Patch Whiz Kid of the Week: Cat Rainone

Each week, Marple Newtown Patch will seek suggestions from readers for individual kids, youth groups, teens, and even sports teams that wow us with their accomplishments. This week, we highlight Cat Rainone, a junior at Marple Newtown and the girls lacrosse team's star goalie.

Patch Whiz Kid of the Week: Catherine "Cat" Rainone

Whiz Kid's Age: 16

Whiz Kid's School:

Whiz Kid's Accomplishment: Cat won a scholarship to attend a Penn State University's lacrosse camp over the summer. The scholarship was through the Diane Whipple Foundation. Diane Whipple was a teammate of MaryAnn Foley Schiller', Marple Newtown girls lacrosse coach last year, about 10 years ago.

Whipple was killed on January 26, 2001, in a vicious dog attack at her home in San Francisco. The Diane Whipple Foundation is a non-profit organization established by friends, teammates, and family members of Whipple to help young women financially in elevating their skills in lacrosse to through camps and club play. Cat was one of the scholarship winners this year.

Whiz Kid's Key to Awesomeness: Cat couldn't have been more grateful to have received the scholarship to attend the summer camp.

"My parents have two sets of twins and the camp is expensive. Because it was too much money, I was pretty sure that I wouldn't be able to go even though I really wanted to," shared Cat.

When her coach told her about the scholarship and that she had been one of the qualified recipients, Cat said she was more than happy. She was "ecstatic."

"I want to go there for college and hopefully play. My coach played there and coached there too, so it means a lot," said Cat about receiving the scholarship to attend the summer lacrosse camp at Penn State. "I was so happy to have her help me out. It's different than getting  a check as opposing to receiving a scholarship."

Upon receiving her scholarship, Cat, who plays goalie, said she would like to use the opportunity to "pay it forward."

"With this opportunity, I could help out as much as I can in a lacrosse program and maybe start my own," hoped Cat.

Her passion for lacrosse is mainly because she loves the game.

"I just love the way the game plays," explained Cat. "It takes elements of each sport. It takes a lot of athleticism to play and it's the competitiveness of the game and the rush you get that I love."

Though she started off as a field player, Cat quickly switched over to the position as goalie. A lot of pressure entails in the position but Cat keeps cool under the pressure and believes it gives her a better understanding of the game.

"I feel like I understand how the game has played more," explained Cat. "Sometimes I have to step up and see what went wrong and how we can fix it. If a goal goes in, I say, 'I'll get the next one' and move on and stay positive."

If she isn't at camp or playing with the Marple Newtown girls lacrosse team, or on a club team, Cat may also be seen on the court playing basketball or field hockey.

Though she's only picked up lacrosse about five years ago, Cat believes it's become a huge part of her life.

"I love it so much," said Cat. "It definitely teaches you leadership roles and being on a team. The people I've met–both good and bad–while playing have made an impact on me. Playing with them has helped me grow as a player and an athlete."

Editor's note: Know a great kid who made Eagle Scout or did your local soccer team take the championship? They may be our next Patch Whiz Kid honoree. We want to hear about these amazing children and teens and select one each week as the Patch Whiz Kid.