Athlete of the Month: Liz Beville

In the second grade a young girl living in Vermont picked up her first basketball.

Four years later, that same little girl picked up her first lacrosse stick.

Now, that girl is a member of both the varsity basketball and varsity lacrosse teams at Jamesville-DeWitt High School.

That little girl happens to be none other than senior Liz Beville.

Before Beville began her career at J-DHS she was an athlete in Vermont. In eighth grade, she began playing competitively for her Catholic Youth Organization team as well as her school team. This experience will always remain with Beville because of one special game. "Prior to (the championship) game I received a sportsmanship award that was given to one boy and one girl in the league," she says. "The ironic thing was towards the end of the game, I got called for an intentional foul for pushing a girl." Unfortunately, Beville's team lost in the championships. "I will never forget that game, though," she admits.

Although Beville's love for basketball remains, she's always had a passion for lacrosse as well. Her love of lacrosse sprung from her father and she has been around it her whole life. Steve Beville, her father, is the men's lacrosse coach at SUNY Cortland, who was crowned Division III National Champions in 2009. "I've spent countless cold spring days watching his games," Beville says. "I love lacrosse though, so a rainy cold day is nothing to me."

In sixth grade she began playing the sport in a recreation league because her school did not have a team. "(The league) wasn't very competitive at all," Beville admits. "When we moved to New York I was shocked because lacrosse was such a popular sport."

Beville moved from Vermont to Jamesville, N.Y., her freshman year of high school. "We didn't find out we were moving until mid-July, so the move was tough on (her and her sister)," she says. Beville began playing in a Sunday basketball league with her junior varsity teammates, which she said was nerve-wracking at first. However, Beville found out soon enough that she fit into J-D's athletic community.

Today, Beville continues to pursue her love of both lacrosse and basketball at the varsity level. Even though she may not play on a club sports team, she participates in multiple leagues in the offseason. "This summer I had lacrosse on Sunday, basketball Monday, lacrosse Tuesday, basketball Wednesday and again on Thursday," Beville says. "I also attended a couple of lacrosse camps during the summer."

Even though she has continued both sports throughout high school, her main interest continues to be lacrosse. "I dedicate myself 100 percent to whatever season I'm in, though," she adds. "It's hard to have time for both."

Somehow, Beville always finds a way to keep the balance between her sports and schoolwork. "I have to stay very organized when I am in season," she says. "I barely have time to watch TV during the season because I go from school to practice then home and start homework." However, the use of a planner where she writes down her game and practice schedule helps her to stay on top of things.

Hayley Nies, who coaches the girl's varsity soccer and lacrosse teams at J-DHS, commends Beville for her hard work, which she displays in both basketball and lacrosse. "She's a team player and is dedicated to the program," Ms. Nies says. She also stresses Beville's unselfish personality and her commitment to the team.

Rob Siechen, the girl's varsity basketball coach at J-DHS, describes Beville as both athletic and physical. Mr. Siechen stresses her strong leadership both on and off the court, and says she always comes prepared for games and practices. "Liz is a great asset to our team and program," Mr. Siechen says. "She has worked hard to earn her position on the team."
Beville's teammates have nothing but good things to say about her as well. Senior Michaelle Williams, a member of the J-DHS Girls Varsity Basketball team, has been playing with Liz throughout her high school career. "She always hustles up the floor and grabs loose balls," Williams says. "She works hard and is always doing her best."

Beville not only contributes such physical assets to the game but her teammates emphasize her positive attitude and great sense of humor. "She's never cocky and she is always there for her teammates," Williams adds. "I love her."

Sophomore Abbey Smith also looks up to Beville as an influential leader on and off the court one who always has good insight to give to her teammates. "She's a good defensive player, and always gives 110 percent," Smith says.

Beville carries her hardworking and dedicated mindset from the basketball court to the lacrosse field. Senior Tara Prosak, a longtime friend and teammate of Beville in lacrosse, emphasizes the intensity that she brings to the table, as well as her ability to focus. "She gets people motivated and is willing to step up when she is needed," Prosak says.

Even a negative aspect of Beville's game can be seen as a positive. "(Liz) falls a lot!" says Smith jokingly. But, she is that type of player who will always get right back on her feet, ready to help lead her team to victory.
"I think I have a been a strong team leader. I try to work to my full potential so I encourage others to do the same," Beville says. This attitude will guarantee her success in her upcoming basketball and lacrosse seasons.

In the future Beville plans to pursue her love for lacrosse even after her last high school season. "I hope to continue playing lacrosse in college," she says. "Either at SUNY Cortland or Western New England College."

Beville is not quite done at J-DHS yet, however. She still has her basketball and lacrosse seasons to finish off as her senior year rolls to a close. And in this case, the games are just beginning.