True leaders show their true colors when times are tough, and Megan McDermott is truly being tested: the Niles girls basketball team has lost 45 games in a row.
"We're hoping to eventually pull out a win,” McDermott said. “But as of now, everyone's minds are still positive and headed in the right direction. You'd think it would be really hard, but it's not that bad when you have a good team behind you."
McDermott is in her fourth year as the Red Dragons starting point guard, once again leading the team in assists. She’s averaged eight points and three steals a game in trying to help Niles end a long losing streak.
"Even in losing seasons, you learn you have to press forward through things,” McDermott said. “Especially last year, we went 0-21. But starting this year, that just made my mental attitude that I wanted to succeed and win."
A four year starter in basketball, soccer and softball, McDermott is set to graduate with a record 12 varsity letters. She is a four-time All-Conference selection in soccer, and has been named the team's offensive MVP. In softball, she plays second base and is the Dragons leader in runs scored.
"The more people say it to me, and the conversation gets brought up about it, the more I think it's no big deal,” McDermott said. “But I guess if you sit back and look at it, I guess it's an accomplishment."
McDermott said she believes grades are more important than sports. McDermott ranks 16th in her class with a 3.7 GPA, and is a member of National Honor Society.
"Like the 12 letters is a nice accomplishment, but I think the grades are what are more important to me because that's where I know I'm going to succeed in life," McDermott said.
And Megan McDermott of Niles will be a success, making her our Student Athlete of the Week.
