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06/24/2021 12:00 AMThe Guilford girls’ lacrosse team capped off its exceptional 2021 season by claiming its first state title in program history a couple of weeks ago. There were plenty of talented players who guided the Grizzlies to their amazing campaign, and one athlete who played an integral role in that success was sophomore Kat Baseggio.
Kat played both defense and the midfield for Guilford this year. In addition to helping the team claim the state crown, Kat also helped the Grizzlies win their second-straight SCC title on their way to an overall record of 19-2.
“This spring season has been unreal. We have so much talent on our high school team. It’s really a unique experience,” says Kat. “From winning SCCs to states and everything in between, it’s been such an amazing journey, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”
Kat has been playing lacrosse since the 2nd grade. Kat got started in the sport when her parents signed her up, and she hasn’t looked back since. Now, Kat is a fixture on the lacrosse field.
“I’ve been playing year-round for a few years now,” Kat says. “I love how there are different aspects of the game. In other sports, like basketball or soccer, everyone plays every position. In lacrosse, some people take the draw, some people are on the circle, and some play just defensive or offensive. It lets people thrive and excel in specific areas of the sport.”
Kat wound up making the All-SCC Division I First Team and the All-State First Team for her performance this season. She finished the year having scored six goals, winning 40 ground balls, securing 21 draw controls, and forcing 26 turnovers. Kat also earned Scholar Athlete honors on behalf of a Grizzlies’ team that featured some excellent chemistry.
“This was such an amazing year. We have such a talented group of young girls with bright futures, both with lacrosse and outside of it,” says Kat. “We’ve become a family as the year has gone on, and it showed in our play. I couldn’t have asked for a better group of girls or a better end result.”
Most of all, Kat felt thankful to play lacrosse this year after the 2020 spring season was canceled as a result of COVID-19. Last fall, Kat competed for the Guilford girls’ soccer squad and helped the team win the SCC Division B Tournament.
“I was so excited for my freshman year of lacrosse. We looked really good and had a promising future. I was scared when I lost that, as there were seniors I would have loved to play with, and I was excited for a good year,” Kat says. “We were fortunate that the Dream League summer league was formed, and we could play. After a successful and functional soccer season, I was less worried about the possibility of this season being canceled.”
Guilford girls’ lacrosse Head Coach Wendy Epke praises Kat for her tenacity both on and off the ball. Aside from Kat’s play on the field, Coach Epke says that the rising junior brings an abundance of energy to her club.
“Kat is an exceptional athlete. She was playing as a freshman on varsity for soccer and basketball before her freshman lacrosse season was canceled due to COVID. We are so excited we have her as one of the leaders on defense,” says Epke. “Kat leads our team in caused turnovers and interceptions. She has a knack for shutting down our opponents top offensive weapons, and she is able to give us quality runs as a middie, too.”
Kat also plays lacrosse for her club team, Nor’Easter Lacrosse. Kat says that playing club lacrosse, along with her other sports at Guilford, has made her a better all-around athlete.
“Outside of high school, I play Nor’easter Club Lacrosse. I also attend showcases and clinics as much as I can, along with some strength and agility training,” Kat says. “Playing soccer and basketball is also very helpful.”
Aside from playing sports, Kat enjoys spending time with her friends and family. Kat loves to spend as much time outside as possible.
“Most would say I’m a very social person. I love having fun with friends and getting to know people,” says Kat. “I don’t like to spend the day at home. Whether that’s out at the beach, getting lunch, or playing sports at the high school fields, I like doing something with anyone.”