After Abby Lustig ’15 dropped a career-high twenty-two points in a knock-down, drag-out game against New Canaan in late December, every team in the FCIAC began to take notice of a great talent on the Staples girls’ basketball team.

Still just a junior, shooting forward Abby Lustig ’15 has carried her team this season in earning the Girls Athlete of the Season Award.

Lustig, always willing to give credit to her teammates, said, “I’m just glad that I’ve been able to contribute to the team effort.” She says that positive attitudes, good body language, and keeping her head up helps propel the team to victory.

Head Coach Ed Huydic said that while the rest of the league may have been surprised by Lustig’s performance this season, he certainly was not. Huydic calls Lustig “unflappable” and a “go-to player.”

Lustig prides herself on never giving up no matter the score. She says, “Good things happen when we work hard, stay aggressive, and don’t give up.”

This mantra proved especially true during another contest with the New Canaan Rams in late January. “When New Canaan took the lead, we knew we couldn’t let the game slip after we’d fought so hard. One strong take, one made shot led to the next, and we ultimately emerged with a win” Lustig said.

Julia Bartimer ’16 says Lustig, who averaged double-digit points, “is always able to take charge.” Bartimer points to a previous game against Ludlowe where a lackluster first half for the team led to an inspiring second-half performance from Lustig. “Abby started knocking down shots” and “gave the team momentum” Bartimer said.

Huydic compliments Lustig’s “coachability,” and says that he hopes Lustig will continue to improve with intentions of coming back next year as a positive senior captain.