SSHS Athlete of the Week: Caitlin Wallace

After playing a starring role in the Lady Cyclones magical run through the Class A soccer playoffs that culminated in a 16th for , senior Caitlin Wallace has switched gears from the grass field to the hardwoord court.

The senior guard now has her eyes set on another championship and helped secure a chance for her team to capture a title with a monster game on Jan. 28 against Roslyn, scoring 10 points with 15 rebounds, three steals and four assists in a 40-33 win.

The win secured a playoff berth for the Lady Cyclones and earned her honors as Rockville Centre Patch's Athlete of the Week. "I knew this was a game we had to win," Wallace said. "My mind was set on winning. I knew we had to."

The double-double (double digits in two statistical categories) was Wallace's second of the season, and the team leader said she strives to be a motivating force for her teammates. "Our team plays better when someone steps up and pushes," she said. "We need that push and I want to be that person."

Wallace credits a lot of her success to her father and Head Coach . Wallace said her father always gives her pep talks on playing hard and being prepared before games, while Dunn has helped Wallace realize her potential. "I had a problem with my confidence, but she made me realize I can step up and help this team."

She noted that Dunn urged her to drive to the hoop more, finish strong and try to draw fouls. Dunn also told her to have confidence in her game. "I was afraid to shoot and that was a problem," Wallace said. "Coach helped me with my shot and how to go to the basket hard."

Though Wallace displays a physical presence in the game, her mental approach is just as important. The senior said that before games, she goes over strategy in her head, where she can make an impact and who to look for on the opponent's team.

"I like to go through the motions of the game...plays with the team," Wallace said of her pregame ritual. "I concentrate on what girls to look out for, think of past games and the mistakes I've made so I can correct them."

Wallace, however, is not only a stellar athlete in multiple sports, but a true scholar in the classroom. The senior currently owns a 100.2 average and takes IB classes in every subject.

If you have a suggestion for a future Athlete of the Week, contact editor Anthony Bottan at Anthony@patch.com.