Agnes Irwin’s Gabby Lee is Main Line Girls Athlete of the Week

Agnes Irwin’s Gabby Lee is Main Line Girls Athlete of the Week

(Nov. 4-10)

Q: What in your opinion has been the key to your prolific scoring this season?

A: Scoring goals in field hockey is always the result of being able to work as a team. The coaches were able to move me around to different positions to help create consistency of always being around the ball each game. I always strive to provide scoring, but helping teammates score as well is what I really love to do. A quote I always keep in the back of my head is, “The difference between a good player and a great player is that a great player makes others around them better.” (former legendary New York Knicks coach Red Holzman)

Q: What aspect of your game did you work on most during the past off-season?

A: Some aspects of my game that I worked on were always keeping a positive attitude, and mental toughness on the field. These traits are so important in becoming a leader and team player. I strive to set a good example that my teammates can look up to.

Q: What sparked your original interest in field hockey? Have you always been primarily a midfielder?

A: I was introduced to field hockey at the age of 6 when one of my friends’ mom, who played in college, recommended I try it out. I picked up a stick and was able to do the simple skills naturally. A few years later I took the sport more seriously and joined a club team. I kept with it, and have been working hard ever since. I started out as a defender, and moved all over. Two years ago I found that I enjoy playing midfield the most as it allowed me to be involved in both the offensive and defensive side of the field.

Q: What has been your favorite experience in club field hockey?

A: One of my favorite experiences with WC Eagles is being able to participate and win the National Club Championship. It was such a great experience and an honor. To be able to compete with the best clubs in the country and have success was a great feeling. I loved being able to share that experience with my teammates.

Q: You wear uniform jersey No. 4 for Agnes Irwin field hockey – is there a reason you chose that number, does it have any significance to you?

A: My freshman year I picked 47, because it was relevant to my grandfather (Pasquale Marino) who passed away. However, this year our team was given new uniforms so I picked 4 because it was closest to 47 — plus I wasn’t big enough to fit into the 47 jersey!

Q: What did it mean to you to be chosen as a Junior Olympics Selectee and a Nexus Championship Selectee?

A: It is a great honor. Those are the type of accomplishments you always hope you can achieve with hard work. It is very nice to be recognized.

Q: Who have been your biggest field hockey mentors, and what was the most important thing you learned from each of them?

A: Early on, my grade school coaches Susie Cush and Stacy Milone were a huge part of introducing field hockey to me and helped me develop the necessary skills to succeed. My coach, Guy Cathro, at my club has helped further shape my skills and build my confidence. And of course my coach Nicole Gerdes at Agnes Irwin has been a big part of my growth as a team focused player and a leader.

Q: What did it mean to you to be selected for the upcoming Junior National Women’s Team Selection Camp?

A: Being selected for the junior women’s national team camp is super exciting. It is great to see the hard work I have put into field hockey for so many years pay off and being recognized at such a high-level. Playing for Team USA would be an amazing experience. My goal is to obviously make the team but being selected for the camp is a huge honor!

Q: What is your favorite academic course at Agnes Irwin? What do you think you would like to major in at college? Is there a particular career field that interests you at the present time?

A: My favorite academic course at Agnes Irwin changes each year, but right now I really like chemistry. As for a career, I would like to go into business possibly real estate. My dad has his own business and that would be something that would interest me.

Q: What extracurricular activities are you involved with at Agnes Irwin, other than field hockey?

A: Team Joy is a club that three freshmen are invited to join at AIS each year because of a bright smile that is always on their face, and the kindness and positivity that they spread. I am very proud of being part of that. I’m also a member of our school’s interviewing program, as well as Tiny Homes Club, where we build a tiny home and donate it to a good cause. I am also part of my school’s Chorus.

(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
Originally Published: November 4, 2024 at 10:33 AM EST