This week’s Athlete of the Week is senior Emily Wagner.

Wagner has been playing lacrosse since 6th grade and is now a varsity starting defenseman. After refusing to join the sport in 5th grade when her mom told her to, she joined a year later when all of her friends began to.

The defenseman says her goal for this season is to prevent as many shots as possible so goalie Hailey Means’ job is easier. As a team, Wagner hopes to get further in playoffs than last year.

Emily’s advice to younger players is, “Even if the team is doing awfully and you want to quit, stick with it because it will get better.”

When asked if she will miss playing the sport she said, “Of course! I’ve been playing with most of these girls since 7th grade, and I will definitely miss playing with them.”

The BPHS senior will be attending the University of Pittsburgh in the fall of 2017. She says she has considered joining the club team, but she probably won’t.