At the beginning of last season, Kate Saccaro had mixed feelings about being a small fish in the big pond that was New Trier girls’ varsity basketball. As one of only two sophomores on the team, she was excited about the opportunity, but also nervous, and eager to prove that she belonged. 

And she proved that she did belong. After a strong sophomore campaign, Saccaro was elected captain for her junior season, a testament to both her playing ability and leadership skills.

“I have been playing with Kate for a long time,” said Erin Floyd, Saccaro’s teammate and friend, “and she is obviously very skilled. But what people usually don’t see is how she leads.”

Floyd described Saccaro as the “one of the most vocal players on the team”, a trait Saccaro attributes to her time around the upperclassmen last season.

“Seniors like Casey (Scharoff) and Caitlin (Pedraja) were really loud and vocal last year, and I think it’s important to bring that intensity to the team this year,” Saccaro said. “Being loud and talking a lot helps everybody.” 

Studying and learning from the seniors was crucial for Saccaro, but finding her own way socially also proved to be a useful experience.

“I definitely felt like I had to grow up a little bit fast, but I’m grateful for that experience. I still have one more year in the basketball program, but I think that I already have the experience that most seniors have in their final year,” said Kate. 

Teammate Rachel Zacks, an MIT women’s basketball commit, has taken notice to Kate’s unusually polished character.

“She definitely acts like an upperclassman, but in the best way. Not in the way that means that she can blow off drills or act like discipline doesn’t apply to her, because she definitely does not do that. She is like an upperclassman with her leadership, and with the way she approaches things.” 

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Saccaro’s authority as a junior is rare, according to New Trier girls basketball history. Last year’s team captains were all seniors, and junior captains appeared only periodically before then. 

The opportunity is greatly appreciated by Saccaro, and she is working hard to make the most of it. 

“I know that juniors are not usually captains, so it is an honor to be one. I really appreciate my teammates for giving me the opportunity, and I am doing everything I can to be the captain that I would want to have.”

In addition to her leadership qualities, Saccaro has also taken a leap in terms of her performance. She has increased her numbers in every statistical category since last season, and facilitates the game as the team’s starting point guard. 

“Whenever things get crazy on the court, Kate is the person that we look to in order to calm things down,” teammate Marley Meyers said. “She’s very calm with the ball, and knows how to really control the pace of the game.” 

Despite the success that she has experienced thus far, Saccaro understands that there is still work to be done. A  deep run in the IHSA state playoffs hopefully awaits the team in February, and Saccaro is looking forward to being at the helm.

“I think we can surprise some people and go far this postseason. We have put in the work, and hopefully it will show.”