Growing up in Ramsey, Catie Ernest played soccer, basketball, and softball. Ever since she was young, Catie was a star in all three sports. When Catie was in eighth grade, she put down the softball bat and picked up a lacrosse stick. That’s when it all started. Catie says she didn’t play much lacrosse as an eighth grader, but once high school came along she took it very seriously and worked her way on to the field.
Catie and her twin sister Allie had the choice to attend Pascack Hills after graduating from Eric S. Smith Middle School in Ramsey because their dad, Mr. Ernest, who has coached girl’s soccer at Hills since 2002, girls’ basketball since 2011, girls’ lacrosse since 2012, teaches Physical Education and Health at Hills.
As a freshman, Catie played soccer, basketball, and lacrosse. She earned her Varsity letter in all three sports. In soccer, Catie and the girls advanced to the North 1 Group 2 sectional finals. In basketball, Catie came off the bench and provided a spark with her terrific shooting. In lacrosse, she started at Attack for the Cowgirls and made an impact scoring 26 goals. For the 2015 lacrosse season, Catie scored 70 goals which bringing her high school career total to 96, four shy of 100.
As a sophomore, Catie decided to not play soccer anymore. She chose to focus on basketball and lacrosse, the sports for which she has been attracting college recruits.
Catie is now starting her junior season in lacrosse and has just become the first girls’ lacrosse player at Pascack Hills to reach the 100 goals plateau. On March 30th, Catie scored 2 goals against Pequannock in the first game of the 2016 season, bringing her just two goals shy of the triple digit mark.
The next day, Hills’ history was made. On a two on one fast break by the Cowgirls, Catie went around the goal, faked high and shot to the side. The ball passed the Old Tappan goalie giving Ernest her 100th goal and helping her team get their first win of the season. Ernest finished with four goals, as Hills won, 14-5.
Catie commented on her accomplishment. “It’s really exciting. I’ve never really had this big of an accomplishment, but I couldn’t have done it without my team, especially my sister. It’s so surreal and I’m just really happy about it.”
Catie continued to talk about the support of her twin, Allie. “I wouldn’t get half my goals without my sister because she’s really the playmaker of our team. Without her I don’t know if I would have this opportunity.”
Allie is very happy for her sister on reaching 100 goals. Allie said, “I’m extremely proud of her. She worked really hard to be able to score like she does and she really deserves it.”
This year, the girls have a lot of potential. Allie spoke about their objectives for 2016.
“This year we are shooting for a league championship. Last year we made it to the final game and lost, but this year we are hoping to get the win”
What an accomplishment for Junior Catie Ernest. 100 goals is a lot, granted she has only been playing lacrosse for four years. Hopefully there are many more goals to come for Catie in route to a successful Cowgirl lacrosse season. Also, watch out for Catie’s teammate Phoebe Shields, as she is just 21 goals away from 100 herself.
Congrats Catie and good luck this season!
