PRINCETON — In the early goings, it was a virtual addiction to the game of basketball for Wachusett Regional High School senior Kate King. Even as early as grade school, there was a visceral love of the sport percolating just under the surface.
“I’ve had a basketball in my hands for as long as I can remember,” King, from Princeton, recalled. “When I started, it was at the JCC (Jewish Community Center), where I’m coaching now. It’s come full circle, because I grew up learning there and now I’m coaching there, so that’s really exciting. Every year my dad would buy me a basketball, and by the end of the year it would be all bald because I would bring it to school every day. I’m always dribbling around the house. I’m always with a basketball.”
As her high school career nears an end — she will run mid-distance for the WRHS track and field team this spring — it’s easy for her to reflect upon the successes, which included multiple basketball playoff victories, but more importantly a multitude of close friendships that developed as teammates through her four years as a Mountaineer.
“One of our team values is being there for each other and being part of something bigger,” King said. “Being an underclassman, you appreciate support from upperclassmen. In our game against Springfield Central, it meant so much seeing Jaelynn (Scott) come out and make a big impact. She’s a freshman, but we knew she could do that and we’ve been pushing her hard to do it, and she made a huge impact on that game. That’s all a big part of our program.
“I love all the playoff runs we’ve had and the big, amazing wins we had through all my years, but the little things are what matters. They make things in your life so special.”
“Kate and I have played together since fourth-grade travel league,” said WRHS senior co-captain Emmy Allyn. “It has been an amazing experience being able to play with her at Wachusett for the past four years and get to develop with a teammate for so long. She is one of the hardest workers I know, and I am always able to rely on her to put in 100 percent effort, no matter the situation. She is an incredible player, and I can’t wait to see how she improves in college.”
King is indeed very much college-bound, having been recruited and confirmed as a student-athlete who will lace up for Wesleyan University this fall. Numerous colleges and universities sought to sign her, but in the end Wesleyan was deemed the best fit.
“As soon as I went to Wesleyan and had my overnight there, which was my birthday, they (players and coaches) were so accepting and friendly. They went out and bought me two cakes, like vanilla and chocolate, to make sure I got one that I liked. Once I got there, I knew it was the place for me. The recruiting process was like a full-time job, but as soon as I got there, I knew it was right.”
One attribute that has defined her over the years is her superlative defense, which helped to shut down opponents including powerful Springfield Central. They were held to just 39 points in the Mountaineers’ recent playoff contest.
“I’ve always pretty much been the top defender on any team I’ve been on,” King said. “I’ve always played with so much intensity and heart. On defense, you’ve just got to want it more and command, saying that they will not beat me to the basket. Defense creates offense. I thrive in transition, so for me it’s make that defensive stop and go get a bucket. I’m still a threat offensively and have very good court vision. My shot’s definitely developing and improving and has improved a lot, but I’ve always been comfortable on the defensive side of the ball.”
Maybe less known about King are her accomplishments on the tennis court. She was ranked No. 1 in New England in under-10 and consistently finished high in her hometown’s annual Labor Day tennis tournament. She competed for Holy Name High in middle school before transferring back to Wachusett as a freshman to focus on her academics and basketball.
At Wesleyan, she plans to major in neuroscience in pursuit of an MD or PhD. Closer to home she is a member of the National Honor Society, Math Honor Society and French Honor Society. She is a volunteer for the Wachusett food pantry besides coaching at the Jewish Community Center.
In the end, it all comes down to being a positive role model and passing on sound principles.
“I think a big part of putting on that Wachusett uniform is understanding our values for your school and your program and even yourself,” said King. “We’re all dedicated student- athletes, and that’s something I’m proud of my team for.”
