Sports Spotlight - Windermere Observer: Kaitlyn Bennett

The Windermere girls lacrosse team is 6-2 so far in its very first season. The young team — the Wolverines have no seniors — has had several promising players step up this spring, including junior Kaitlyn Bennett. Bennett, who rowed previously after moving to Florida from Brooklyn, is brand-new to lacrosse. She has made an impact as a defender for Windermere, starting every game and impressing her coach, Ann Bomleny, with her work ethic.

Why did you decide to take up lacrosse as a junior?

Jayden Smith is on the team and she was in my seventh-period class. She got me super excited (about lacrosse) — it’s a new school, so I thought I would try a new sport. Jayden convinced me to come out and I did, and I’m really glad I did.

What do you like about playing lacrosse?

I really like how it’s a lot more fast-paced than I thought. I like the adrenaline — it’s so cool when you see the team click and the plays are working.

What are some cool qualities about your teammates and your coach, Ann Bomleny?

My teammates, I think, they’re extra-special because everyone is really encouraging and they’re determined. Our coach is really good at motivating us and she really knows what she is doing.

Which win so far are you the most proud of?

Actually, I think a really good game was the Timber Creek win. I was surprised because that was our first game at the new stadium (at Deputy Scott Pine Park), as a new team, and coming out and winning the first game just set a really good attitude for the whole season.

What did you enjoy about rowing?

Rowing, I loved it because it taught really good discipline and it got everyone into really good shape. 

How would you compare living in Brooklyn to living in Horizon West?

In Brooklyn, everything is super close to each other. I lived right around the corner from a pizza place and an ice cream place, so I used to go there with my friends when I was younger. Living here, the best thing I can say about it is the lakes and the beach — I love it so much!

Have you been able to find pizza locally that comes compares to the pizza in Brooklyn?

The closest I’ve gotten to New York pizza is N.Y.P.D. or Stromboli’s — they’re both really good.

What is your favorite class?

I really like science — I’m in Advanced Placement Biology, and science is what I want to do when I get older.

What do you want to do within science?

I want to be a marine biologist. Specifically, I want to study sharks. Ever since I was little, I always have loved the ocean. I met some people through rowing, and their older siblings, they dive for a really cool research facility. It’s super cool and that kind of caught my eye.

What’s the best advice anyone has given you?

I think it would be that things happen to you, and you can’t control what happens to you — but you can control your attitude toward it. I think that just pushes you toward having a really good attitude toward everything and just coming out and giving 110% every time.