Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Caroline Steinwachs

Riverview High senior Caroline Steinwachs has stepped up to lead the Rams girls lacrosse team this season.

Riverview (7-9) has lost six of its last seven matches, but that doesn’t tell the whole story. The Rams are ranked No. 38 overall in Florida out of 204 teams and are undefeated in district play.

Steinwachs has been a major factor in that success. 

She’s paced the team with 55 goals (3.4 goals per game) and 12 assists while also providing senior leadership. Steinwachs scored four times and added an assist to help Riverview break a six-game losing streak in an 18-6 win over Naples Barron Collier on March 26.

When and why did you start playing lacrosse? 

I started playing lacrosse in the third grade for the Sarasota Seahawks and I was actually coached by Ashley McCleod, my current high school coach. I started playing because one of my best friends at the time, Camille Johnson, was playing lacrosse. I was looking for a new sport to play so I decided to play lacrosse.

What’s been the most memorable moment for you this season?

We beat Saint Stephen’s this year and we hadn’t beaten them while I’ve been here, so that was exciting to win that game.

What’s gone right for Riverview this year?

I was super close with Susan (Lowther) last year, and it’s definitely been different because she and I used to play off of each other all the time. I’ve had to take a different role and look for different people. We’ve had our challenging times refining that chemistry, but we’ve done a great job with sophomores and freshmen stepping up and helping fill those roles collectively. 

What’s gone right for you this year?

I was definitely nervous. Last year, Susan was the primary draw-taker, so I was nervous to step into that role. We have other girls who will take it, but a lot of times I’ll take every single draw in a game, so that was different for me but I think we’ve done a great job learning how to do that.

What’s your favorite meal?

Caesar salad with steak and truffle fries. I’m a big pre-game meal with steak person. 

What’s your favorite TV show or movie?

I watch a lot of Grey’s Anatomy and Criminal Minds. I kind of like the classics.

What’s your go-to warm-up song?

I listen to a lot of things. Right now I listen to a lot of Mr. Brightside. That’s a good one.

If you’re not playing lacrosse, what are you doing?

Well I’m usually playing lacrosse, but hanging out with my friends. We usually go to the beach, do some workout classes together or go for a walk together.

What does your ideal weekend look like?

Wake up, go workout, play lacrosse or go for a run, then go get food and go to the beach with my friends.

What has been your most humbling moment in lacrosse?

I remember in eighth grade I was awful at shooting. I’d always shoot high. I kept shooting high in a game and one of my coaches pulled me to the sideline and made me practice shooting low on a goalie on the sidelines and then put me back in. That was humbling, but also good because it taught me to work and fix it to get back in the game. 

Who’s your favorite lacrosse player and why?

Last year I liked watching Belle Smith in college because she’s a great two-way middie. She’s very well-rounded. In general, teams are getting more toward playing offensive middies and defensive middies, but she’s great at playing defense, being in the circle and being a scoring threat.

Finish this sentence. Caroline Steinwachs is…

Tenacious.