The Times Athlete of the Week: Fieldcrest’s Kaitlin White likes basketball, math, pancakes and “His Airness”

Out of 517 votes cast the past few days for The Times Athlete of the Week, almost half – 228, to be precise – were for Fieldcrest’s Kaitlin White, a sophomore standout on the Knights’ undefeated girls basketball team. Fieldcrest — currently 11-0 overall, 4-0 in the Heart of Illinois Conference and on a program-record 13-game winning streak dating back to last season — opened league play this week, with White following up an 11-point game against Tri-Valley by dropping 23 points on Heyworth.

Next week’s ballot will be online Sunday, with voting going through midday Wednesday.

Here is a Q&A with this week’s winner:

How has it felt for the team to get off to this amazing start to the season, winning your first 11 games?

I think it really gave us a lot of confidence in ourselves as a team and as individuals.

Do you have any nicknames?

My team, my family and most of my friends call me Kate. I also go by Giggles and my last name from a few of my coaches and teachers.

What’s your favorite memory on the basketball court?

My favorite memory would probably be winning the Thanksgiving tournament to start the season.

How would you describe yourself as a basketball player?

I would say I’m aggressive and I work hard to get the ball. For my size it’s hard to guard the tall girls, but I think I do a good job trying to keep the ball out of their hands.

On any given night, it seems as if any of the starting five could lead the team in scoring, rebounds, assists, steals, etc. What is that like as a player being on a team with that kind of balance?

As a player it’s a hard at times to see who is open and who can make the best play, but as a team it’s awesome to have those kind of girls being able to play together. I think we do good job on giving others the ball and we aren’t selfish.

Who have been a few of your most inspirational coaches?

One of my most inspirational coaches would be Coach (Mitch) Neally, he always brings out the energy before each game. One thing that he says that really stands out to me is, “Someone in the crowd might only watch you one time, show them what you do and how you want to be remembered by.” Coach (Isaiah) Tubbs is also very inspirational because he tells me to never give up and if my shot is off he tells me to keep shooting or start driving.

Who are a few of your favorite musical artists?

Kane Brown, Morgan Wallen and Justin Bieber.

What’s your favorite subject in school?

Math.

If one had to go, which would it be for you: pancakes or waffles?

Pancakes > Waffles.

You can invite three historical figures - past or present - to have dinner with you. Who are you inviting and why?

Lusia Harris: because she was one of the first girls to play basketball. Anat Draigor: because she has the highest scoring record (136 points) for a women’s basketball game. Michael Jordan: because he’s my favorite player.

Who is your favorite professional athlete, past or present?

Michael Jordan.

Do you do anything different before a big game to get yourself mentally/physically prepared?

Before each game I usually listen to music or watch highlights from a game.

What goals does the team have for this season, and what will it take to reach them?

I think our biggest goal is making it far into the postseason. The past two years our team won the regional and we are hoping to get it this year as well. In order to achieve this goal we are going to have to communicate as a team, work harder each game and practice that we have, and push ourselves to be the best that we can be.