For as long as she can remember, Caitlin Monahan has had a basketball in her hands. Now a sophomore shooting guard at the University of Portland, she’s competing at the Division I level in the West Coast Conference — a dream that began on local Mercer Island courts and turned into something much bigger through years of hard work, family support, and an unwavering love for the game.

Caitlin grew up on the Island in a basketball household where the sport wasn’t just an activity, but a family language. Her siblings played, her parents encouraged it, and the driveway often doubled as a mini-arena. “I fell in love with basketball at a young age,” she says. “My siblings and I played outside every day. It was just part of our life.”

That early love for the game eventually turned into something more serious as she joined competitive travel teams. There was no single “aha” moment — instead, the desire to play in college grew gradually, shaped by countless tournaments, exposure to college coaches, and the realization that she could compete at the next level. “As I got older, I knew playing at the next level was something I wanted,” she explains.

When it came time to choose a college, the University of Portland stood out instantly. Caitlin felt at home with the coaching staff, team culture, and supportive environment the program is known for. The decision was also deeply tied to academics: Portland’s excellent nursing program aligned perfectly with her long-term goals. “I knew I wanted to major in nursing, and Portland was the ideal blend of athletics and academics,” she says.

Caitlin’s weekly schedule is what most people would consider intense — but to her, it’s simply routine. During the season, she balances daily weight-room sessions with 2.5 to 3-hour practices, and on some days adds extra workouts with teammates. Off-season brings slightly lighter training, though “lighter” still means multiple weekly weight sessions and on-court hours. The biggest adjustment? “The physicality and quickness of the college game,” Caitlin admits. “It’s a whole different level.”

Motivation doesn’t always come easily, but she credits her teammates for keeping her grounded and moving forward. “On days I don’t feel motivated, my teammates pick me up. They make me want to work hard for the team and for myself.”

Behind every college athlete is a network of people who make the journey possible. For Caitlin, that support system includes her family, coaches, teammates, and lifelong Mercer Island friends who have believed in her every step of the way.

Academics, social life, and athletics all pull at her time, but Caitlin has learned to adapt — leaning into structure, time management, and asking for help when she needs it. Basketball has given her more than physical strength: it has taught her discipline, confidence, leadership, and how to stay grounded under pressure.

For younger players looking up to her path, Caitlin is quick to shut down the idea that college sports are “too big” of a dream. “If you stick with it, stay disciplined, and surround yourself with people who lift you up, you can absolutely get there,” she says. She also stresses that college athletes are normal students too — balancing classes, friendships, and everyday life alongside their sport.

Whether she’s shooting around at The Lid Park, fueling pre-practice with applesauce, or preparing for another season of growth, Caitlin’s passion for basketball continues to move her forward. Her journey — from Mercer Island driveway battles to a Division I court — is still unfolding, with new goals and milestones on the horizon.

If her story were a movie, she says, she knows exactly what the title would be. But for now, one thing is certain: Caitlin Monahan is just getting started.