One of the best two-way basketball players in the state has found a new home: Washington D.C. That’s because Bishop Fenwick’s Cecilia Kay recently committed to studying and playing basketball at American University.
When asked why she chose American, Kay pointed to its location, as well as the prospect of the school helping her post-graduation.
“It’s near some of my family, and they (Eagles) play in the Patriot League, which is a great league,” Kay said. “I want to go to law school, so being in D.C. will be great for internships. It gives me a good pathway.”
Excitement aside, she knows her way home, too.
“We will play at Boston University and Holy Cross, so my family will be able to go to those games as well,” Kay said.
Not only is American a tip-top basketball program, but highly-respected academically.
“Academics is definitely really important to me. I’m trying to be valedictorian at Bishop Fenwick,” Kay said. “Basketball isn’t everything because there is going to be life after basketball, so I want to be prepared for that.”
Kay credits Bishop Fenwick’s teachers and coach Adam DeBaggis for helping her get to where she is now.
“Academically, my teachers are always pushing me to become better. Taking AP classes, the teachers are always there for help or they’re there to push you in the right direction to reach your full potential,” Kay said.
“It’s the same thing for basketball. Coach DeBaggis is an amazing coach,” Kay said. “He really pushes me to be better not only on the court, but also leadership-wise. I’ve learned so much from him about basketball and how to be a great leader and person.”
If you know Kay, you know she enjoys a challenge, and Division 1 basketball was always something she wanted to conquer.
“I started basketball in fifth grade. I was an awkward, tall girl playing at the time, but I always wanted to play at the highest level,” Kay said.
Kay was in ninth grade when she started to believe it, however, thanks to her AAU team the Mass Huskies.
“They really gave me the opportunity to travel far – where all these college coaches would be,” Kay said. “They allowed me to play in front of all these schools and I think that’s when I realized that I could play at the next level.”
The now-senior had an incredible junior campaign, eclipsing the 1,000-point tally and reaching the Division 3 state championship game.
According to Kay, she’s also closing in on 1,000 rebounds, and another goal is to become Bishop Fenwick’s all-time leading scorer.
“Being the leading scorer is one of my goals. I don’t know the numbers. I let my dad and the coaches worry about that,” Kay said. “I just focus and play my own game. I think it would be really cool to leave a bigger legacy at Bishop Fenwick.”
Not only can Kay score, but she’s a premier defender. When asked if she prefers a game-winning shot or game-winning block, she was torn.
“That’s a tough one. I would say game-winning shot, but I do love blocks,” Kay said. “One of my favorite parts of the game is getting a nice block and hearing the crowd.”
Not only does Kay want to leave Peabody as Fenwick’s leading scorer, but she also wants to end her career with a state championship. She believes next season’s team will be motivated as ever to avenge its four-point championship loss against St. Mary’s.
“I think we’re going to be super motivated,” Kay said. “We’re going to put some pressure on ourselves to be even better than last year, but we’re going to have fun doing it and make sure we all grow as a team and continue to get better.”
