Radnor’s Alex De Cain is Main Line Athlete of the Week (Nov. 7-13)
When Alex De Cain was a freshman on the Radnor High School field hockey squad last year, she acquired the nickname “Baby Raptor” and proved to be a valuable performer, scoring 18 goals in 19 games for a squad that finished second in the Central League, and receiving first team All-Central League and All-Main Line honors.
“Going into my freshman year, I was nervous but the team was extremely welcoming right from the start,” said De Cain. “It felt great to hear my teammates calling me ‘Baby Raptor’ in school and while cheering me on in games.”
This fall, she has kept up her hot scoring pace, scoring a school-record 38 goals as of Nov. 6, and dishing out 15 assists. She broke the previous Radnor record of goals scored in a season held by Page Lowry (Class of 2019). Thanks in part to her contributions, Radnor finished third in the PIAA District 1 3A tournament, and has advanced to the state tournament.
“I think the key to my success, and the success of our team as a whole, has been the fun and supportive energy that everyone has when we step on the field,” said De Cain. “When I am playing, I know I always have great teammates supporting me from behind. I have been able to tally a great amount of goals this season with the help of my teammates all over the field who constantly work hard and help create lots of scoring opportunities.”
Radnor field hockey head coach Katie Maguire said, “Alex’s composure under pressure could be compared to someone well beyond her years. Her second effort and endless determination truly sets her apart from others, and she leads the team by example. Alex is always willing to learn and takes what we coaches say and puts it into play.”
De Cain got an early start in field hockey as a youth, thanks to her older sister Olivia, who now plays for the University of Richmond. Alex’s first playing experience was with the local Fast Flicks league in second grade, as a midfielder.
“From the beginning, my biggest mentor was Olivia,” said Alex. “I wanted to start playing since I had been watching her for so long. The most important thing that I learned from Olivia was my reverse shot – I can remember spending hours with her just trying to learn it!”
While De Cain is noted for her speed when she has the ball on her stick, Alex is working most on improving her speed as well as handling hard shots on goal when she enters the circle.
Part of her pre-game ritual to prepare for a field hockey contest is braiding her hair.
“I always like to have two braids going into my ponytail,” said De Cain. “Having my hair braided helps me focus and get my mind ready for the game.”
Outside of Radnor, De Cain plays field hockey for Main Line Mayhem, and she participates in Mayhem’s leadership program where she helps in coaching and mentoring a team of young players.
One of her favorite experiences with the Mayhem was going to the 2022 National Club Championship last summer.
“Our team set a goal in the beginning of the season to qualify for the tournament, so it felt great to achieve that goal and get to play against great competition,” said De Cain.
A two-sport athlete at Radnor (field hockey and lacrosse), Alex’s favorite academic course at Radnor High School is math, and she also enjoys a business law course that she is taking this fall. Next year, she plans to try out for Model Congress.
Fun facts – Alex De Cain
Favorite movie: The Polar Express.
Favorite pre-game pump-up song: Freedom by Kygo.
Favorite team: Philadelphia Eagles.
Favorite place to visit: St. Barths.
Favorite pre-game meal: Pasta with chicken.
Person I most admire, and why: “I admire my sister Olivia. Every time I watch Olivia play, I am impressed with her determination. She plays her heart out every game and never gives up on the ball.”
Family members: Parents Tom and Ann Marie, sister Olivia, brother Nicholas.
(To be selected as Main Line Athlete of the Week, a student-athlete must first be nominated by his or her coach.)
