8th Grade

Positions Played:  Forward

Team Captain:  1 year

Biggest Basketball Influence:  Elena Delle Donne & Kayla Miller

Other Sports:  Soccer & Volleyball

Other Interests:  Music & Hanging Out with Friends

I first became aware of the athletic talents of Meghan Carter back when she was playing in the St. Elizabeth League for 5th & 6th graders.  At that time, I was helping out with St. Anthony's entry in that same league.  As the league was more "serious" and more competitive than the 5th/6th grade divisions in regular CYM, it was only natural that the better teams (and players) would be drawn to play there.  As a result, I got to learn who the better players in that age group were.  Even at that time, Meghan was a standout.  She had height, agility, and plain knew how to play. 

 

When asked exactly how long she's been playing basketball, Meghan replied, "As long as I can remember.  I probably started in 3rd or 4th grade.  I've been playing awhile."  In the days since the St. E's League, she has refined her game by playing a couple of years of AAU Basketball under Coach Amy Rausch for the Delaware PAL Wildcats.  All of this court time, plus exposure to different coaches, turned Meghan into a dominant player. 

 

As it turns out, though, Meghan Carter isn't just a one-sport athlete.  In fact, this spring, she claimed a roster spot on UA's varsity soccer team.  Yes, the high school team!  This, unfortunately, meant an end to any more AAU hoops.  She also plays volleyball competitively.  That, in addition to the academic demands of Ursuline might seem like too much of a load for the average person, but Meghan thinks of it as all in a day's work.  "Each sport is in a different season, unless I'm playing club, so it's kind of easy, but difficult at the same time."  As to just which sport she has a special fondness for, Meghan likes to keep her options open.  "I can't really say which is my favorite.  I like playing all three of them.  And I'll probably play them throughout high school."

 

Meghan sees a positive interrelationship between the three sports.  "Just by playing a sport each season keeps you in shape for the next sport.  So, it does help you.  For basketball and volleyball, the hand-to-eye coordination that you use in one helps you in the other."

 

Right now, playing high school varsity soccer takes up most of her attention.  Are there any special challenges playing with and against girls as old as 17 or 18?  "It's hard, but it's fun.  It's rewarding to me if I play a really good game.  It's good knowing that I can hang with people that are a lot older than me."

 

As the conversation eventually turned back to basketball and to the point of our meeting, Meghan addressed just what it meant to her to be named CYM Player of the Year by DGB.com.  Although truly honored, she was quick to cite other deserving players.  "I'm really proud of myself.  I didn't think of me getting it because I know a lot of my friends like Lindsey Nichols [IHM 8th grader] and Kelly Perillo [St. Catherine 8th grader] -- they're both great basketball players, too.  I really didn't think I would be the one, right here, doing this interview."

 

In going to a school like Ursuline, you are always aware of the academic and athletic prestige and history there.  Meghan credits seniors Elena Delle Donne and Kayla Miller as personal inspirations.  "Elena works hard at everything she does.  Kayla has the right attitude for the sport.  She always has confidence in her team and herself."

 

When her playing days are over, she may pursue a career as a veterinarian.  But that's still in the far off future for this versatile, talented and busy student-athlete. 

 

Thanks to Meghan, her family, and Sue Heiss (UA's Athletic Director) for rearranging their schedules to accommodate the presentation of this award.