Agnes Irwin’s Kate White is Main Line Girls Athlete of the Week

White, a junior defender and co-captain, is in her third year starting for the Owls. Last spring, she was All-InterAc and All-Main Line second team, and led Owls in caused turnovers. She is valued by the Owls for her leadership by example, unselfish play and outstanding work ethic. She is a member of 2014 Under Armour All-America Team Philly and 2014 National Tournament Team 1. Off the field, she placed fifth in the 2014 National French Contest, and was fourth in 2013. In February 2014, she committed to the admissions process at Dartmouth.

Main Line Media News: Last spring, you were the team leader in caused turnovers. What do you think has been the biggest key to your success in this area?

Kate White: Coach Duck [AIS head coach Jen Duckenfield] has always taught us how to play high-pressure body defense, rather than swinging your stick and losing balance. That has been a tremendous factor in our entire defense causing turnovers. Additionally, one of my favorite parts of the game is double-teaming. This is how I cause a majority of my turnovers due to our team’s trust and patience on the ball.

Main Line Media News: What (to you) has been the highlight of the Agnes Irwin lacrosse season to date?

Kate White: Definitely the game against Vero Beach. We had a rain delay with about 15 minutes left in the second half and we were up by one. After waiting on the bus for 30 minutes, we came out and got our sticks warmed up a little and resumed play. Vero Beach had possession and they scored two goals to take the lead by one. We then fired back with two of our own goals to take the lead by one. Running out the clock for the final few minutes was stressful, but also so much fun. I went into the stall to provide sure hands in the attack as well as to control ground balls.

Main Line Media News: As a captain, describe your leadership role on the team. Do you consider yourself more of a vocal leader, or a leader by example?

Kate White: I definitely love to cheer before and during games. I think it makes the whole atmosphere more enjoyable so everyone can relax and play their best. I lead by example on the field by always giving my best effort and making everyone feel confident and comfortable. I also help my teammates keep composure during tight games by reassuring them that they can do whatever task they need to perform that day. I love the whole family atmosphere Agnes Irwin lacrosse has, and I think it has been a key to our success the past couple seasons, so I try to keep that up as much as possible.

Main Line Media News: Have you always played defender? What (to you) is the primary attribute of a good defender?

Kate White: In middle school when the position still existed, I played defensive wing. This is essentially the same thing I play now but there is no term for it except defensive midfield. I am usually on the circle, and I am in the attack rotation. I think being aggressive is extremely important. The defender’s goal is to make the attacker feel uncomfortable and panicked, so when you are constantly in their face it is usually very effective. Smart and quick decision making is right up there with being aggressive. This is a constant that a defender can rely on, even if they are not having their best game.

Main Line Media News: You wear No. 8 for Agnes Irwin. Was there a reason you chose this number – does this number have any significance to you?

Kate White: It was the number I was assigned in eighth grade, and it has just stuck. I have always had different numbers, but I would definitely say that 8 has to be a constant for Irwin’s soccer and lacrosse.

Main Line Media News: What do you think is the best part of your game, and what are you working on most currently?

Kate White: The best part of my game is my strong base of fundamentals. I work hard to make sure my stick is reliable, my slides come quickly, and I focus on getting low on ground balls. I am working on more tightly marking girls’ hands in the eight, as well as driving them out. I also continue to work on my attacking game so I can be prepared when the team needs me up there.

Main Line Media News: What (to you) has been the highlight of your club lacrosse career outside of Agnes Irwin?

Kate White: I really enjoy Presidents’ Cup in Orlando, Fla. every year. It is always great lacrosse, and I love being able to spend time at Disney World with my Phantastix teammates, many of whom are also Agnes Irwin teammates.

Main Line Media News: Who have been your biggest lacrosse mentors, and what was the most important thing each of them taught you?

Kate White: My teammates in the class of 2016 at Agnes Irwin have been the best mentors anyone can ask for. I am lucky to play with such talented athletes every day. They help me find ways to improve my game, as well as congratulating me when I do well. They have taught me how important it is to work together and trust each other. They truly are my sisters and I know I can rely on them for anything.

Main Line Media News: Are you involved with any other extracurricular activities at Agnes Irwin other than lacrosse? What originally sparked your interest in these activities?

Kate White: I am a member of the Akilah Club and the Girls Grant Making Club. Akilah Club supports the Akilah institute for women in Rwanda. I joined this club because I love connecting with people overseas. Not only have we helped raise funds for them, but we also each have a pen pal that we can email whenever we would like. Girls Grant Making has presenters from various nonprofit organizations through out the year. At the end of the year, the club is given $12,000 to make grants to these organizations. I was inspired to join this club by all of the kind people in the club as well as the fact that it supports local and national nonprofit organizations, which I think is very important. I am a tour guide for prospective families at AIS, and I write for Frenish, a school publication in French and Spanish. I am a representative for my grade on Athletic Association and have been since freshman year. I play varsity soccer and basketball when it is not lacrosse season.

Kate White top picks

Book: Gone Girl. by Gillian Flynn.

Author: John Greene.

TV show: Friends.

Movie: She’s The Man.

Pre-game pump-up song: The Spark, by Afrojack.

Athlete: Billie Jean King.

Person I admire most: “So many caring and talented coaches and teachers have helped me to develop as a student and an athlete. I am forever grateful for their guidance, love, and support. They always encourage me and challenge me to be my best. In particular, Coach Duck and her leadership at Agnes Irwin have allowed us to start developing an incredible program.’

Team: Villanova men’s basketball.

Place to visit: Sea Isle City, N.J.

(To be selected as Main Line Girls Athlete of the Week, a student-athlete must first be nominated by her coach.)