For fans of the local sports scene, the name Katie Goggins may already ring a bell. The talented Valley teen has spent some time over the past few years with the Provincial girls baseball team program after playing the sport for much of her youth in Valley East.

But what you may not know is that she is equally accomplished as a basketball star, making the Provincial “B” team this summer. After balancing between the two sports one year ago, she decided to concentrate solely on the hardcourt this year.

“In baseball, I would pretty much have to go the States to play softball and I don’t want to leave Sudbury” Goggins noted. In fact, the Grade 12 Lockerby Viking is hoping to move on to the storied ladies basketball program at Laurentian upon graduation, eventually her way through to the new medical program.

The middle of five children, two older half-sisters and two younger siblings, Goggins remains very close to her family, often seeking advice with the choices she makes. “My mom always helps me out with my important decisions” she said.

Having played at the senior level for the past twp years, Goggins started in club basketball with the Sudbury Lakers some five years ago. “The club ball we play is a great opportunity to learn. Last year, all the teams we played were better than us and the only way you get better is to play better teams” stated Goggins.

She acknowledges that there is some frustration of constantly battling the Lasalle Lancers powerhouse, a roster which includes the bulk of her club teammates. “It’s hard when one week you’re passing to them and the next, you’re battling against them. But I’m in the “Step Program” at Lockerby and could not get busing to the city otherwise” she points out.

At 5’4”, Goggins is an undersized guard by national team standards and, as such, remains quite realistic about her long-term potential in the sport. Still, her speed and quickness, jumping ability and court vision will undoubtedly make her coveted by a number of Canadian university teams. Hopefully, she’ll be able to study at home.
 

Katie Goggins, Lockerby Vikings
 

“The club ball we play is a great opportunity to learn. Last year, all the teams we played were better than us and the only way you get better is to play better teams”