Athlete of the Week: Sarah Walsh, Horizon High girls lacrosse

As only a sophomore lacrosse player, Sarah Walsh already is making noise on the playing field for Horizon High. The midfielder is leading the 8-1 team in scoring with 3.9 goals per game, while recording a .648 shot percentage and 54 shots on goal. She also has a hand in her teammates’ goals by leading the team with 1.4 assists per game. 

Last year, the Hawks claimed the district championship and are on the way to fight for the title again. As a unit, the team is averaging 16.8 goals per game, which is an improvement of its average of 14.9 from last season. Horizon won eight games in a row before falling to Windermere High and will return from spring break to host Ocoee High Tuesday, March 24. 

What do you enjoy most about lacrosse? 

I love the challenge of lacrosse. I enjoy running, playing with friends and the physical aspect. I always loved playing sports, including basketball, soccer, gymnastics and tennis, but lacrosse is the best fit.

When did you start lacrosse and why did you join? 

I started in fifth grade on a new rec team started by the West Orange High School coach. I was always playing sports, and my mom thought it could be a good fit for me. I joined a club team in middle school, M&D Orlando. 

What’s your biggest accomplishment in lacrosse?

My biggest accomplishment is helping lead my high school varsity team to be district champions my freshman year and being MVP for my team as a freshman.

What has lacrosse taught you? 

It has taught me discipline and consistency. My club coach sets goals with us and holds us accountable. We have daily wall ball and running goals outside practice that we do on our own and she tracks it. It’s fun to see improvement over the month.

How would you describe yourself as a teammate?

As a teammate, I like to share the techniques and skills I’ve learned with newer players on the team.

What advice would you give someone who just joined lacrosse? 

Set goals for yourself and consistently work on those goals outside practice, and you will get better, much better.

What’s your pre-game ritual?

Pre-game I like to pass with a partner and warm up.

If you could pick a different sport what would it be? Why? 

Flag football, my brothers play and it is very fun but it’s the same season as lacrosse.

What’s something new you’d like to learn?

I’d like to learn to do pottery.

Where would you want to live if you weren’t in Florida?

I’d want to live in Alaska because I like the cold, it’s beautiful, there’s lot of wildlife and hiking.  

If you won the lottery what would you do with the money? 

I’m a saver. I would keep it to buy a cool house when I’m done with school. A house with an art studio and big kitchen because I love to work on art and bake in my free time.

What’s your favorite holiday? Why?

Christmas. It’s good family time, we get to relax.

What future career do you want to have? 

Future career in STEM. 

If you became famous, what would it be for? 

I have no idea because I would never want to be famous. It would be something accidental!

If you had to pick a spirit animal, which would you choose?

My spirit animal is a bee since I love to work.

What’s your perfect day? 

Waking up to fresh breakfast then go tubing on the lake and play outside, finishing with a movie.

Would you rather only eat fruit or vegetables? Why? 

Fruit because I don’t like vegetables. Fruit is sweet and I like to make smoothies.