Baldwin School’s Carly McIntosh is Main Line Girls Athlete of the Week

A: There are many ways that players show their next move. For example, when players are planning to switch the field with a long ball, they often look up or take a big touch before kicking the ball. That big touch gives me the opportunity to step in and tackle or steal the ball before the opposing player is able to make the pass.

Q: What do you think has been the biggest key to the Baldwin soccer team’s improvement this fall?

A: In addition to the new talent we have this year, I think the entire spirit of the team has changed. We have come together beautifully as a team. Each player has the understanding that we aren’t just working for ourselves on the field; we are working for each other as well.

Q: What (to you) has been Baldwin’s most memorable game of the season so far? Was there a moment during that game that stands out to you, and can you share with us your memory of it?

A: Our team has been able to overcome adversity and adapt quickly in tough situations. That was particularly evident in a recent game against Penn Charter. We began the game with one of our goalies injured, and we were down 3-1 in the second half when the other goalie was taken out of the game due to an injury.  We huddled together and decided we could win even with a field player in goal.  The game ended 3-3 in overtime.  Not only did we keep them from scoring additional points, we came back and scored two goals.

Q: Have you always played defender? What (to you) has been the most important thing you’ve learned in playing strong defense?

A: My coaches have always told me that I’m a natural defender.  Even in the early years when we all played different positions, I would automatically gravitate to the back to defend.  To play strong defense, you have to stay calm and make good decisions under pressure.  You also have to develop the ability to be physical without drawing fouls.

Q: You wear No. 5 for Baldwin. Was there a reason you chose that number?

A: When I began club soccer, I picked the number 14 because of my sister.  When I switched club teams two years ago, that number was not available so I took the number 5 (1 + 4).  For school, I chose to use the same number.

Q: What do you think is the strongest part of your game? What part of your game are you working the most on at the present time?

A: My strength is my ability to stay composed under pressure.  I continue to work on effectively distributing the ball so that I am not only winning the ball but also making a useful connection to the offense.

Q: You also play for the Penn Fusion Soccer Club in West Chester. What (to you) has been the most memorable experience of your time with this club?

A: Last year, my club team finished second in our division and came very close to qualifying for the ECNL national championship.  I was also selected to participate in the id2 Training Camp, a special program for identifying National Team players.

Q: Coach Cox mentions that you are very technical on the ball. Who have been your top soccer mentors, and what has been the most important thing each of them taught you?

A: Pete Gangl was my club coach for five years when I played for the Lower Merion Soccer Club.  He was the type of coach that let you play without yelling from the sidelines.  Under him, I developed my instincts for the game.   I have also had an opportunity to work with many talented coaches while participating in Union Juniors at YSC Sports, the Olympic Development Program of EPYSA, and the Penn Fusion Soccer Club.

Q: What is your favorite school subject? What do you think you would like to major in at college? Is there a career field that particularly interests you at the present time?

A: I have always loved math, and, for the past three summers, I have been part of The Physician Scientist Training Program which prepares students for jobs in STEM-related fields. Through this program, I had the opportunity to work in a cancer research lab at Thomas Jefferson University last summer.

Q: Do you participate in any extracurricular activities at Baldwin outside of soccer? What sparked your interest in these activities?

A: At Baldwin, I am the Treasurer of the Sophomore Class.  I also participate in the Bryn Mawr Tutoring Program, Mock Trial, DECCA, Diversity Club, and the Black Student Union.  I want to be part of the Bryn Mawr Tutoring program because I think it’s important to invest in service projects that impact our immediate community.  Mock Trial and DECCA push me to think on my feet and to be a creative problem solver.

Carly McIntosh’s top picks

Book: I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, by Maya Angelou.

Author:  Maya Angelou.

TV show: Big Brother.

Movie: Love and Basketball.

Pre-game pump-up song: You Can’t Stop Me, by Andy Mineo.

Athlete: Muhammad Ali.

Historical figure: Michelle and Barrack Obama.

Team: US Women’s National Soccer Team.

Place to visit: Florence, Italy.

(To be selected as Main Line Girls Athlete of the Week, a student-athlete must first be nominated by her coach.)