Carolina Villatoro of Northwood High School Named US Army Impact Player of the Month

Carolina Villatoro, who is a member of Northwood's girls lacrosse, field hockey and indoor track team in Montgomery County, has been named the County Sports Zone/US Army Impact Player of the Month!

Villatoro, a senior who recently graduated, was nominated for the award by Jennifer Buckley, who coaches both field hockey and lacrosse at Northwood. Buckley credits Villatoro as being an integral part of both programs transforming from having one win seasons, to each enjoying five wins during her senior year.

"The change in number of wins wasn't the only thing she contributed to, it was the feeling the team came into games with. They felt like they could win, they supported each other on and off the field- they wanted to do well for each other," Buckley wrote in her nomination. "She was a major part of that."

Villatoro was voted a captain in both sports and took the responsibility head on. During the summer, she would regularly schedule summer conditioning sessions for returning players so the whole team would be in better shape. She gave her very best during practices, trying to set the best example she could for her teammates. Villatoro was also a true team player, switching positions on the field so that her team could be put in the best situation to succeed.

Villatoro would always encourage her teammates to join her in trying their hardest. During games, she was an emotional and competitive leader.

"She was always in the moment," teammate Kacie Aruaz said. "She was emotionally present on the field, wanting to do well and wanting us all to do well."

Villatoro also managed to motivate and help her teammates without causing friction within the team.

"As a captain, she never made it seem like she was above us," Gabby Perez said. "She made all of us feel equal."

In addition to providing crucial leadership for Northwood, Villatoro was also a standout performer for the Gladiators. She was an all-division selection for both field hockey and lacrosse this year. Her 39 goals and 22 assists during the lacrosse season got her the most coaches all-division votes for a midfielder. Villatoro was also voted as the top midfielder in the division by the coaches.

For Buckley, Villatoro's heart and character are things she'll be able to use to motivate future Northwood athletes to continue to improve their programs.

"Those five wins don't sound like a lot, but it's a real great legacy for her," Buckley wrote. "A story I can tell future players, about how if you work hard and want it, you can do it."

Villatoro will attend Montgomery College next year, after which she plans to attend University of Maryland. She hopes to continue her lacrosse career by playing on the club team at UMD.

County Sports Zone would like to thank the US Army for sponsoring the Impact Player of the Month Award!

Click here to watch the video of Carolina being presented the award!

Congratulations to Carolina!