Conestoga’s Kate Galica is Main Line Girls Athlete of the Week

The sophomore midfielder, a first team All-Central League and US Lacrosse Player of the Week selection, has scored 67 goals, won 93 draw controls, caused 46 turnovers and collected 47 ground balls this season (as of May 31). “Kate has the ability to change the game at any point by causing a turnover in the defensive end and making a big play on the attacking end,” said Conestoga head coach Amy Orcutt. “She is so unbelievably fast that it is impossible to contain her. She is so solid on the draw – her vertical alone is unlike anything I have ever seen.” A solid three-sport athlete, Galica was the leading scorer of the Conestoga field hockey team last fall and was the Pioneer basketball team’s MVP last winter.

 

Q: What did you work on most during the past off-season?

 

A: I’m always trying to improve and felt my attacking skills were not where I wanted them to be.  So I have started practicing by myself even more than usual and extra shooting drills at practice.  It took some time but gradually I started to see a difference on the field.  Recently I started training with Coach Mongo and he has helped me target some areas where I needed to improve.  I’m also a hustle player, whenever a ball is turned over, I do whatever I can, timing my checks, to get the ball back.

 

Q: Tell us a little about your lacrosse training during this past COVID pandemic year, the biggest challenges you faced as an athlete due to the COVID pandemic, and how you dealt with those challenges.

A: Pre-COVID I had various practices every day, so once all of that came to a halt, I had to figure out a new routine. Being a midfielder requires you to run a lot, so staying in game shape is an ongoing challenge.  Oddly, I don’t much enjoy running during training, but I love it during a game.  I went for runs when I could and in addition got out on my wall to work on my stick work. COVID actually provided some extra time to work on my highlight reel…especially when everything was locked down!

Q: What do you think has been the most important thing you’ve learned recently regarding draw controls?

A: Every draw taker and every team is a little different.  So, trying to read where the ball will go and really wanting the ball is the key to draw controls. It’s all timing, persistence, and probably some luck, to be honest.

Q: What do you think are the biggest advantages of being a three-sport athlete, compared to just specializing in one sport?

A: Field hockey is a very different sport than lacrosse and basketball. But all three include teams. You won’t win a championship as an individual, being a part of these teams has given me experience of how different teams work, intense game-like experiences, and leadership skills. Also playing many sports helps me strengthen muscles and talents in one sport that I can potentially use in another. Like my jump, being a former high jumper and a basketball player, gives me an advantage on the circle for high balls.

Q: Tell us a little about your start in lacrosse. Who have been your biggest lacrosse mentors, and what was the most important thing each of them taught you about lacrosse?

A: Some big mentors in my lacrosse career are all of my Conestoga coaches, Amy, Jaqueline, Regan, Corey, and Sarah.  David Schlesinger who is my club team coach for NXT, and Mongo, my shooting and dodging coach. Coach Schles has been my club coach for about five years now and has taught me not only lacrosse but also how not to give up once a mistake is caused or when we are losing in a game. And all my Conestoga coaches have helped me not only become a better player but a better person. I love Conestoga lacrosse and the environment we have on the team.  Coach Mongo has helped me become a better attacker, by helping me with all aspects of dodging and shooting

Q: You wear uniform jersey No. 21 for Conestoga lacrosse – was there a reason you chose this number – does this number have any significance to you?

 

A: I have been No. 12 for all sports up until field hockey my freshman year. A senior took No. 12, so I took this opportunity to choose a new number for the next chapter of my sports career. One of the last numbers was 21, and I have loved the number since.

 

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

 

A: I make sure to drink a lot of water and Gatorade before my games. Another pre-game preparation I have is listening to country music before I get to the field!

 

Q: Other than lacrosse, basketball and field hockey, what other extracurricular activities do you participate in at Conestoga?

 

A: Student Council, African Education Club (AEP) and Morgan’s Message Campaign Club.

 

Q: What do you think you might like to major in at college? Is there a career field that particularly interests you at the present time?

 

A: I’m not really sure of a major but I’ve been thinking a lot about a career in law.  Fortunately, I still have some time to decide!

 

Fun facts – Kate Galica

Favorite book: The Night Divided.

Favorite TV show: Greys Anatomy.

Favorite place to visit: Avalon, N.J.

Favorite pre-game meal:  Granola bar and apples with peanut butter.

Family members: parents Kevin and Stephanie, brother Kris, stepdad Brad and three step siblings.

 

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