By Mark Ambrogi
Center Grove High School senior basketball player Lindsey Walker averages around two points a game.
But her contributions can’t be measured in numbers. She is the consummate teammate and leader.
“Lindsey has consistently put in the work as a basketball player,” Center Grove coach Kevin Stuckmeyer said. “She shows up every day with great enthusiasm and a consistent work ethic that has allowed her to be a tremendous asset for our team. She has become a quality leader for us and was selected as a team captain by her teammates as a senior. She sets herself apart as a tremendous teammate that is very coachable, treats others with tremendous respect, and makes others around her better. She is one of our best leaders off the floor.”
Stuckmeyer said Walker has a willingness to accept her role and do what is best for the team.
Walker, who comes off the bench, said it was very special to be selected captain by the teammates.
“It made me feel really good to know that my teammates have confidence in me to be a captain,” she said. “I just try to make my teammates better every day. The culture of our team is so great that it’s fun to be around them.”
Stuckmeyer said Walker’s biggest improvement as a player has come in her ability to defend and take care of the basketball.
“She has shown tremendous growth in these two areas that have allowed her to become a well-rounded player,” he said. “She has always had a tremendous ability to shoot the ball from the outside and really worked hard to grow in this area as well. But as a senior and three-year varsity player, her basketball IQ has taken a major jump as well.”
Stuckmeyer said Walker dressed as a freshman and saw limited action. She will earn her third varsity letter this season.
Walker said shooting is where she has improved most.
“Beginning a few years ago, I began putting a big focus on the ability to knock down open shots,” she said. “I wanted to build the muscle memory required to make my shot very repeatable to get consistent results.”
It paid off last season, making for her biggest basketball thrill. She hit the game-winning 3-pointer in overtime to beat Roncalli.
“The crowd went crazy, and my teammates rushed out to me and were so hyped,” Walker said. “It was such a great experience. I’ll never forget it.”
the basketball team. (Photo courtesy of the Walker family)
Walker said she tries to bring the energy whenever she comes into the game.
“I try to hit my open shots, play defense, try to get rebounds and do whatever is needed,” she said.
Walker started playing basketball when she was 4 years old. She played softball and soccer for a couple of years growing up, but soon focused on basketball.
“I love the game of basketball and everything about it,” Walker said. “Since I was young, I have had a lot of passion for it. Whether it’s going to practice, a training workout, or a big game, I can’t wait to get there and get started. I love the competitive nature and the team aspect. Basketball has given me so much over the years.”
Walker said she grew up watching her brother Ryan and sister Jenna play basketball. She also has gone to Indiana University basketball games for years.
Ryan, a 2015 Center Grove graduate, played football while Jenna, a 2018 graduate, competed in track and field.
THE WALKER FILE
AGE:18
HEIGHT: 5-foot-6
SPORT: Basketball
CLASS: Senior
POSITION: Shooting guard
COLLEGE PLANS: Undecided; considering optometry and sports marketing
HOBBIES: Hanging out with friends and family, shopping, watching new movies
FAVORITE SUBJECT: Math
FAVORITE TV SHOW: “Criminal Minds”
FAVORITE MOVIE: “The Blind Side”
FAVORITE ATHLETE: Steph Curry
FAVORITE MUSICIAN: Cody Johnson
PARENTS’ NAMES: Todd and Tammy Walker
