Whiz Kid of the Week: Abby Casey

Whiz Kid’s Name: Abby Casey

Whiz Kid’s School: Fitch Middle School

Whiz Kid’s Accomplishments: 

Abby Casey is a well-spoken, no nonsense, industrious twelve-year-old who loves team sports.

Casey has been an avid basketball player with Groton Parks & Recreation and on her school teams. She recently tried her hand at softball.

“Last year was the first year I played softball,” said Casey, who intends to try out for soccer next year. “I thought I might try a new sport. I worked very hard to make sure all my skills were up to date.”

Casey found strength in her family, who donated long hours to prepare her for tryouts.

“I have very caring parents who are also into sports,” she said.

The young athlete enjoys team sports for their variety. She encourages others to get involved in sports for a healthier and active lifestyle.

“In dodge ball, to get back in the game, you have to throw and make a half court shot. And today I threw three,” Casey said. Her record is  five in a day.

She hopes to join the WNBA and said her favorite team is the Connecticut Sun.

“Katie Douglas is my favorite player, I think she’s something else,” said Casey. “She’s hard-working, dedicated, she can nail three-pointers like there’s no tomorrow. I just find her very, very interesting.”

Casey spends most of her time playing or coaching sports and participating in girl scouts.

“I eventually want to have a corporation that would help fund special needs kids to have their own sports [league],” said Casey. “A lot of people don’t realize that they have the same abilities that we have and sometimes even better. I think a lot of people need to know that and be aware of that.”

Key to her success: 

“The grades,” said Casey, who is a high-honors student. “Without the grades you can’t play sports. I do my homework consistently so I have the privilege of saying that I can play sports and make the grades.”

Best Advice: 

“Take a chance,” said Casey. “I didn’t think I was going to make the softball team because there were girls who had been playing longer than I had. I worked my hardest and ended up making the team and it ended up being a lot of fun.”

Know a great kid who made Eagle Scout, or helped your local soccer team take the championship?

Submit your nomination in our comment box below or e-mail the information to Jessica.hilo@patch.com. Be sure to include all of the following information:

●      Nominator's Name

●      Nominator's e-mail

●      Whiz Kid's Name

●      Whiz Kid's Age

●      Whiz Kid's School

●      Whiz Kid's Accomplishment

●      Whiz Kid's Key to Success

 If your nominee is selected, we'll contact you and assign a photographer to take a photo. For questions, e-mail Jessica.hilo@patch.com.