Caroline Lucas: Rise Up Scholarship by Phoenix Stevens
If you’re going to talk about 3rd region girl’s basketball, then you have to mention the Breckinridge County Lady Tigers and senior guard Caroline Lucas. The Lady Tigers have won 20+ games in six consecutive seasons, and Lucas has been a huge part in keeping that streak alive.
Lucas has been tasked with being a leader for this team, both vocally and statistically. When asked about carrying such a heavy load on her shoulders, she mentioned “that’s what my team needs from me”.
“To be able to score but also do it effectively is very important to me,” Lucas explained. “I believe if I am going to be shooting the most, then my percentages need to back it up.”
She added, “I have only played this role the last two years, and before then, it wasn’t my role to be the leading scorer. I had a great group of girls ahead of me, and it was my job to get them the ball; so I waited my turn to be able to put up my own numbers. I pride myself on being able to play any role a coach needs me to play.”
For Lucas, getting to wear “Breckinridge” across her chest has more meaning to it than just print on a jersey. It’s an opportunity to represent a community unlike any other.
“Growing up, I was always around sports just from watching my older siblings, and I played pretty much every sport there was to offer in Breckinridge County,” the senior standout mentioned. “Being involved from such a young age has really shaped me into the athlete I am today, and taught me so many things. Being from Breck County is great.”
She continued, “I truly believe you won’t find a community like this anywhere else. From just showing out for our games, raising thousands of dollars for our head coach, and just being there whenever we need it. Through everything, the people of Breck have been there for us and showed their support, and I couldn’t ask for a better community.”
While her community has been there to support her, Lucas (as you would expect) credited her teammates and coaches for allowing her to be the player that she is.
“Our team has faced ups and downs this whole season and it’s been a lot for everyone so anything I can do just hold all of us together helps, but it is definitely not just me,” Lucas said. “Our coaching staff really made it clear to us that no matter what was happening, we weren’t going to let it stop us from having a great season. Everyone on the team deserves credit for pushing all of us forward and helping where they can.” Lucas has been one to rise up to the occasion, but as she tells it, there’s no “I” in “team”.