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Sports

From the Courts of Lakeland to the Oakland University O'Rena

Athletics and academics prove to be a recipe for success for Lakeland graduate Amy Carlton.

Athletics and academics has proven to be a recipe for success for Amy Carlton. A 2010 Lakeland High School graduate, Carlton had a distinguished career in the classroom and on the court in high school. She earned the President’s Award for Educational Achievement and the Academic Excellence Award. Carlton was a member of the National Honor Society and was a two-time Board of Education Achievement Award Winner. She was also a member of the Lakeland Leadership program and was the class secretary for two years. 

Carlton was named top female athlete at Lakeland High School in 2010 and earned distinction as a Detroit Free Press Scholar-Athlete Award winner in 2010. She led the basketball team to division and conference championships in 2009, and she was an all-conference and all-district selection in 2009 and 2010. Carlton was also named MVP in 2010 after being named the defensive player of the year, and was an all-conference and all-district soccer player as a senior.

Now, Carlton is a walk-on guard for the Oakland University Grizzles and is majoring in health sciences. She played in nine games for Oakland as a freshman coming off the bench before suffering a season ending injury against Toledo. In addition, she earned a spot on the Summit League All-Academic Team. Carlton came off the bench to score 3 points, and grab 2 rebounds with one assist in the 74-30 victory over Rochester College on Nov. 17. 

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Coaches and teachers make an impact

Carlton said many coaches and teachers made a big impact on her career, both in the classroom and in the gym.

“Simply put, Amy, or 'Carl' as the coaches sometimes referred to her, was and continues to be one of the most outstanding individuals to come through the program,” said Mike Head, her high school basketball coach. “Always more than just a basketball player, Amy is a genuinely-nice young lady who is the ultimate teammate."

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Head went on to say, “To give you an idea about Amy's character....Recently, when I texted her a message of good luck for the upcoming season, Amy not only replied with a 'thank you,' but she also inquired about the dates for our youth camps in December. Even though she's moved on to the collegiate level, Amy still wants to volunteer her time at Lakeland and be a role model for younger kids. Amy's smile is ubiquitous...but her effect on others, making them smile, is equally as predictable.”

Carlton’s ninth-grade English teacher, Brigid Piagentini, said, “One of the first things that comes to mind is that she is quick to laugh and always had a smile on her face. Not only was Amy an exceptional student, but she was also a delight to have in the classroom because of her energy and enthusiasm. She has always been a determined person — setting goals and striving to obtain them. As a student athlete, Amy was excellent at putting as much effort into her studies as she did in athletics.” 

Recently, Carlton sat down with White Lake Patch to answer a series of questions about her success as a student athlete at Oakland University. Here’s what she had to say.

White Lake Patch: What was the biggest thing you learned in high school that has contributed to your success at Oakland?

Carlton: I learned that academics are very important for success in college. If you work hard in high school, then college is an easier transition.

White Lake Patch: What did coach Head teach you that has made a difference for you academically and athletically?

Carlton: Coach Head and Coach Leithem were very encouraging throughout my high school basketball career. They taught me the importance of working hard and becoming a leader. Coach Head always encouraged me to be confident and enjoy the game. Both coaches had great passion for the game and they shared their passion with the team. Being a teacher, Coach Head also encouraged our team to get good grades which influenced me academically to do the best I could. He encouraged me to become involved in basketball camps and connect with the community which was a great experience for me. Another coach that has made a difference in my life is my travel AAU Waterford Wave coach, John Cooperrider. I played on his travel team for eight years starting at age 10. Coach Cooperrider was one of the most influential coaches I have had in my life and I am glad I had him as a coach. He was laid back and encouraging throughout our games which allowed me to build up more confidence. His practices challenged me to become a better player and the many weekends of basketball tournaments on the team brought more experience. Six of the girls on our team are all playing in college today thanks to his coaching and passion for us to do more after we graduate from high school.

White Lake Patch: What classroom teacher made the biggest impact on you at Lakeland High School?

Carlton: Mrs. Piagentini and Mr. Beacome made the biggest impact on me at Lakeland High School. Mrs. Piagentini was my freshman Literature and Composition teacher. She encouraged me to become class secretary for my junior and senior year, which helped me become a leader at Lakeland High School. She was very kind and also had a great attitude while teaching which made the class fun. Mr. Beacome was another teacher that made an impact on me because he encouraged me academically and was a great teacher. He would ask about how my family was because he taught my two older brothers before me and was a caring teacher who wanted the best for all the students.

White Lake Patch: What impact has participating in sports had on your success as a student?

Carlton: Playing sports has taught me the importance of time management. I could not procrastinate on my homework while playing sports because of the time and effort put in during the season. Sports also taught me to be a leader in the classroom. I would participate in classroom discussions and was eager to learn new things. I learned the importance of not being late from sports also which translated to school in that I was always on time to class.

White Lake Patch: How do you balance academics and athletics?

Carlton: I balance academics and athletics in a couple of ways. I have a planner with my practice and game times so that I do not miss any important dates. I also have a planner for my classes which informs me when my homework is due or if a test is coming up. At times it can be difficult to balance but in the end I make a goal for myself and pursue that goal throughout the season. When I am not playing basketball, I am studying for an exam coming up or finishing a paper that is due in a couple of days. It takes determination and hard work to balance academics and athletics which is why learning to balance the two earlier makes it easier as time goes on.

White Lake Patch:  How much time do you spend on academics and sports each week?

Carlton: 40-60 hours each week is put into academics and sports.

White Lake Patch:  What role do walk-ons play on the women’s basketball team?

Carlton: The role walk-ons play is being a team player and trusting in the OU Women's Basketball system. Walk-ons can be inspirational in that they are playing for the love of the game and put the same time into the sport as all the other players on the team.

White Lake Patch: Where do you see yourself in the next 4 years?

Carlton: I see myself in med school pursuing a career in physical therapy or physician's assistant in the next four years.

White Lake Patch: Do you see coaching in your future? If so, what sport?

Carlton: Yes, I am looking forward to coaching my own children in soccer and basketball when I get older. I love sports and want to share that love and enjoyment for sports with my own children down the road. I currently have a D license for coaching soccer which is something I may pursue in the future for fun. I have always had a passion for teaching and am currently teaching swim lessons at Lifetime Fitness in Commerce.

White Lake Patch: How will the experiences of being on the Oakland University women’s basketball team impact the rest of your life?

Carlton: The trips around the country will impact my life in that I will get to experience something I may not have ever had the chance to do. I also have the opportunity to play with some the greatest girls I know and develop lifelong friendships with each and everyone of them. The experiences with meeting senators, congressmen and other important people in the world is another thing that will impact the rest of my life. Overall, making memories on and off the court with my team and coaching staff will be something I will treasure for the rest of my life. I am very glad God gave me the opportunity to play a sport I love and play it with great people. 

White Lake Patch: What advice do you have for today's high school student athlete?

Carlton: The advice I have for today's high school student athletes is to never forget the "student" part of student-athlete. Academics are most important in getting you where you want to be in the future. Being an athlete is a privilege and always cherish the time you have playing the sport you love because it will be over sooner than you want. Believe in the talent you have and never give up in what you want to do because anything is possible if you are willing to put the work into it to make it happen. Lastly, get involved with your community because the experiences you have volunteering can be special and bring great memories.

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