Casey Heath’s strongest attribute as an athlete is her constant drive to be better.

She is never content, always working at all aspects of her game to be the best possible player she can be.

“Casey can be her own worst enemy because she puts a lot of pressure on herself to excel. She works hard every day in practice to improve upon all of her skills in hopes of raising her game to be able to compete at the college level next season (she has decided to enroll at Husson University in Bangor),” said Laker varsity softball coach Wayne Rivet about his senior shortstop. “She is very open to suggestions, as well as having the mental toughness to accept constructive criticism and making adjustments in her game to perform at the highest level.”

A tri-captain, Casey is one of the Lakers’ leading hitters, including going 4-for-4 in an early upset victory over Gray-New Gloucester, which snapped the team’s 18-game losing skid dating back over two seasons.

In recognition of her strong work ethic, determination, commitment and good sportsmanship, Casey is this week’s Boosters and Hancock Lumber “Player of the Week.” Each week, a Lake Region athlete is recognized for his/her dedication (does more than what is asked), work ethic, coachability and academic good standing. Recipients receive a specially-designed t-shirt, sponsored by Hancock Lumber.

The Heath File

Athlete: Casey Heath

Year in School: Senior

Parents: Mark and Lisa Heath

Sports you play: Softball, field hockey, indoor track

School organizations: National Honor Society, Student Council, Varsity Club

School honors: Lions Club Student of the Month (January)

Q. Best piece of advice you have received. CH.  The best piece of advice I’ve received has been said to me in many forms by different people (Coach Webb in field hockey and Coaches Boody and Rivet in softball) — it is to always believe in myself and my abilities and to just have fun.

Q. Who is your biggest fan?  CH. My biggest fans are my parents, they go to all my games and are always the loudest ones cheering for me.

Q. I know I had a good sports day when… CH. I know I have had a good sports day when I don’t make many mistakes, also when I make good plays and play to my potential.

Q. What is your favorite sport? CH. My favorite sports is softball, I’ve been playing it for as long as I can remember. I also play in the summer on a travel team. I love everythi8ng about the game. I love how every game and inning can be different depending on the pitcher or hitter you are facing.  I also really like how supportive everyone is, even on opposing teams.

Q. If I could change one thing about myself as an athlete, I would change... CH. I wouldn’t be as hard on myself or put too much pressure on myself when things start to go wrong.

Q. What qualities make for a good teammate?  CH. A good teammate is someone who is always supportive and will try to pump the team up when they start to get down on themselves.

Q. What do you believe you bring to your team? CH. I think I am a positive leader for my team. I try to lead by example and answer any questions my team may have when they’re confused.

Q. What characteristics do you feel make for a good coach? CH. A good coach will always believe in you no matter what your size is or how much you’re struggling.