By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 7/15/12
Garnet Valley senior midfielder Allyson Heavens has been named the Phillylacrosse.com Co-Player of the Year.
Heavens, who shares the honor with Haverford High’s Katrina Geiger, collected 65 goals, 53 assists, 59 ground balls and 46 draw controls this season while helping her Jaguars (24-3) repeat as the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) champion.
Heavens was named a US Lacrosse All-American and also an Under Armour All-American. She also was named to compete later this month in the prestigious US Lacrosse 2012 Champion® All-American Showcase at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.
Heavens, who is headed to Penn State, made her mark for her standout defense and two-way play.
“She was our rock; she is so versatile could use her in any situation,” said Garnet Valley coach Kate Henwood. “She is a phenomenal athlete that also has the determination and leadership to get the job done when needed.
“Obviously, she is one of the best players our program has ever seen.”
Heavens made some of her most important plays in the PIAA title game last month when she helped Garnet Valley rally from an 8-3 deficit against Strath Haven. Heavens scored three times in the comeback, including the game-tying goal with 26 seconds left in regulation.
The Jags then won the game in overtime, 10-9.
“We all looked at each other and we knew we didn’t want the season to end like that,” Heavens said, explaining how the Jaguars emerged from the large deficit to Strath Haven. “We had such a great team and we played really well when we needed to get it done.
“With these types of comebacks, it comes down to heart and family. That’s our mentality; we have each others’ backs.”
Heavens said the Jaguars had to fight themselves and high expectations all season. Garnet Valley had lost just one starter from its 2011 title team and was nationally ranked much of the year.
But the Jaguars struggled at times to find itself during the regular season and then lost two games in a row to finish just fourth in the District 1 tourney.
In states, garnet Valley had to navigate a treacherous road to the state finals – first defeating previously-undefeated Manheim Township, and then Central league powers Harriton and Radnor, the District 1 champion. Each win was by one or two goals.
“Coach (Kate) Henwood told us that we had a cloud hanging over our heads that everyone put on us,” said Heavens. “I think those expectations made us better.
“We had ups and downs, but with everyone doubting us only motivated us more.”
Coming next…
Monday, July 16 – Phillylacrosse.com Boys’ Co-Players of the Year
Tuesday, July 17 – Phillylacrosse.com Boys’ and Girls’ Team Coaches of Year, High Honorable Mention selections
Wednesday, July 18 – Philylacrosse.com Boys’ Attackmen, Girls’ Attack-Midfield
Thursday, July 19 – Phillylacrosse.com Boys’ Midfielders/LSM, Girls’ Midfielders 1
Friday, July 20 – Phillylacrosse.com Boys’ Defensemen, Girls’ Midfielders 2
Saturday, July 21 – Phillylacrosse.com Boys’ Goalies/FO, Girls’ Defenders, Goalies
Sunday, July 22 – Phillylacrosse.com Boys’, Girls’ High Honorable Mention teams
Monday, July 23 – Phillylacrosse.com South Jersey Boys’, Girls’ teams
Tuesday, July 24, Phillylacrosse.com northern Delaware Boys’ team, Girls’ Players of Year
