Falmouth junior Caitlin Bucksbaum (flanked by coach Wally LeBlanc, far left, and athletic director Cooper Higgins) was recently named the Gatorade Maine Girls’ Soccer Player of the Year. Bucksbaum is the first Falmouth girls’ player to receive the honor. Bucksbaum scored 10 goals and had 11 assists to help the Yachtsmen win the Class B state title last fall and was selected as Falmouth’s Fall Female Athlete of the Year. Bucksbaum came to Falmouth this school year from North Carolina. She’s an ‘A’ student, belongs to the school’s Environmental Action Committee, has volunteered as a peer math tutor, youth soccer coach and with the Ronald McDonald House.

“I was really surprised,” said Bucksbaum, who has verbally committed to play at Villanova. “This has been a dream. When I was a freshman, I heard about people getting the award, but I never thought I’d get it. Wally really helped me out. The team was really good and passionate about the game.”

“(Catilin’s) so extremely driven,” said LeBlanc. “When she got here, she let her talents be shown, but what I was impressed with more was how much she cared for the rest of the team and was able to get along with the girls and find her role. I think it speaks volumes for the type of individual she is. I love watching her play. Her decision-making is quick and intelligent, but the passion is what I like most about Caitlin. She absolutely loves soccer.”


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