Best of Wilmington Christian Academy: Girls No. 3, 2 and 1
In an effort to determine the best 10 male and female athletes at each Wilmington school (Ashley, Cape Fear Academy, Coastal Christian, Hoggard, Laney, New Hanover and Wilmington Christian Academy), I selected a panel of qualified individuals to vote. The participants included: former and current coaches, administrators and ADs, media members and even fans. Each individual voted anonymously with their No. 1 athlete receiving 10 points, No. 2 athlete receiving 9 points and so on.
The next school to have their 10 top athletes revealed is Wilmington Christian Academy. A total of 10 people voted and the results will be released throughout the week.
Monday, July 27: Boys and Girls 10, 9, 8 and 7 as well as honorable mention (anyone else who received votes)
Tuesday: July 28: Girls 6, 5 and 4
Wednesday, July 29: Boys 6, 5 and 4
Thursday, July 30: Girls 3, 2 and 1
Friday, July 31: Boys 3, 2 and 1
Girls Honorable Mention
- Hope Babcock (13 points)
- Raven Jordan (11 points)
- Erin Barcal (10 points)
- Caroline Fountain (6 points)
- Leigh Roberts (4 points)
- Heather Autry (3 points)
- Lydia Bradshaw, Molly Maguth and Kayla Ball (1 point)
Girls No. 10
Caroline Leggett (19 points)
Class of 2019
Photo by Tim Hower
Click here to read more about Caroline
Girls No. 9
Cassie Taylor (20 points)
Class of 2019
Photo courtesy of Lynn Taylor
Click here to read more about Cassie
Girls No. 8
Georgia Davis (36 points and 1 first-place vote)
Class of 2018
Photo courtesy of Shelly Davis
Click here to read more about Georgia
Girls No. 7
Ellie Kohl (45 points and 1 first-place vote)
Class of 2018
Photo courtesy of Wilmington Christian Academy
Click here to read more about Ellie
Girls No. 6
Sarah Funderburg (49 points and 1 first-place vote)
Class of 2018
Photo courtesy of Wilmington Christian Academy
Click here to read more about Sarah
Girls No. 5
Abby Squires (56 points)
Class of 2017
Photo courtesy of Abby Squires
Click here to read more about Abby
Girls No. 4
Courtney Mullinax (57 points)
Class of 2015
Photo courtesy of Courtney Mullinax
Click here to read more about Courtney
Girls No. 3
Jordan Baty (58 points)
Class of 2011
Photo courtesy of Wilmington Christian Academy
Baty competed in volleyball, basketball, soccer and softball during her career at WCA and was named All-State three times (twice in volleyball and once in basketball). As a senior, she helped the volleyball team claim the NCCSA 3A state title by putting down 16 kills in a four-set victory over Alamance Christian. A few months later, Baty led the basketball team to the state championship game, where they fell to Wake Christian. She finished with 10 points and eight rebounds in the finals and averaged 15.7 points and 9.3 rebounds in the postseason. Baty continued her volleyball career at King University, where she finished with 331 kills, 102 digs and 44 blocks in 192 sets.
“Jordan was an athlete who played with no regrets. When she was through, there was nothing left in the tank! She was such a naturally-gifted player.” – Anonymous voter
Girls No. 2
Jenny Goodson (73 points)
Class of 2001
Photo courtesy of Jenny Tyrpak
The current WCA volleyball coach was also a terrific three-sport athlete at the school during her prep days. Goodson competed in volleyball, basketball and softball and helped all three programs claim a NCCSA 3A state title during her junior year. She was All-State in volleyball and basketball. In the basketball title game, Goodson scored a game-high 21 points to lead the Patriots to a 47-35 victory over Gospel Light. WCA also finished third in 1999 and Goodson was All-State that season as well. Goodson’s basketball jersey was retired by the school. On the volleyball court, Goodson was a member of state title teams as a freshman, sophomore and junior. She continued her volleyball and basketball career at Clearwater Christian College, where she helped the volleyball team claim the NCCSAA Division II National Championship in 2004 after finishing as the runner-up the previous three years. Goodson was the National Player of the Year in 2003 and finished her career as the program leader in career kills with 2,383 in 599 sets. On the basketball court, Goodson was named a Second Team All-American as a senior.
“Jenny was always willing to reach inside and give a little more than you could ever ask her to. It was second nature. She embraced every practice and every game with no limits.” – Anonymous voter
Girls No. 1
Kate Maguth (87 points and 7 first-place votes)
Class of 2000
Photo courtesy of Wilmington Christian Academy
Maguth received seven of the 10 first-place votes to earn the title of Best Female Athlete at WCA since 2000. Maguth was a standout in volleyball, basketball and softball who claimed a remarkable seven state titles during her time with the Patriots. During her senior year, Maguth was instrumental in guiding all three programs to NCCSA 3A state championships. She also earned All-State honors in each sport. Maguth was a member of four other volleyball state championship teams and is the program leader for career kills. Her jersey was retired by the school. Maguth scored 11 points in a 47-35 victory over Gospel Light in the 2000 girls basketball state title game. On the softball diamond, she went 10-2 in the circle to help WCA cruise to its first championship since 1985 with a 17-5 dismantling of Faith Christian. She tossed a no-hitter in the semifinals. Maguth went on to continue her volleyball career at Tennessee Temple.
“The phrase, “if you don’t do it with excellence, don’t do it at all” would describe Kate in a nutshell! No one battled harder on the court and in the field than she did.” – Anonymous voter
