Captain Newcomer looking to keep her team energized this season

Although the Mercer Island High School girls basketball squad played just eight games last spring due to the pandemic, Caley Newcomer was stoked at what she saw happening on the court.

The Islanders, who finished 7-1, graduated just two seniors and are raring to go with their winter season back in place.

“I’m really excited to see how it goes with a full season this year,” said Newcomer, adding that the Islanders should be just as good if not better than last season. There’s solid team chemistry on tap and some young talent, which Newcomer said means the program should be in good hands in the years to come.

The Islanders voted for junior Newcomer — a 5-foot-6 three-year starting guard/point guard — to jump into the captain role this season. Head coach Lindsey Blaine said that Newcomer is a great teammate and hard worker.

On life in the captain spot, Newcomer said: “I really hope to be a leader on and off the court, just keep the team energized, just be hyping up all the underclassmen as well as the upperclassmen. And I just hope to bring wins to the table, too.”

Newcomer began her hoops career in the rec realm, but took a break from the game to play soccer for a spell. She returned to the court in middle school because she discovered that she’s a better player with her hands than with her feet.

The Reporter asked Newcomer a series of questions to get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into her life:

What’s the best piece of advice that you’ve been given?

Just get involved in a lot of stuff in high school. It has been really fun being involved in clubs and sports, and it’s really helped me get to know a lot of people and expanded my horizon knowing that many people.

You mentioned clubs, what else are you involved with in school besides basketball?

Freshman year I did Best Buddies, and I’m currently in Trivia Club and Marvel Club with a few friends. I’m also in National Honor Society.

To feed off that, what’s your favorite movie of all time?

I would definitely have to say “Avengers: Infinity War.”

What is it about that movie that struck a chord with you?

I just love “Avengers” in general, and that one just had good characters and a sad ending — but a good ending.

What’s a hidden talent that you have that maybe somebody wouldn’t know about?

I’m really good at juggling with my feet and with my hands.

What skill would you like to learn?

In the future, it would be really fun to learn how to fly an airplane.

What type of music do you listen to?

I listen to a lot of Taylor Swift, especially after she just re-released her new album.

What is it about her music that draws you in?

I like that she has a lot of different kinds of music. Her old stuff is country and her new stuff is pop, and I just love Taylor Swift in general. She is pretty awesome.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

I would actually love to be a coach of basketball or soccer. I just love working with kids and I especially love sports. I also see myself being a teacher — just anything with kids, really.

GIRLS BASKETBALL SCHEDULE

Dec. 1 MOUNTLAKE TERRACE, 7:15 p.m.

Dec. 3 LAKE WASHINGTON, 6:30 p.m.

Dec. 4 at Everett, 7:15 p.m.

Dec. 8 at Hazen, 7:15 p.m.

Dec. 11 INTERLAKE, 4 p.m.

Dec. 13 at Ingraham, 7 p.m.

Dec. 15 LIBERTY, 7:15 p.m.

Dec. 17 at Juanita, 6:30 p.m.

Dec. 21 at Inglemoor, 6:30 p.m.

Jan. 7 BELLEVUE, 6:30 p.m.

Jan. 12 at Lake Washington, 7:15 p.m.