Katie Browne scored 16 points and added five steals in Monday night’s basketball game, helping to lift the Blue Devils to 59-29 victory over visiting Copiague and giving head coach Mike Kaplan the 149th win of his career at Huntington. It’s the most ever for a Blue Devil girls’ basketball coach.
Browne distains the spotlight and all the flash that goes with being a star, but she’s been spectacular for Huntington in three different varsity sports, taking leadership roles in each and helping all three reach the playoffs.
The teenager has been a wonderful competitor and a cherished teammate. She walks away from every practice and game the same way; dripping in sweat, exhausted from giving Huntington everything she can.
Browne has starred on the Blue Devil girls’ soccer and lacrosse teams and been a superb player for Huntington’s girls’ basketball team, which currently boasts an undefeated 11-0 record.
The senior has been recruited to play lacrosse at Bucknell University and she has committed to the NCAA Division I team. The Pennsylvania school is getting someone who doesn’t hold anything back.
“Katie is one of the most outgoing and friendly girls I know,” fellow senior Teddi Carnesi said. “She is never afraid to break the silence in a room and get conversation going. It’s been a highlight of my high school experience to have the privilege to play two varsity sports with her. She is an excellent player that cares about her teammates. I have been friends with her since second grade and she has always been one of my biggest supporters.”
Browne is highly regarded by her teammates if not outright loved. She has been a strong leader and an outspoken advocate for the Huntington athletic and club programs and for promoting diversity among participants.
“Katie is the type of player who you know will leave her heart out on the court every game,” said Emily Plachta, herself a Blue Devil basketball star. “She plays baseline to baseline and is a huge asset to the team.”
Junior Gianna Forte has played on three separate sports teams with Browne. “Having the chance to be so close with Katie is so special to me,” Forte said. “Katie and I just click whether we are on the field or off the field. I’m going to miss her so much next year, but cannot wait to see all of the amazing things that she does at Bucknell!”
Browne has been close to coaches in all three of her sports. She’s a player they have come to depend on. She plays hard and she plays to win and when her team comes up short, she takes it hard.
“Our basketball season this year has been going extremely well,” Browne said. “We are currently undefeated and Monday’s win clinched playoffs for us. I am so proud of my team and really happy to be a part of something so special. Senior year has been very fun as well, I love all my classes and I’m really looking forward to spending these last months with my classmates.”