Amy Howard

Mandeville senior Amy Howard is a two-sport athlete with the Lady Skippers.

Howard has verbally committed to attend Auburn University and will play soccer for the Lady Tigers. Howard is a goalkeeper for the Lady Skippers’ soccer team and is also a starter and the leading scorer for the MHS basketball team.

Howard is averaging 16.3 points per game this year. Helping MHS to and 8-6 record. At press time, MHS was 3-0 in district play.

“I love having an opportunity to represent my school. It’s awesome being with my teammates and having fans support you,” Howard said.

MHS girls’ basketball coach T. A. Ricks said Howard means everything to the Lady Skippers’ team. “Amy has been selected our team MVP for the past two years. She is an exceptional leader and a great ball handler. Offensively, she can do it all. She can play inside and out. She is solid as a rock for this club,” Ricks said.

“I just thank the lord that she loves basketball enough to be able to contribute to our program as well as playing soccer.”

Splitting time between basketball and soccer, Howard has played in 11 soccer matches this season, posting nine shutouts, allowing just four goals. The Lady Skippers’ soccer team was 17-2-2 at press time.

MHS head soccer coach Sean Esker described Howard as a natural leader.

“Amy is a legitimate game-changer when she’s in net. She takes charge on the field and does a good job of organizing the defense. She has exceptional skills and reflexes,” Esker said.

What do you enjoy most about playing your sports? I love being a part of a team, representing my school. My teammates are my best friends and we have so much fun together.

What do you like best about being a student athlete? I like the challenge it presents. It is tough keeping up with your schoolwork and all the practices and games.

Do you feel an added responsibility of being a role model as a student athlete? People look up to you. You need to set a positive example. It is a great feeling working with the coaches.

Most memorable game? When I was a freshman on the volleyball team we won the state championship playing with Rachel Lindelow and Rachel Mauti. I thought that was awesome even though I didn’t play. That was an amazing feeling to be a member of a state championship team.

Who has been the most influential person in your school sports career? I’d have to say all of my coaches. I have never had a bad coach.

Each of them has taught me something. They have been concerned not just about sports, but about life in general.

Who is your favorite athlete? I like Phoenix Suns’ point guard Steve Nash.

Favorite team? U. S. A. women’s national soccer team.

What is your favorite subject in school? Math. (She is carrying a 4.0 grade point average.)

Plans after high school/ college major? Howard has verbally committed to attend Auburn University and will play soccer. She plans on majoring in secondary education to become a second grade teacher.

Favorite sports movie/ actor/actress? “Glory Road,” Brad Pitt and Hilary Swank.

Favorite type of music? Country.

Favorite food dish? I love salad.

Best vacation? It would have to be spending time on the beach in Florida.

Best thing about living on the Northshore? It’s not like a real big town like New Orleans.

When you walk around the lakeshore in Mandeville you know people. It’s smaller than a lot of places and I like that.

Hobbies/volunteering: I really enjoy reading Twilight. I help coach the PE classes at Mandeville Junior High. I also give soccer lessons. I enjoy volunteering with the National Honors Society.

Parents: Rick and Cheryl Howard of Mandeville.