Haverford High School’s Caroline Dotsey is Main Line Girls Athlete of the Week
The 6-foot-1 sophomore forward is averaging 13.3 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game (as of March 1), and received first team All-Main Line girls basketball honors as a freshman. She scored a career-high 25 points against Penncrest Feb. 19. She is a three-sport athlete at Haverford, also playing soccer and lacrosse. Off the basketball court at Haverford, she is a member of Best Buddies, Red and Gold, and Student Senate. Haverford High girls basketball head coach Lauren Pellicane said, “Caroline is a talent with a big upside. She is a hard worker who leads by example and continues to improve daily. She is a versatile offensive threat who can finish around the rim or step out and knock down the outside jumper. Her length poses problems for opponents on the defensive end. Our future is bright with her leading the way.”
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 defense. When I start with defense, the rest of my game starts to flow. Currently, I am working on adding a three-point shot to my game. Having the versatility to play inside and outside is invaluable.
Q: What area of your game do you feel you improved the most in the off-season?
A: During the offseason, I worked a lot on strength and conditioning as well as ball handling. I also focused on extending my range to become more of an offensive threat on the court.
Q: Tell us a little about your off-season training and what challenges you faced in your training because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A: The biggest challenge of this year was our inability to get together as a team. We were able to work on our team chemistry through zoom meetings and workouts. It also gave me the opportunity to work on my individual game.
Q: Have you always played forward? 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 have always played as a forward because of my height. I began playing competitive basketball when I was in first or second grade and started playing AAU in sixth grade. Some of my mentors include my first AAU coach (Fran Burbidge), who helped me tap into my potential as a player. Additionally, the coaching staff at Haverford – Coach Pellicane, Coach Knox, Coach Mo and Coach Jackie have all given me the confidence to grow and develop my game. Their belief in me is what allows me to step on the court and perform. Coach McDonough Jr. (my current AAU coach) is another mentor of mine that has worked with me to focus on the little things that make a difference. My parents and sister have also played a major role in making me the player that I am. Their encouragement and support have helped me to achieve my goals.
Q: Who is your favorite basketball player, and why?
A: My favorite player is Paige Bueckers at UConn. Her versatility on the court is something that I aspire to achieve. I love her ability to perform in high-pressure situations.
Q: You wear uniform jersey No. 15 for Haverford basketball – why did you pick that number?
A: No. 15 was my Mom’s number when she played soccer and lacrosse for Old Dominion University.
Q: Tell us a little about your pre-game preparation on the day of a game.
A: I try to get to the gym as early as possible to prepare myself mentally and physically for each game. I focus on getting shots up for game-like situations.
Q: What is your favorite course at Haverford High? What do you think you’d like to major in at college?
A: I am very interested in math and science. This year I enjoy taking Pre-Calculus, Biology, and Chemistry. In college, I hope to major in a field that would allow me to pursue a career in medicine.
Fun facts – Caroline Dotsey
Favorite athlete: Kobe Bryant.
Favorite team: University of Connecticut women’s basketball.
Favorite place to visit: Ocean City, N.J.
Favorite pre-game meal: “Anything from Wawa.”
Family members: parents Dan and Sue, sister Rian.
(To be selected as Main Line Girls Athlete of the Week, a student-athlete must first be nominated by her coach.)
