Villa Maria Academy’s Abby Walheim is Main Line Girls Athlete of the Week
The 6-foot senior co-captain is averaging more than 17 points per game, as well as 6.2 rpg and 2.5 apg for the Hurricanes this season. She recently became the fifth Villa Maria basketball player to score 1,000 career points. A two-time AACA all-star, she averaged 11.2 ppg and 5.1 rpg last season, receiving first team All-Main Line basketball honors. A versatile athlete, she has committed to Villanova University for lacrosse, having played a key role in Villa Maria’s first-ever PIAA state lacrosse title last spring. At Villa Maria she also participates in Athletic & Spirit Association, National Honors Society, Math Honor Society and Peer Ministry. She is the fifth of six siblings – her sister Kristen played basketball at Catholic University and her sister Lizzy is currently playing lacrosse at Fairfield University.
Q: Tell us a little about the shot that gave you 1,000 career points. You were not aware before the shot that it would give you 1,000 – tell us what happened right after the shot, and what your first reaction was.
A: I did not think I was going to get my 1,000th point until later in the season, so I was very excited. I always imagined what it would be like to get 1,000 career points, but when my shot when in, it was so much better. I was glad I got it at home to celebrate with my friends and teammates, and it felt really good to know that all the hard work has paid off.
Q: What area of your game do you feel you improved the most in the off-season?
A: I improved a lot in my shooting and being more creative on offense to create opportunities for myself and my teammates.
Q: What has been the biggest key to your effective rebounding?
A: The key to my effective rebounding is to stay active after the shot goes up instead of standing and watching the ball. I think rebounding is very important because it allows the opportunity to push the ball and score in transition.
Q: What do you think is the strongest aspect of your game? What part of your game are you working on the most currently?
A: I think the strongest aspect of my game is my competitiveness and desire to win. I strive to do whatever I can to bring success to my team, whether it is driving to the basket, or getting a steal and running in transition. I am currently working on my footwork and speed to be more successful on defense because I believe defense is the most important part of the game.
Q: What is your most vivid memory of the PIAA state lacrosse championship game last spring?
A: My most vivid memory of the championship game is the first play. In the first seven seconds, I won the first draw, and when I got to about the 15 meter mark I passed the ball to teammate Hannah Young, who then put the ball in the back of the net. It was a great start which gave us momentum throughout the whole game.
Q: You wear uniform jersey No. 32 for Villa Maria basketball. Why did you pick this number – does it have any special significance to you?
A: I wear No. 32 for basketball because it is what my sister, Kristen, wore when she played for Villa. She has always inspired me and showed me what it is like to be a leader, so I wanted to follow in her footsteps. Although, I wear No. 25 for lacrosse because it is what I was given as a freshman, and I chose to keep it for all four years.
Q: What do you think you might major in at Villanova?
A: I will be majoring in business.
Fun facts – Abby Walheim
Favorite TV show: One Tree Hill.
Favorite movie: High School Musical.
Favorite athlete: Josh Hart.
Favorite pre-game pump-up song: Uproar by Lil Wayne.
Favorite team: Philadelphia Eagles.
Favorite place to visit: Sea Isle City, N.J.
Favorite pre-game meal: Peanut butter sandwich.
Person I most admire, and why: “I admire my grandfather, Pop, because he motivates me to perform at my best ability.”
Family members: parents Ray and Jen, siblings Bray, Kristen, Andrew, Lizzy and Joe.
(To be selected as Main Line Girls Athlete of the Week, a student-athlete must first be nominated by her coach.)
