Female Athlete of the Week
When Cape High junior Jamie Whetsell was deciding on a new sport to try during her freshman year, the tradition of the sport wasn’t high on her list of priorities.
Good thing, since the new girls’ lacrosse team had none. Fortunately, it did have the right look.
“I thought the uniforms were going to be cute,” Whetsell explained, “so I figured I’d try something new.”
Whetsell has stuck with it and in her third season, has become one of the leaders of the rising program.
The Daily Breeze Female Athlete of the Week found the goal often last week, scoring four times in a 7-5 win over Cypress Lake and added eight goals in one half in a 16-13 win over Canterbury.
After showing signs as an emerging player last season, Whetsell returned this season with even better command of the game.
“She was a beginner when we first started the program, but she has a lot of natural talent,” Seahawks coach Laurie Rinehart said. “Her stick work is amazing. I think she has a future playing in college.”
Whetsell’s development also can be attributed to practicing her skills in the offseason.
At times, her parents, Terry and Sandie, helped simulate game situations at home.
“My dad bought me a goal and we practice in the backyard. My mom will be the goalie and my dad will be the defender,” she said.
Whetsell’s athletic career took an unexpected turn after two knee surgeries forced her to give up gymnastics prior to her freshman year.
She was a member of the cheerleading squad at Cape two years and ran cross country as a sophomore.
Not only has Whetsell found the right fit with lacrosse, but the Seahawks have added players and improved consistently since over the past three years.
“Every year a lot of new girls want to try out,” Whet-sell said. “There’s not a lot of drama. It’s just fun.”
Honorable mentions:
Amanda Teets, senior, Ida Baker tennis: Teets led the Bulldogs to a pair of victories last week against Mariner and Island Coast. She won in straight sets at No. 1 singles in each match.
Jasmine Santiago, sophomore, North Fort Myers softball: Santiago delivered RBI single to lift the Red Knights to an 8-5 win over Ida Baker in a key softball matchup last week.