Monterey Lady Wildcat Basketball Player Carlee Wright said she has always wanted to make an impact, and this year, Wright said she is ready to do just that.
Wright said for her, impact is not just about points on the scoreboard. Wright said making an impact is about being a teammate who lifts everyone around her, especially after a challenging season last year.
“Whenever you’re a freshman, you know that you’re not gonna play as much,” Wright said. “But whenever I was a freshman, I basically sat on the bench the whole year so I just learned that I need to improve and then, that’s what he taught me how to do.”
Wright’s coach, Randall Phillips, has watched her grow from a bench player into one of the team’s leaders. Phillips said Wright’s work ethic and commitment to improving every season make her a vital presence on and off the court.
Basketball runs in the Wright family. Carlee will be the second Wright to graduate from Monterey, following her older sister, Lindsay, who led the team in scoring during her time at Monterey. Lindsay would graduate during Carlee’s sophomore year. Carlee said she draws inspiration from her sister’s leadership.
“She was a great leader and I would like to be like her,” Wright said.
Wright’s standout moments last season include being named Player of the Game in a matchup against Watertown. Wright said her versatility, playing both small forward and power forward, allows her to contribute in multiple ways, from rebounding to hustle plays to team leadership.
Wright said as she enters her final year, she is focused on being a supportive teammate and helping the Lady Wildcats improve.
“I don’t think it will [hit] until I actually step foot into school again,” Wright said. “I’m really excited for my senior year.”
Wright said with her experience, family inspiration, and a drive to lift her team, she is poised to make her mark, not just in points, but in the kind of leadership that can transform a team.
