Powerschool GoGuardian Naviance Aimsweb Semstracker EdReflect SchoolDude Virtual Paragon Frontline Alio Service Portal

Athlete Spotlight: Casey Mulligan

With only two quarters left in the game, and down by 16 points, she didn’t know if her team would be able to make a comeback great enough to win the game. As another quarter went by, the team overcame the deficit and drew within three, adrenaline fired through her veins. With only 6.5 seconds left, the coach called a timeout to set the final play. Breaking the huddle, she knew her number had been called. Snatching the inbound pass out the air, she looked around for someone to pass to as the clock wound down, 6.2,  anyone who was open, 5.7, but she had to take this shot on her own, 5.3, dribbled right, stepped back, 4.7, released behind the three point arc . . . 

Casey Mulligan is no stranger to pressure situations. A current sophomore Woodland athlete who went all NVL her freshman year has accepted the role of leader on the basketball court this season. Last year, with only 16 games and COVID, there was never a State Championship. This year, she looks forward to 20 games and playoffs. 

“I’m incredibly excited for the playoffs and NVLs,” Mulligan said. “I’m also hopeful to make it to the state championships.”

After having a successful soccer season with winning NVL’s, Mulligan is motivated to up her game during the basketball season.

While there is not a specific game Mulligan is focusing on, she is looking forward to the NVL Championships and playing teams that are outside of the NVL.

Recently she was interviewed for a small feature on The Zone which is part of Waterbury Republican News. On Meghan Asks, she spoke of her future plans. Mulligan mentioned her dream was going to college for dermatology and playing a sport.

However, Mulligan’s a jack of many trades. While she loves basketball, she also has a passion for soccer.  Mulligan is a talented goalie for the girl’s soccer team. Her next few soccer and basketball seasons will determine which sport she will pursue further in college. 

“It’s interesting because right now I’m doing both of the sports that my parents did,” Mulligan said. “They both loved the sports they played and are supportive when it comes to whichever one I decide to play.”

She will have to make her decision on whether she is going to pursue her basketball career, similar to her mom who attended a Division One school for basketball, or her dad, who pursued his soccer career during college. 

“There’s definitely a change in pace between my soccer and basketball season. During soccer I am goalie for half the time, so with basketball I definitely get to run more,” Mulligan said. 

Although it will be a tough decision, Mulligan has some time. Right now, her main focus is to perform as well as she can in her present basketball season and have some fun. 

“I love both sports so much,” Mulligan said. “Both of them give me the opportunity to bond with different teammates and experience new things, so I always enjoy the two seasons no matter what, and for right now, that’s what I want to do.”

And as that last second, three-point shot headed toward the hoop and destiny, Mulligan watched as it splashed through the net, the crowd exploding, knowing that sometimes the pressure pays off.

Liana Demirs

Learn More →