Athlete of the Week: Bridget Walsh

Cardinal Mooney High sophomore lacrosse midfielder Bridget Walsh scored three goals in two games this week to lead the Lady Cougars to a 14-9 victory over Berkeley Prep Feb. 26, and a 13-7 victory over Tampa Catholic Feb. 28. The 15-year-old, who already has 12 goals and two assists, has turned a hat trick in each of Cardinal Mooney’s first four games of the season. With 10 games remaining on the schedule before the district tournament, Bridget is focused on scoring more left-handed goals than she did last year, to make her a more versatile player, while putting the Lady Cougars in position to win a district championship.

"I was excited with my hat trick. I’ve been working hard for a while, so when it all came together it was a really good feeling. I think we’ve been playing really well and making good passes. Everything just clicked.

Scoring a goal is exhilarating. It’s a good feeling. The best part about scoring a goal is seeing the goalie retreat back and then watching the score racking up while the goalie is down.

I want to be as big of a threat as possible any time, whether it’s on offense or defense. I want to be a threat all around the board. It’s not just about scoring for me.

It’s running all of the time no matter what. The training gets to you. That’s what breaks people.

In basketball, I’m known for being really good at defense, and here, it translates. It’s my safe place. I know what I’m doing all of the time. Knowing they can’t score on you can be a good feeling.

On a college lacrosse team is definitely someplace I would like to be in the next two years.

There’s no way lacrosse can be a one-man show. That’s definitely something this team has embraced and what I enjoy the most.

My right hand is my dominant hand, but I score with both. It makes you more versatile. I’m pretty good with my left hand. You become so much more dangerous. Defenses and goalies never know which hand you’re going to use. It’s hard."