Hartland Patch Whiz Kid of the Week — Freshman Lindsey Pajot Joins Third Varsity Squad

Lindsey Pajot maybe only 14, but she's been a standout athlete for some time.

From the third to fifth grade, she was the only girl on a Hartland Area Youth Athletic Association football team, playing quarterback and cornerback. She's also has plays AAU basketball (she'll even be playing this weekend in a tournament), travel softball and competes with Hartland's swim club.

Now in high school, Lindsey is not only making varsity teams as a freshman, she's excelling on them.

In the fall, she qualified for the state swim meet finals in four events. This winter, became an instrumental force on the girls basketball team after several players were injured, helping to propel the team to its first 20-win season and a district title. And now, Lindsey is already on the team and could be the starting first baseman on a softball team expected to compete for a state title.

"Before all is said and done she could be the best all-around female athlete to go through Hartland High School," said Don Palmer, the Hartland's girls varsity basketball coach.

Carl Gabrielson, the girls softball coach, said Lindsey's commitment to learning and improvement is what sets her apart.

"She's a natural athlete," he said. "She always tries to do the best she can."

Lindsey, who credits her parents for their support by allowing her to play so many sports and driving her to her games, takes such praise in stride, saying her effort is what's important. She said her longtime friends who are on dance, cheer and pom teams also help keep her grounded, especially after a loss.

"I'm going to do what I'm going to do and work hard," she said. "I don't want get cocky or fall all over myself."

Holly, her mom, echoes her outlook: "She is a hard worker. She gives everything 110 percent."

Her success on the athletic field has crossover into the classroom, as well. A straight-A student, Lindsey would like to pursue a career in sports medicine and is interested in attending Miami University in Ohio.

Looking to the future, she has her sights set on getting better. In swimming, she'd like to improve on her times and set a school record in the 200-yard individual medley, while in basketball, she hopes to help next year's team win at least a regional title. In softball, she'd like to help the team improve on its district title last year.

Palmer says achieving consistently over a high school career won't be easy.

"It's a long haul," he said. "It's a grind on kids. … You hope she will do it. She's a very good athlete and a very, very intelligent athlete as well."

Lindsey already has learned to overcome adversity. She said the early football experience taught her a lot.

"I had to learn to be tough," she said. "The boys didn't like me playing with them. It helped me in my basketball."

Math — Lindsey says she prefers its exactness over more subjective subjects.