Whiz Kid: Katie Mallow

Whiz Kid's Name: Katie Mallow

Whiz Kid's Age: 17

Whiz Kid's School:

Whiz Kid's Accomplishment: This year Katie, a 5-foot-9 shooting guard with the Lady Broncos, helped take her team to a wins at the Deep South Classic and the Region 8-AAAAA championship. She was also a lead scorer in the first-round of the state championship this year. As a junior, Katie showed prowess as a three-point shooter and helped lead her team to the state finals that year, as well. She will be graduating soon and heading to Appalachian State. Lady Broncos Coach Scott Terry has said the senior is a "pure, natural shooter."

Whiz Kid's Key to Awesomeness: Basketball isn't the only thing this student is concerned with. She's also pretty genuine and warm-hearted, which comes out especially when talking about her friend and teammate, Amanda Riley. Amanda died last year of cancer, and Katie has continued to help keep her memory alive. Katie has said that Amanda's tenacious battle helped underscore the importance of hard work, while having fun. "Anything could happen," Katie said. "We played every second as if we were about to be taken off the court.” 

Katie's parents also think she's a pretty cool kid -- well, she's almost an adult. When asked what makes her daughter so special, Katie's mother, Sarah said that "it would have to be her heart for others and her love for life. She is a joy." Katie's father, Sam, agrees with his wife. "The combination of her sweet nature off the court and her competitiveness on the court is what makes her special," he said.