29 Dec 2021 Mooney ‘a great asset’ for St. Joseph
By Levi Gilbert
On the court, Maggie Mooney’s senior season came to an abrupt end in St. Joseph’s second game due to an ACL injury. But her role as a Lady Bulldog is far from over.
“I will continue to support my team in any way possible,” Mooney said. “The start of this season has definitely been a letdown in many ways. We have played many tough games that came down to a few points, and we came out on the losing side. The team has been working hard, however, and I expect them to regain their mojo and start winning again. They never give up.
“My favorite thing about basketball is the sense of family. Because basketball is such a long season, you get close with your teammates, coaches and even fans. After a while, you become a family that celebrates wins together, and mourns losses just the same. My goal this season is to be there for my teammates and push them to play the game to the best of their ability. The wins will eventually come as long as we work together and have some fun.”
Mooney was selected to this year’s 501 Basketball Team — 40 players representing the best the 501 has to offer both on and off the court. The team is sponsored by Moix Equipment and Toy Company, Conway Regional Health System, First Security Bank and Velda Luders of Coldwell Banker RPM Group. She was nominated by head coach, Kay Lynn Hill.
“Maggie’s level of commitment, effort and dedication is evident on and off the court,” Hill said. “She is able to balance the demands of being a student athlete. Her strong work ethic is reflected in all Maggie does. She maintains a 4.2 GPA. Maggie is also involved in many school clubs and activities. She serves others as a volunteer with various organizations.
“Maggie is a great leader who puts her team first. She is a great asset to our team. She is a calming force for our team when under pressure. Any coach would want to have Maggie on their team. I am proud to be her coach.”
In addition to basketball, Mooney is also a member of the volleyball and softball teams at St. Joseph.
“I’ve made so many memories while playing these past years, but the memories that make me the happiest come from my sophomore year,” Mooney said. “I had just moved up to senior high, and I was so excited to get to play with and against people older than me. That season was the best season of my career. We only had seven players, but that didn’t matter because we had so much fun on and off the court.
“Winning is important, but it shouldn’t be the sole reason for playing a sport. I would say that I have been the happiest when I was playing to have fun. Throughout high school, I have learned that the wins will come as long as you are playing hard and having fun. I want to be remembered as the player who did all the behind-the-scenes work. I was never the best shooter on the team, but I would like to think that I made up for it on defense and getting rebounds.”
Mooney plans to attend a public university in Arkansas after high school and pursue a major in nursing with the goal of becoming a traveling nurse.
St. Joseph picks up the season in the new year playing host to cross-town and 2A-5 conference rival Conway Christian at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 4.
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