Only Female Athlete in JCC League Scoring Big

High school and college hoop star Allie Beaulieu loves the moment in the game when the men she's playing against realize she's a serious athlete, who is about to beat them.

Beaulieu, 19, of Swampscott, is a high school and college basketball player and the only woman playing in the Jewish Community Center basketball league.

Beaulieu credits her strong work ethic and drive to improve her game as her key to success.

" The part of the game I enjoy the most is improving my game, taking knowledge from others to increase my skill level and basketball IQ," she said.

After a loss Monday night, she will play again Thursday. The winner will go on to the championship games.

With three older brothers, Allie has been playing basketball with boys since she was old enough to dribble.

She's been playing at the JCC in Marblehead since second grade.

Beaulieu played varsity girls basketball at Swampscott High School, leading the team to the state championship in 2009. She now plays varsity at Bates College.

"I love picking up new moves from different players," Beaulieu said. "Basketball's also a fun way to meet new people."

The Jewish Community Center of the North Shore offers a year-round basketball league, with a new fall session tipping off in September. Most players are 25-55 years old. The JCC has a variety of offerings including five-on-five games, four-on-four games and eight game seasons with double eliminations.