Agnes Irwin’s Catie Holmes is Main Line Girls Athlete of the Week (March 24-30)

The senior midfielder and captain has been a potent force for the Owls’ strong start this spring, scoring seven goals in the team’s first three games. Last spring, she scored 27 goals for the Owls, who reached the PAISAA girls lacrosse championship final, and received All-Inter-Ac and All-Main Line honors. As a sophomore, she received second team All-Inter-Ac honors as the Owls captured the PAISAA state championship. Agnes Irwin lacrosse head coach Lauren Wray said, “Catie has been a pivotal member of the lacrosse team since her freshman year. Her work ethic is unmatched and she has shined as a leader and positive influencer of our team culture. I’m so proud of Catie and all that she has accomplished to date — I can’t wait to see what the rest of her senior year brings.” A multi-sport athlete, Holmes was a high-scoring forward and captain for the Agnes Irwin field hockey squad last fall, and received All-Main Line recognition. Next spring, she will be playing lacrosse for the University of Maryland. Off the field at Agnes Irwin, Holmes is a member of the One Love Club and Penny’s Flight Club.

Q: Catie, what aspects of your game did you work on the most during the past off-season?

A: One key area I focused on during the off-season was my dodging and off-ball cutting. Our offense is incredibly unselfish, always looking for the next pass, so being a versatile feeder and cutter was a major point of emphasis as I prepared for my senior season.

Q: What has been your favorite experience with the Agnes Irwin lacrosse team to date?

A: My favorite memory with Agnes Irwin lacrosse would easily be winning the PAISAA state finals during my sophomore year. We had such a special group of upperclassmen that year, and the incredible support we received from both students and staff at Cabrini to celebrate our team and incredible coaching staff made the experience unforgettable. It was one of the most special moments of my lacrosse career and hands down one of my favorite games I’ve ever played!

Q: What advantages do you think being a multi-sport athlete offers, compared to an athlete who focuses on a single sport?

A: I’ve always enjoyed playing alongside a diverse group of girls, and being coached by the amazing field hockey staff at Agnes Irwin has been a huge part of my growth. Their unwavering support and encouragement have played a big role in shaping who I am today. There are so many incredible athletes on both the field hockey and lacrosse teams at Agnes Irwin, and I feel a strong connection with each of them, having the opportunity to share two sports together.

Q: You have taken on the responsibility of the draw this spring. What do you think are the biggest keys to a successful draw?

A: The most important key to a successful draw is communication with my teammates on the circle. We put a lot of work into practicing and refining different aspects of communication, making sure we’re all on the same page when game day comes.

Q: How do you view your role as a team captain – on and off the field?

A: As a team captain, I believe a big part of my role is leading by example and working hard every day. I want everyone, regardless of their grade or ability, to feel included and valued within our program.

Q: What originally sparked your interest in lacrosse?

A: I started playing lacrosse with my two older brothers, Geordy and Billy, and ever since was in love with the sport. I played a variety of different sports when I was younger, including field hockey, but ultimately was always the most passionate about lacrosse.

Q: Who have been your top lacrosse mentors, and what was the most important thing you learned from each of them?

A: My top mentor would have to be my brother Geordy, who played lacrosse for Haverford School and is now playing at University of Maryland. His team-first mentality and constant pursuit of becoming the best has really inspired me and I am so thankful for him and his guidance.

Q: You wear uniform jersey No. 17 for Agnes Irwin lacrosse – is there a reason you chose that number?

A: My Dad, who played lacrosse for Harriton High School, and my brothers Billy and Geordy, who both played for Haverford School, wore No. 17 in high school, and felt like I was living out the legacy by doing the same!

Q: What is your favorite academic course at Agnes Irwin? What do you plan to major in at University of Maryland?

A: My favorite class at Agnes Irwin has been Calculus but I have also enjoyed so many different classes with the amazing teachers at Agnes Irwin. I have been admitted to the business school at the University of Maryland next year, and am very excited to explore the many courses offered!

Fun facts – Catie Holmes

Favorite book: Fourth Wing.

Favorite author: Rebecca Yarros.

Favorite TV show: Yellowstone.

Favorite movie: The Blind Side.

Favorite athlete: Kobe Bryant.

Favorite pre-game pump-up song: It’s That Time by Fisher.

Favorite team: Philadelphia Eagles.

Favorite place to visit: “Nantucket with my family every year!”

Favorite pre-game meal: Chicken Caesar salad wrap.

Person I most admire, and why: “My grandmother, Momom, she is the brightest light in any room she walks into and is at every one of my games, rain or shine, with her yellow Agnes Irwin foam finger raised high!”

Family members: parents Bill and Cay, sister Ellie, brothers Billy and Geordy.

(To be selected as Main Line Girls Athlete of the Week, a student-athlete must first be nominated by her coach.)

To view a gallery of the previous Main Line Girls Athletes of the Week click here