Senior Abby Arnold made MHS history on Jan. 25 when she surpassed the 1,000-point mark, becoming the tenth Lady Warrior in school history to reach this milestone. Soon after she moved to ninth on the list during the team’s game against Perk Valley on Jan. 31. At game’s end she had totaled 1,035 for her career.
I interviewed Abby to discuss her basketball career.
When did you first start playing basketball and how did your experience as a child make you want to continue playing?
Arnold: I started playing basketball when I was four years old, the earliest you could join a rec league. My mom played basketball and my grandpa was a coach for a long time, so they really pushed me to start playing. I always loved playing sports, so basketball was a new activity for me to have fun. My want to always win and the friends I have made have kept me playing.
What has been the most difficult part of your athletic journey up until now and how did you overcome that?
Arnold: The most difficult part of my athletic journey has been dealing with injuries. This past spring/summer I broke my back and my hip, which kept me out the entire summer. The summer going into senior year is huge for recruiting and for playing in big AAU tournaments, so it was really hard to miss that. Continuing to be around my teammates, both high school and AAU, is what helped me get through the toughest moments. They supported me the entire time. Just continuing to be around basketball kept my drive to get back.
Has there been a game or performance that you’re especially proud of? Why does that one stand out?
Arnold: A performance that I am especially proud of is the game that we won against Spring Ford at home earlier this season. Nobody expected us to win and it ended up being a huge win for us to get into the playoffs. I ended up scoring 19 points, but I was the most proud of how everyone else on the team stepped up. It was a validating performance for not only myself, but the entire team as a whole.
What went through your mind when you scored your thousandth point and what was that game like for you as a senior?
Arnold: Once I scored my thousandth point, a giant weight seemed to lift off my shoulders. As a senior there was always a thought in the back of my head that I could possibly get injured, causing me to not get it. It felt really good to score my 1,000th point, but I was relieved that I finally did it and could move on to the next thing.
What does reaching 1,000 points mean to you, personally, and for your team?
Arnold: Personally, reaching 1,000 points means a lot. It was a goal that I had set before my freshman year started and one that I have had in the back of my head all four years. Only the best players get their name on that banner, so for mine to go up there is really special. It was also a great moment to share with my friends and family. I had a ton of family members, friends, and teammates at the game that have spent so much time with me and they all have helped me achieve this goal.
How have your teammates and family helped you throughout high school and your basketball journey to become the player you are today? Any specific coaches or classmates you want to shout out?
Arnold: My teammates and family are my biggest supporters, and I wouldn’t be the player or person I am now without them. They are the ones that are there for me in the good times, but, more importantly, the hard times as well. They are the ones who supported me when I couldn’t play this summer, but also the ones that constantly instilled confidence in me as I was coming back. A few teammates that have become some of my best friends are Jenna, Lindsay and Emily. Jenna and I have been teammates for over 10 years and we have a sisterly bond that goes very deep. I sort of adopted Lindsay and Emily two years ago, around the end of my sophomore season. They are both people that I can count on to always be there for me and support me in anything I do. All of my teammates have taught me something new about basketball or myself in general, helping me become a better player and person.
What is your biggest takeaway from playing basketball at Methacton for the past four years? Any specific memories that you will carry with you?
Arnold: Iin order to be a great player you have to be an even better teammate. Coach Craig has instilled in the program that you are nothing without your teammates and has built a family dynamic that is very special. Some of my favorite memories are putting on giant temporary tattoos in Wildwood, going to dinner after practice/a game, and the green team winning Christmas Eve practice. When I think back to any of these moments it makes me smile and is a reminder to always have fun.
What does the rest of your season look like?
Arnold: We qualified for the playoffs this year. We play Spring Ford in the quarterfinals of the PAC playoffs and hopefully will be playing in Districts as well.
What are your plans for your athletic future (college, after college, personal goals, etc.)?
Arnold: I am going to be playing basketball at Arcadia University next year. My main goal is to learn as much as possible while also continuing to have fun.
As of Feb. 3, Arnold has recorded her 500th career rebound, becoming ninth all time at Methacton. She is the fourth member of the 1,000 point/500 rebound club and the only member to have 100 threes.
