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The versatile senior guard/forward and captain, a first team All-Inter-Ac girls basketball selection last winter, has a wide range of skills that have been a key factor in the strong start by the Irish this season, averaging 9 ppg, 5 rpg, 2 apg and 2 spg. Academy of Notre Dame girls basketball head coach Terry Mancini said, “Lizzie is everything you could ask for as a coach. Her leadership is outstanding on a relatively young tea, and her play has been equally impressive. She will do whatever is needed to help her team win.” Halligan’s older sister Katie also played basketball for Academy of Notre Dame, and Lizzie is committed to play basketball for the University of Scranton, the same school where both of her parents (Mark and Lynne) played the game. Lizzie plans to major in marketing at the University of Scranton.
Q: Last winter, you averaged nearly two steals per game and 2.1 deflections per contest. What in your view is the biggest key(s) to effective defense and making a steal?
A: My defense fuels my offense. In the offseason I work on sharp movements and quick reactions which translate well to the game. I position myself correctly when I’m one or two passes away from the ball so I can come up with a quick steal.
Q: What aspect of your game did you work on most during the past off-season?
A: This off-season I focused a lot on my upper and lower body strength. I was in the gym 3-4 days a week lifting weights and pushing myself to get stronger. My strength has helped me a lot this season with rebounding and being stronger defensively. I also worked on my three-point shot. I emphasized having a strong grip on the ball and maintaining a consistent follow-through.
Q: Tell us a little about your start in competitive basketball – have you been more of a guard or a forward?
A: I grew up being the tallest on my teams so I was more of a forward in my younger years. I have expanded my game to be able to play more along the perimeter by working on my jump shot and ball-handling skills. I still have post moves and the rebounding skills I utilized as a forward which makes me a versatile player. A unique thing about my game is that I can guard players 1-5, which makes each game a fun challenge.
Q: You mentioned your former teammate and one of your best friends, Maeve McErlane, as being your top basketball mentor in recent years. What was the most important thing you have learned from her?
A: I was able to observe Maeve’s work ethic when she was in high school and it’s really had an influence on me as a player. She set me up with my current strength and conditioning coach (Rich Bruno) and basketball trainer (Chris Cowles), who also have played an important role in my success. Being able to work out by her side is fun too.
Q: What has been your favorite experience with the Academy of Notre Dame basketball team to date?
A: I love the little things we do as a team. Simply going out to eat after a practice or a game creates the best memories. We also enjoy going to watch other local teams play.
Q: You wear uniform jersey No. 11 for both Academy of Notre Dame and AAU basketball – is there a reason you chose that number?
A: I wear No. 11 because my grandparents’ anniversary is November 11. The number 11 has also been worn by a lot of my extended family members.
Q: What is your favorite academic course at Academy of Notre Dame? Is there a career path that particularly appeals to you at the present time?
A: My favorite academic course at Notre Dame is Stem Ethics. It’s a discussion based class which I enjoy because I like public speaking. I want to be in sports marketing and work at a University or professional team.
Q: What attracted you to the University of Scranton?
A: What attracted me to Scranton was the great Jesuit education. Coach O’Brien was very persistent in recruiting me as well. He attended majority of my AAU games and actively kept in touch with me. I also felt very welcomed on my overnight visit back in the fall. It will be cool to play the same place my parents did too.
Fun facts – Lizzie Halligan
Favorite TV show: SWAT or Gilmore Girls.
Favorite movie: Grown-ups.
Favorite athlete: Wilt Chamberlain.
Favorite pre-game pump-up song: Fair Trade.
Favorite team: Duke University men’s basketball team.
Favorite place to visit: Hilton Head, S.C.
Favorite pre-game meal: Steak, potatoes, broccoli.
Person I most admire, and why: “My dad and my Pop-Pop. They are my No. 1 fans and support me through anything.”
(To be selected as Main Line Girls Athlete of the Week, a student-athlete must first be nominated by her coach.)
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