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Fresh off a four-goal performance — including a seven minute hat trick — against Bowdon, Kate McAteer was voted The LaGrange Daily News’ athlete of the week.

McAteer is a dual-sport athlete, playing soccer and volleyball, but soccer is her primary focus. She started kicking a soccer ball at seven years old but did not start taking it seriously until she was about 13.

“It kind of just switched from something I went out and played for fun to more competitive,” McAteer said.

This is McAteer’s first year at Callaway after being a Warner Robins native her first two years in high school.

“There’s not a whole lot of change, the team is different and the environment is different, but it’s still the same level of competitiveness,” McAteer said.

Despite this being her first season on the pitch for the Cavaliers, she has fit like a well-worn glove.

“We have a really good energy and chemistry between everyone, and it’s always upbeat, there is never a dull moment,” McAteer said.

McAteer loves being a team player wherever she plays.

“I do like putting the ball in the back of the net, but I also feel really good when I can help out other people and assist them as well,” McAteer said.

Since McAteer has moved to Callaway, she has seen her game grow.

“I have definitely been able to focus more on my technical skills and just get better,” McAteer said. “I’ve had a lot more training opportunities than I used to have.”

Her favorite tradition at Callaway so far: the annual breast cancer awareness game.

“I really did like that a lot, especially the pink jerseys, they are my favorite,” McAteer said. “We actually get to keep [the jerseys].”

Callaway Head Soccer Coach Mike Petite said that the offense runs through McAteer, who is a special player for Callaway, but the respect goes both ways.

“We have a really good relationship and he’s a good coach,” McAteer said. “He’s definitely bringing the program up a lot, and he does a lot to help everybody out.”

Coach Petite is not the only coach that has had a big impact on McAteer on the pitch.

“I had a coach a while back, Coach Hollis,” McAteer said. “He was the type of coach you hated having in the moment but looking back at it he helped me in many different ways.”

McAteer does not just lace her boots up for Callaway, she is also a member of North Georgia Soccer Academy club team based out of LaGrange.

Before she puts on her shin pads and takes the field for club or school, McAteer has a go to pre-game meal.

“An eight-count nuggets meal with a sweet tea and Chick-Fil-A sauce,” McAteer said.

She also listens to NBA YoungBoy and NLE Choppa before games to get her blood flowing.

McAteer participates in Key Club, which is involved in community service and is also a member of National Honor Society and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

In her free time, you can find McAteer in a deer stand when hunting season comes around. When she is not hunting, she enjoys relaxing and hanging out with her family.

She looks up to her parents and her Aunt Paula.

“My Aunt Paula is one of my big motivators,” McAteer said. “She’s very loud and out there, and she’s on my butt about things and will always help me out.”