Gillian Goldstein is the unsung hero of Honesdale's girls varsity basketball team
Editor’s Note: This is the first in a series of stories highlighting unsung heroes on the local high school sports scene … not necessarily the biggest star, but a player whose presence inspires her team and elevates the play of all those around her.
HONESDALE — Gillian Goldstein began playing organized basketball in seventh grade as a member of Honesdale’s junior high girls team.
From the very start, it was evident that she wasn’t destined to be the high scorer or top rebounder very often. However, it didn’t take long for Ron Rowe to see something special her.
“Gillian is one of the nicest, sweetest young ladies you’ll ever meet,” the Hall of Fame coach said. “But, then she steps on the court and there is a change.”
And what a change.
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A multi-sport standout who also excels on the soccer pitch, Goldstein is a fierce competitor with a tireless work ethic.
“Gillian just does not back down,” Rowe said. “She rebounds, plays defense, dives on the floor, ties up opponents for jump balls and gets five second calls.”
On most nights, the senior co-captain isn’t included among Honesdale’s starting five. However, Goldstein is first off the bench and always provides a burst of energy that fires up the crowd.
“I enjoy playing defense and bringing intensity to the game when I am in,” Goldstein said. “My role is to be a dependable player who puts my full effort into the game.”
Versatility is one of Goldstein’s calling cards, seeing time at both guard spots and small forward. She’s only scored 13 points so far this season, but plays hard-nosed defense and is relentless on the boards.
“Gillian really understands her role and she’s thrived this season,” Rowe said. “She contributes in so many ways, hitting several big shots to keep us in games and assisting on many others.”
Unsung hoops hero
Goldstein is the daughter of Eric and Alana Goldstein, of Tyler Hill.
She’s a fixture on the honor roll and serves as treasurer for the National Honor Society. In addition, she’s president of the Tri-Gal 4H Club, vice president of the Future Farmers of America and a member of the National Agricultural Issue Forum team.
Her plans after graduation include attending college on a pre-med track. She hopes one day to earn her doctorate and become an OB-GYN.
At the moment, though, Goldstein is laser-focused on doing whatever she can to help Honesdale on the hardwood.
“I love being a part of this team,” Goldstein said. “I have really enjoyed my time as a Lady Hornet and playing alongside my sister.”
The Red & Black are 8-13 on the season and seeded eighth among Class 5A teams. They’ll likely face top-rated Scranton in the opening round of this year’s District 2 tournament.
It’s a matchup that Goldstein is looking forward to.
“I’m definitely optimistic about the playoffs,” Gillian said. “Scranton is a very beatable team.
“We’ve faced a lot of adversity this year and really come together. I think we definitely have good chemistry. Every one of us contributes something.”
On paper, a Honesdale victory over Scranton would be an upset. The two teams met back on Jan. 17 with the Knights posting a lopsided win.
Nevertheless, Rowe believes that if Goldstein has anything to say about it, Scranton will have its hands full.
“At times it almost seems out of character seeing Gillian’s aggressiveness on the court,” he said. “Have you ever heard the phrase ‘Still waters run deep?’ Well, it really kind of sums her up.
“Gillian just comes ready to give the team everything she has. And she always does.”
For her part, Goldstein is grateful for the opportunity to play and to be a vital part of her team.
"I would like to thank coach Rowe for always believing in me," Gillian said. "Thank you to my parents for being at every game. Thank you to my sister, Natalie, and to my teammates."
This article originally appeared on Tri-County Independent: Honesdale girls basketball unsung hero Gillian Goldstein
