A Leader On and Off the Field

According to Maddy Bessinger, she fell in love with lacrosse from the very beginning because it seemed like a bunch of different sports combined. And after only playing lacrosse for two years, senior Maddy Bessinger has quickly become quite an asset to the team. She is also a great student and is a member of the Wildcat P.R.E.S.S. Team. Standing for Publicity Recognizing Events, Students, & Success, P.R.E.S.S. is a new group at West Ashley High that’s made up entirely of students who make banners and flyers, write press releases and articles, and take pictures of events happening at the school. Bessinger has become an invaluable part of that team as well.
Despite playing with an injured leg for most of the 2015 season, Bessinger still manages to play midfield at a high level for the Wildcats. She has two takeaways, two interceptions, 46 ground balls, and has taken four shots at the goal, and has won two draws this season.
“Maddy is an outstanding individual both on and off of the field,” says WAHS girls’ lacrosse coach Heather Agosti. “She strenuously devotes herself to everything that she is involved in, including her studies. She takes highly demanding classes and manages to be a key team player in lacrosse at the same time.”
When the team is down, Bessinger always encourages them to strive to do better and keep a positive attitude. Her leadership and fierce encouragement helped the team win 16-8 against Hanahan on March 12. It was a hard fought game but with Bessinger’s leadership, the Wildcats showed how well they are able to work as a team.
After high school, Bessinger plans to attend Campbell University in North Carolina where she will study education. “Maddy has such a positive, encouraging demeanor and is supportive and enthusiastic to not only her teammates but myself as well. She is truly a sweet and generous young lady with a huge heart and with the desire to help others,” says Agosti.