Whiz Kid: Baldwin Lacrosse Standout Ali Thaler

This week's Whiz Kid: Ali Thaler

- School:  freshman; Ali lives in Ardmore

- Accomplishment: In her second year as a varsity player, Ali reached 100 career goals and has amassed more than 80 goals just in the 2012 season, according to Baldwin.

The Pennsylvania Area Schoolgirls Lacrosse Association named Ali "Rookie of the Year, awarded to a 9th grader on varsity who has an outstanding individual season and contributes significantly to her team’s success," according to the criteria listed on the PASLA website.

"I was surprised, but I was so excited because there are so many amazing freshmen in the area," Ali said. "I felt so honored to be chosen out of all of them."

- Key to awesomeness: Ali started playing lacrosse when she was in third grade, with Lower Merion Youth Girls Lacrosse. Ali usually plays attack and mid-field, she said.

"Attack is my favorite—my favorite thing is just getting the ball and figuring out how to get it past the other team's defense," Ali said. "I also think defense is really important, so that's why I like mid-field."

In addition to lacrosse, Ali is also involved in Model Congress, Lamplighters (Baldwin's student tour guides), the Baldwin Athletic Association, Feed the Children and Girls Learn International. She also helped start the Chinese conversation club this year.

"I have to really stay on top of my schedule—if I don't dawdle around or lose track of time, it's not overwhelming," Ali said. "I actually like having a lot to do. I get it all done if I stay really organized."

Ali also said she wanted to thank Coach Simone, of the Baldwin varsity team, her other coaches, her parents and The Baldwin School for their support.