Kendall County MVA Female Athlete of the Week: Danielle Dorilio, Oswego, basketball, senior

WHY SHE WAS SELECTED:

Dorilio averaged nine points, five rebounds and four steals for the Panthers in their wins over Plainfield North and Yorkville.

Dorilio talked to sports editor Joshua Welge about her recent play, the season and more. Here is an edited version of the transcript:

Welge: The event on Saturday, the Communities vs. Cancer event with Yorkville, what was it like to be a part of?

Dorilio: It's an amazing event. A lot of people that go to it have been affected by cancer, have family members who are cancer survivors. My mom was one of the honorary captains a few years ago for our team. It's great to see both of the communities come together. It's a good competition for a good cause, a great event.

Welge: Your team seems to be on a good run. What's been the key?

Dorilio: We've really been starting to play together as a team and understand when all five of us play together, we do well, and everybody on the bench has been cheering. We've been doing the little things – rebounding, good defense. I think it's all coming together now.

Welge: You had a good week personally. Did you feel it was important to step up with McKenna [Engler] recently getting hurt again?

Dorilio: I felt pretty good. I know we've been down a few players. I had to step up and help my team out to get those wins. It feels good to score and get some assists. It happened around the same time last year, that McKenna got hurt. We felt awful. We knew in the back of our heads it was the same injury. We knew we were going to play for her.

Welge: How have you grown as a player this year?

Dorilio: I feel I've grown as a role player. On the court I have a good presence and help on defense, and on the bench I keep the energy up, doing the little things. A lot of times we try to start chants, try to cheer for the good things they're doing on the court.

Welge: Is there a role model you have or person you look up to?

Dorilio: I like LeBron James. He's a great role model, in basketball but also off the court. He does great things for his community and kids.

Welge: What's your plans for after high school?

Dorilio: I've decided that I'm going to go to Central Florida for college, but I'm not playing. I'm not sure what I'm going to study, I think probably business or accounting. I love Florida, I started looking for schools down there and went on a visit there [in Orlando] and it's beautiful.