UPDATE: Carmel junior guard Anna Chilcutt has made headlines by shattering the offseason shooting record with an astounding 100,000 shots taken. This extraordinary feat underscores her relentless dedication and marks a new chapter for the Corsairs as they aim for victory this season.
Chilcutt, known not only for her sharpshooting but also for her baking skills, has become a fan favorite among her teammates. “I make banana bread bars,” she stated. “My teammates love them. I bring them every single time to games—24 bars each time.” Her passion for baking has even led her to start a cookie company, generating excitement and additional income during the busy holiday season.
With a current average of 4.0 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.0 assist per game, Chilcutt’s contributions extend beyond scoring. Ben Berg, the Corsairs’ coach, commended her remarkable progress, saying, “Anna has greatly improved in a lot of different areas. She put in a lot of hard work in the offseason. She’s playing great defense, rebounding and shooting the ball really well.”
Chilcutt’s determination stemmed from a challenging previous season, where she felt her impact was minimal during a regional final loss to Libertyville. “I wanted more out of it,” she recalled. “I remember only playing three or four minutes and thinking to myself, ‘This is not happening next year.’”
The previous record for offseason shots was held by former guard Ashley Schlabowske at 60,000, a milestone Chilcutt surpassed without realizing it. “Shooting and going to the gym became a routine for me,” she explained. “I would count them and put them on a spreadsheet, making 75 to 100 threes before leaving most workouts.”
Her teammates have taken notice of her commitment. Junior guard Grace Booher praised her efforts, stating, “No one on the team has put in more extra work than Anna. Attempting 100,000 shots is an amazing example of her dedication.” Senior guard Josie Hartman echoed these sentiments, highlighting the visible transformation in Chilcutt’s confidence this season. “You can really tell how much she’s put in just by her confidence shooting the ball,” Hartman said. “Attempting 100,000 shots is insane, and you can tell how much it’s paid off.”
As Carmel leads the East Suburban Catholic Conference with a current record of 12-4 and 4-0 in league play, Chilcutt’s role in their success is undeniable. Her hard work and determination serve as an inspiration, not just for her teammates but for aspiring athletes everywhere.
Looking ahead, all eyes will be on Chilcutt as she continues to elevate her game, combining her skills on the court with her sweet treats off it. The Corsairs are set to take on their next opponent soon, and fans are eager to see if this remarkable young athlete can keep breaking boundaries both on and off the court.
