Villa Maria Academy’s Carly Catania is Main Line Girls Athlete of the Week (Sept. 25-Oct. 1)

The senior forward tallied seven goals in the Hurricanes’ first three soccer contests of the season (two wins and a tie). Last fall, she tallied 11 goals for the Hurricanes and received first team All-AACA girls soccer honors. Villa Maria soccer head coach Gary Christopher said, “Carly is a strong, physical player who can beat you with her quick first step as well as her strength.  Her determination to excel is tremendous, which makes her such a dangerous player on the field.” Catania is also a talented basketball guard who played a key role in the Hurricanes’ district title last winter. Off the athletic fields at Villa Maria, she is a Mission and Ministry Representative, a Peer Ministry and belongs to Speak-Up.

 

Q: You’ve provided some key offense for the Hurricanes. What do you think has been the key(s) to your success so far this season?

 

A: The key to my success this year has been communication with my teammates. We work so much better together and everyone contributes so much as a team.

 

Q: What do you feel have been the most important things you have learned (on and off the soccer field) from your sister Maddie, who played soccer for Villa Maria and now plays for Catholic University?

 

A: Maddie has always been the person I look up to. She has that positive outlook on everything, and sees the good in all people. When it comes to the field she has that sense of urgency that pushes herself and everyone else of the field. She’s the best!

 

Q: What are your goals this season? What did you work on most during the past off-season?

 

A: My goals this season are to help my team succeed and to make each practice and game a ton of fun.

 

Q: How do you see your leadership role as co-captain, on and off the field?

 

A: I hope my leadership skills inspire my Villa teammates to want help one another and to encourage each other to play as best as they can.

 

Q: Last fall, your team made it all the way to the District 1 girls’ soccer finals. What is your favorite memory of that post-season?

 

A: My favorite memory of the post-season was being able to play with the seniors we had just one last time. The team looked up to them and we all miss them so much.

 

 

Q: You played soccer for Penn Fusion for five years. What has been your most memorable experience playing for them?

 

A: The most memorable experience that I took away from that team were my friends — they are the best.

 

Q: Tell us a little about your start in soccer. Have you always been a forward? Who have been your top soccer mentors, and what was the most important thing you learned from each of them?

 

A: I began playing soccer when I was very young and yes I have always been a forward. At a young age watching my older sister Maddie play I looked up to her and started soccer.

 

Q: Tell us a little about your pre-game preparation the day of a game.

 

A: I like to eat healthy and stay hydrated throughout and when it comes closer to game time I get excited.

 

Q: What has been your most memorable experience as a Villa Maria basketball player?

 

A: My most memorable experience is winning the District Championship in 2022. It was so much fun and it was won with the best team.

 

Q: What is your favorite academic course at Villa Maria? What do you plan to major in at college?

 

A: My favorite academic course at Villa is Math. I am undecided for my major but I think I want to study physical science.

 

Fun facts – Carly Catania

Favorite Book: I am Malala.

Athlete: Sue Bird and Carli Lloyd.

Movie: The Blindside.

Favorite Place to visit: Sea Girt, N.J.

Favorite PreGame Meal:  Fruit.

Family members: parents Joe and Kelly, brother Aidan (plays football for Bucknell), sister Maddie, brother JC (attends College of Charleston)

 

(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 previous Main Line Girls Athletes of the Week click here