This week we Take Five with Kaitlyn Quigley, a lacrosse player for the Highlanders. Kaitlyn looks up to the right people in her life. Go to our Web site, westmilfordmessenger.com, to read our bonus five with Kaitlyn.
1) How did you get involved with lacrosse?
I always wanted to play a sport in high school but the issue with that was that I never played a sport leading up to my high school years. My freshman year there was word that a girl’s lacrosse program was in the works. By my sophomore year, the program was in the high school and looking for girls to play and I jumped at the opportunity.
2) Who is your biggest inspiration?
My biggest inspiration would have to be my mom. She is the one who helped me get involved in lacrosse. She is also my biggest fan and has come to almost all of my games, home and away. She has driven me to lacrosse and dance practices all of my life and has kept track of my busy schedule. She isn’t just my mom but also my best friend, without her I would not be the person I am today. When I grow up and have kids of my own, I hope I am as great of a mom as she is.
3) What would most people be surprised to know about lacrosse?
Most people would be surprised to know that girl’s lacrosse is completely different then boy’s lacrosse. Between the two games there are different rules, equipment and field set up. A few differences are our sticks. Boys have pockets while girls don’t. This is because in boy’s lacrosse pushing and stick to body contact is allowed while in girl’s lacrosse only the head of the sticks can touch but only for a second. Also, boys have pads and a helmet and girls have goggles and a mouth guard.
4) Who is your favorite teacher of all time and why?
My favorite teacher of all time would have to be Mr. Madura. I had Mr. Madura as a biology teacher my sophomore year of high school. Looking back on that year, I wasn’t a straight A student and I didn’t have much faith in myself. Mr. Madura changed that for me, he believed in me when I didn’t. During class time he would help me as much as he possibly could to help me understand the material. When I continued onto chemistry I was struggling more than normal. Again he had faith in me and told me different ways to study that he knew would work for me. In time my grades improved. It is my senior year and I still see Mr. Madura in the halls. Unlike most of my past teachers who have forgotten me, he still gives me a big smile and says “Kaitlyn Quigley, how are you.” I am so thankful that I had him as a teacher.
5) Share something no one knows about you?
Hardly anyone knows that I love to watch NASCAR racing and professional hockey. Most girls aren’t into watching those types of things.
You are well rounded, Kaitlyn! A little hockey is good for the soul.
Do you know someone who should be featured here at Take Five? Let us know at njoffice@strausnews.com. Tell us who and why. We want to feature all of the great kids in our township.
Bonus Five
6) Name three things you would bring with you if you were on a deserted island.
Three things I would bring with me on a deserted island would be a boat to get off, my iPhone and water for me to drink.
7) Share a favorite moment with your team.
My favorite moment with my team would have to be at our Passaic County game. The JV lacrosse team came and made each varsity player a poster and cheered on the side line. To me it showed how close we are and our support for each other.
8) What does being a Highlander mean to you?
Being a Highlander to me means working hard, being yourself and enjoying every moment of your high school career. Being a Highlander you can’t be afraid to try new things and show your school spirit.
9) What do you do with your time when you are not playing lacrosse?
When I am not playing lacrosse I am dancing. I have danced since I was three and I haven’t stopped yet. My last performance will be in June.
10) What is your favorite movie, book or character and why?
My favorite character would have to be Kate Beckett from the TV show Castle. I love detective shows and Castle is my favorite out of all of them. Kate is one of the main characters and she is a strong, smart, independent woman