By Kim J. Harmon

Finding a successful balance between athletics and academics can’t be easy, but Newtown High School senior Kim Solheim has managed quite well.

Kim, 18, has been, is, and will be an integral member of the field hockey, wrestling and girls’ lacrosse teams this year and even with all the time she spends at practices, meets and games she has worked hard enough in the classroom to be ranked #21.

Her effort was rewarded last week when she was named Webster Bank Scholar-Athlete of the Week.

“I really think that during the season I’m able to manage my time better,” said Kim. “When I don’t have anything to do, I end up wasting my time. But when I know I’ll have practice or a game and that I’ll be tired afterwards, I get to work.”

Kim was nominated for the award by Newtown High athletic director Gregg Simon and last Friday she was taped by a News Channel 12 crew during her economics class and later interviewed along with her math teacher, Kevin O’Sullivan.

It was start of a busy weekend for Kim.

Last Saturday, the Newtown wrestling team hosted a quad meet with Immaculate, Thomaston and Brien McMahon and over the course of the day Kim had to hit the mat three times. Her first match in the 103-pound division was a thrilling, high-scoring 20-14 loss to Alex Crownin of Immaculate.

“Wrestling is so mentally challenging,” said Kim. “That’s the part that has helped me grow.”

Kim first thought about wrestling back in the seventh grade and although she thought it was cool and wanted very much to try out for the team as a freshman, her mom – naturally worried about her daughter’s physical and mental health – ultimately said no.

The following year, though, when friends persuaded Kim to try out again they were able to convince her mother to say yes.

But while she has a lot of fun wrestling in the winter and playing field hockey in the fall, lacrosse is the sport she will take to college. Kim has already committed to play next year at Division III Christopher Newport University in Virginia.

“I knew I wanted to play lacrosse in college – Division III or Division I club,” said Kim, “and (CNU) recruited me.”

The CNU women’s lacrosse program is only five years old. After a 2-9 season in 2001 under Nancy Billger, coach Kwame Lloyd has led the Lady Captains to a 27-33 record, 17-2 in the USA South Conference.

Although she is undecided about her major, there is little doubt that Kim Solheim will be able to balance her academic and athletic lives and continue to be a success in college.