Sophomore sensation Kelsey Garrity swings and misses in a game during the season. Garrity posted a team best .358 batting average and was selected as one of the captains for the Highlanders' softball team next year. Garrity also took command on the basketball court, and emerged as one of the Greater Boston League's top point guards while leading the Highlanders to another successful season. ~Photo by Regina Lucreziano
Kelsey Garrity has breakthrough year on the hardwood and on the diamond
By Mike Rubin
She's only a sophomore, but Kelsey Garrity has already etched her name as one of the premiere athletes to ever grace the halls of Somerville High School. A solid three sport athlete, Garrity has managed to guide the Highlanders to one of their finest seasons on the hardwood, while sporting as a solid leader on the softball diamond.
A lifelong Somerville native, Garrity's passion for basketball developed at a very early age when she would often watch her father pacing the sidelines coaching high school and other youth games in the area.
"My family always joked that I was born with a basketball in my hands," laughed Garrity. "They always encouraged me to play basketball and I just went with it. I always looked up to my father because I remember him coaching (Somerville High) and watching him coach the Garden when I was little. He was always so into basketball that he inspired me to get involved in it, and I've been playing basketball for as long as I can remember."
Garrity, whose bloodlines run deep among the hardwood, was raised by her father, who was a former collegiate all-star and later coached girls basketball at Somerville High school. Also serving as a solid athlete was her older brother Matthew, who starred on the Highlanders boys basketball team before graduating in 2007. After two years at Anna Maria College, Garrity will now hone his skills at Framingham State College.
"Basketball definitely runs deep in my family," said Garrity. "It's the sport of the household and we'd always talk about it, and still do. It's something we have a lot of passion about. My family always goes to the games and they help me out whenever they can. I've always been inspired by them."
Since her elementary school years, Garrity shined in the spotlight as a key component in the Somerville Recreation program. Developing her skills under various coaches, Garrity quickly emerged as potential prospect as a point guard.
In her middle school years, Garrity developed into a key asset as a member of the Middlesex Magic AAU squad where she played alongside prospects from both Winchester and Weston.
"It's a lot of fun playing AAU," said Garrity. "We play all around New England, and we go up against some tournament teams. It's definitely great experience to play in front of some huge crowds and that really prepared me for playing high school basketball. I also got to play against some tough competition and made friends with a bunch of girls from other towns as well."
Following an extensive middle school career at AAU, Garrity entered into her high school years where she quickly saw some quality playing time on the basketball court at the junior varsity level.
At the season's midpoint, Garrity was called up to the varsity squad, where she averaged nearly five points and three assists per game through seven games played.
"(Garrity) comes from a fine pedigree, and she's got a tremendous amount of potential to be a great high school athlete," said basketball coach Brian Harris earlier in the year. "She's a relentless worker, a gifted athlete, and she's tough as nails out there. She's not afraid to back down and she makes some great decisions with the basketball. She's only a sophomore, but she really came through for us, and we're looking forward to having her over the next couple of years."
For Garrity, the adjustment to varsity was at first overwhelming, but she quickly adapted to the pressures and profiles of running the point position.
"It was very nervous at first," said Garrity about the transition. "I was kind of scared, because I was one of the youngest girls out there on the court, but the seniors really helped me out a lot, and I got comfortable after a while."
After a promising finish to the freshman season, Garrity continued her athletic prowess on the softball field as she guided the Highlanders to an 11-9 season and a spot in the Division 1 North tournament.
In the off-season, Garrity continued to compete, serving as a solid participant for the Middlesex Magic and competed in the Bay State Games. In addition, she also participated in a traveling softball team during the summer.
"I try to keep busy with athletics in the off-season," said Garrity. "I just love to compete and I just have that drive in me to be the best I can be."
In the fall, Garrity also competes on the Highlanders' co-ed golf squad and was in fact the first female to ever sign up for the team.
"Golf was just something I wanted to try," said Garrity. "It's really cool because you get to play in all of the clubs for free, and it's a relaxing sport. I wanted to take it easy during the fall, but at the same time, I wanted to be active and competitive and golf was the perfect sport. I really learned a lot about the game, and the seniors helped me out."
While Garrity's golf game was still in transition, she credited the help of her coaches and upperclassmen.
"The coach really helped me out a lot, and the seniors did a nice job working with me to improve my game,' said Garrity. "They're a great group of guys."
During the winter season, Garrity once again rose to the forefront and guided the Highlanders to an impressive 15-5 mark. Not only did the Highlanders have to endure a slow start, but also had to endure their share of injuries as senior Jill Liberatore was lost for the season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament followed by a high ankle sprain by Jennie Vallesio.
Despite the obstacles and adversities, the Highlanders emerged on a 10 game winning streak to end the regular season.
"We could've packed it in when we suffered through all of those injuries, but we came through and really focused on our defense," said Garrity. "We had to step it up defensively because we had some key people out, and we had a lot of different girls step it up."
Offensively during the Highlanders unbeaten 10 game stretch, Garrity averaged 14 points per game along with six assists. Overall, Garrity recorded 11 points per game, to go with five assists and three steals per game.
"We had to turn up our defensive intensity," said Garrity. "The seniors (Michelle Hegarty) did a great job with their leadership and we couldn't have done it without them."
In the post season, the Highlanders were able to record Harris his 300th career win with a 55-37 win over Beverly.
"It was a great win because there was a huge home crowd, and everyone was pumped and ready to go. We were happy to make it to the next round."
Unfortunately, the Highlanders would suffer a tough defeat to Andover in the second round and ended their season with a 16-6 overall mark.
"It was a tough way to end the season, but it was great to win the tournament game at home," said Garrity. "We're losing a lot of seniors next year, so it's going to be a different role for me next year."
With several key seniors lost to the cap and gown next year, Garrity is well aware of the challenges that may face her in the off-season.
"It's going to be tough," said Garrity. "We'll have to take a more leadership role, and do the best we can in working in the younger players."
On the softball diamond, the Highlanders suffered a disappointing 5-15 overall mark, Despite the sub-par record, Garrity emerged as the lone bright spot, leading the team with a .358 batting average and overall fielding percentage.
"It was tough that we didn't make it to the tournament, because we should've gone," said Garrity. "We didn't close out games, and our defense didn't help our pitching either."
Named to an all-star on both girls basketball and softball teams, Garrity is hoping for even a stronger season come next year.
"It's going to be a lot of fun, but we're going to be a lot younger in some areas," said Garrity. "Hopefully, we'll be able to turn it all around."
