Academy of Notre Dame’s Allie Lynch is Main Line Girls Athlete of the Week
The senior guard has been a prolific scorer during Academy of Notre Dame’s fast start (8-3 as of Jan. 6). She netted 16 points against Mount St. Joseph’s Dec. 30, in which she shot 7-for-7 from the free throw line; 16 points against Springfield; and 16 points in a 57-54 win Jan. 4 at Sidwell Friends (D.C.), a powerful team with two future Division I players. Lynch, who received All-Main Line girls basketball honors last winter, is a fine all-around performer who averaged close to two steals per game during the 2018-19 season. Next winter, Lynch will be playing basketball for the University of Scranton.
Q: What area of your game do you feel you improved the most in the off-season?
A: Over the last few summers, I’ve really worked on my shooting and being able to get to the basket through traffic. I think I’ve improved most on looking at the basket and taking the shot instead of passing up a good opportunity to score. I believe I have gotten better at getting shots off faster and finishing off the dribble. Previously, my role was play-maker, and my job was to make sure the shooters had the ball when and where they needed it.
Q: Tell us a little about your start in competitive basketball. Who have been your most important basketball mentors; and what was the most important thing you learned from each of them?
A: I’ve been playing AAU basketball since 3rd grade, first with the Chester County Wizards and then later with the Comets from 8th grade to 11th grade. My most important mentor has been my dad, who has spent countless hours at basketball with me. He was first my coach when I was little and has been in the stands at almost every game since. We spend hours in the driveway together as I shoot and he rebounds for me. I couldn’t thank him enough for all the time he has put into helping me get better. The most important thing I have learned from my dad has been to keep working hard in order to see good results. My dad has also taught me that excuses do not produce success.
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 in the all-around game; I try to see the entire court on offense and defense; I am a strong defender and try my best to box out and get rebounds; and my pass-first mentality has served me well in being a team player. This year my goal is to grow in all aspects of shooting – jumpers, floaters, layups and 3 pointers. Most importantly, I want to focus on being a consistent force for my team.
Q: Tell us a little about your pre-game preparation the day of a game.
A: On game days I usually wake up early and get into my uniform right away. When I have school, I eat a bigger lunch and hydrate throughout the day. Before the game I lace my ankle braces up super tight and tie my shoes in the locker room. On my way down from our home locker room, each player hits a specific brick on the wall and panel on the window for good luck. After we’ve stretched I tie my shoes again, but this time a lot tighter. Then my team does our usual passing drill, layups and rainbow shooting. For home games we announce our starters, where I’ve done a little handshake with Riley Gillin for the last 3 years before running out onto the court. After all of this I’m ready for game time!
Q: Who is your favorite basketball player, and why?
A: My favorite basketball player is Siers rookie Matisse Thybulle. I think he is a top defensive player who gets his hands on the ball a lot and does the small things for the team. In past years I’ve been more of a role player doing the small things on the court. Matisse does these things really well and I believe it’s important to recognize all of the little details that lead to success overall.
Q: You wear No. 10 for Notre Dame basketball. Why did you pick this number – does it have any special significance to you?
A: When I was little my lucky number was No. 11 and I would wear it for both soccer and basketball. In 5th grade No. 11 was worn in CYO by Mandy McGurk, who was a year older than me. I then adopted No. 10 as my lucky number as I also followed Mandy through high school and she wore No. 11. Over the past few years, No. 10 has served me well and I consider it my first number choice when given the option to choose. I’ve worn it in AAU for the last 4 years and I have a lot of memories with No. 10.
Q: What is your favorite course at Notre Dame? What do you think you’d like to major in at the University of Scranton? Is there a career path that particularly interests you at the present time?
A: My favorite course at Notre Dame is Neuroscience because I enjoy learning about our brain and how it helps us get through our everyday lives. I’m going to study kinesiology at the University of Scranton and hope to finish school with a Doctorate of Physical Therapy. I’m excited to be a PT major because I love working with people and helping them return to their normal ways of life.
Fun facts – Allie Lynch
Favorite book: Harry Potter Series.
Favorite authors: J.K. Rowling, John Green.
Favorite TV show: Criminal Minds.
Favorite movie: Mighty Macs.
Favorite athlete: Zach Ertz.
Favorite pre-game pump-up song: Whip It! By Lunchmoney Lewis.
Favorite team: Philadelphia Eagles.
Favorite place to visit: Stone Harbor, N.J.
Favorite pre-game meal: Buffalo chicken dip.
Person I most admire, and why: “I admire my mom the most because she has taught me everything I need to know for life. She’s my best friend and has been there for me through it all. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without her, our shopping trips and countless laughs over. What am I going to do without my chocolate loving partner in crime next year?”
Family members: parents Michael and Teresa, sisters Maddie and Natalie.
(To be selected as Main Line Girls Athlete of the Week, a student-athlete must first be nominated by her coach.)
To view a gallery of the Main Line Girls Athletes of the Week from 2013 to present click here
