With a packed gymnasium of students, faculty, family and friends, senior Emily Wetz on Thursday, January 26 became only the second basketball player in Agnes Irwin history to score 1,000 points in her high school career.

 

In a hard-fought game against the Academy of Notre Dame de Namur, she scored 10 points overall and went down to the wire in her effort to claim a place in the Agnes Irwin Athletics record books.

 

As the game clock started, the Varsity captain was only nine points shy of hitting the milestone. In the first half, she pulled within four points but had a scoring drought until the final five minutes of the game. She surpassed the mark with a hard-won basket under the goal with 1:40 seconds to go. The Owls lost the game 54-33, but scores of students flooded the floor when Wetz scored point 1,001.

 

“I’ve been training for this moment since my freshman year,” said Wetz. “It was both nerve-wracking and exciting!”

 

Wetz joined Agnes Irwin in ninth grade after finishing St. Anastasia School in Newtown Square. She was recruited to the basketball program through the Carter A. Mannion ’81 Student-Athlete Scholarship. The scholarship is available annually to incoming Upper School (9-12) applicants who play two sports. Wetz also plays field hockey.

 

In her freshman year, Wetz earned a valuable position on the Varsity squad as a starter, clocking a significant amount of playing time.

 

She has been leading the Owls with an average of 12.2 points per game this season. In addition, she leads the team in Free Throws Attempted (61), Free Throws Made (36), Steals per Game (3.7) and Assists Per Game (2.3).

 

“Scoring 1,000 points is a huge milestone for any high school player,” said John Novarina, Varsity Basketball Coach at Agnes Irwin. “It says so many things…not just that she can score but that she was good enough to play at a young age and that she had the endurance to play at a high level for many years. The fact that she is Agnes Irwin’s second 1000-point scorer tells you how difficult an accomplishment this is.”

 

Wetz, who also captains the Varsity field hockey team, reflected on how she has advanced athletically over the years. “Without coming to AIS, I wouldn’t be the person I am today. Many people have shaped me into who I am. My coaches have been invaluable, helping me learn the skills I needed to become a better basketball player. Without them, I would not have been able to succeed as a player.”

 

Wetz is still deciding where she will attend college, but she does know one thing: “Wherever I go, I will be playing basketball!”

 

Wetz is active as head of the Athletic Association Board at AIS, making honor roll and relishing the intense and introspective discussions she and her classmates have during Bio-Ethics.

 

“Agnes Irwin has shaped me into a strong and independent woman. I have learned many leadership skills and also how to be a team player. In short, I have become a better person because of this school.”