Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Kayleigh Bergstrom

The postseason has arrived for Cardinal Mooney girls lacrosse. It begins against Saint Stephen's Episcopal at 7 p.m. April 10 in pursuit of the FHSAA Class 1A-District 10 title. But that's not the only accolade within Kayleigh Bergstrom's reach. The sophomore midfielder is on the cusp of 100 goals this season for the Cougars, having scored a team-high 86, as of April 6. Bergstrom is the Sarasota Athlete of the Week.

What has enabled you to be a prolific scorer this season?

Just working as a team. Knowing exactly where everyone is on the field, when I should cut and when I can take a second to let everyone else get through as well, so that we all have equal opportunities.

How has this season compared to what your goals were coming in?

I definitely went into this season wanting to be better than I was last season and really make a big impact. I think that's what I'm doing with my stats and everything increasing.

Why do you think your team has been successful?

We've really worked together this year, and we've had great chemistry on and off the field. There's been no problems or drama or anything, because we do all just love each other and want what's best for each other. That's what's best for the team.

What do you think of Saint Stephen's Episcopal as a first-round opponent this postseason?

I feel pretty good since we had a win against them earlier in the season. But anything can happen. We just need to stay confident, but not cocky, and just go into the game with good attitudes.

How have you worked to improve your game recently?

I've definitely been trying to always see the open person and always think one or two steps ahead. I would never want to just take the ball myself and then lose it, in a way, when there's open girls. So I'm just really working hard on constantly having my head on a swivel and being aware of everything in the game.

When and why did you start playing lacrosse?

I started playing in kindergarten. My older siblings had played, and my older brother (Duke Bergstrom) in particular, we were playing in the backyard and I was using his stick and everything. I just decided I really liked it, and wanted to play it for myself.

Why have you stuck with this sport after all these years?

There's definitely been ups and downs, but no matter what, anytime I'm out there during the game, I'm just genuinely having fun. That's something that I really enjoy. Even though you have to put in the hard work and practice all the time, it all pays off, because winning is fun. Being out there and doing the best you can, it just all makes it better. 

What quote or piece of advice have you always carried with you?

Coaches like to tell me a lot, "One play is not just one person's fault." That really helps me because if I have a mistake or something, I get in my head a lot and think that whatever happens from that play was all my fault. But there's things that lead up to that and after that, so just one mistake does not define you as a player.

What's a fun fact about you not many people know?

One thing that I don't think a lot of people know is I like to paint and just listen to music while I paint. It really gives me some alone time, and it's really nice.

If you could go anywhere for a dream vacation, where would you go and why?

I want to go to Italy so bad. I think it's so pretty and I love seeing all these videos and photos there. I would just love to be there.

If you had to eat one food for the rest of your life, what would you eat and why?

Pasta, because I love pasta so much, and there's so many different kinds that I could just never get bored of it.

Finish this sentence. Kayleigh Bergstrom is...

Trustworthy.