A lot has been happening in Caitlin Monahan’s basketball world these days.

First, the Mercer Island High School (MIHS) senior shooting guard and captain — who stands at 5-foot-10 — committed to play hoops next season at the University of Portland, and then she helped lead the Islanders to a pair of nonleague victories over Bainbridge and Inglemoor to tip off their campaign.

In a 71-27 victory over Bainbridge on Nov. 29, Monahan poured in 19 points, including five 3-pointers (MIHS had 13 total treys); and in a 58-51 triumph over Inglemoor on Dec. 2, she notched 10 points, six steals and a handful of assists.

Monahan, a fourth-year varsity player who captains the team with junior guards Anna Marsh and Kiera Kelly, provided the following analysis about what the squad strives to achieve along with executing its offensive and defensive game plans: “Just to be the hardest working team on the court and have the most energy. So when you walk into the gym, our coach (Martin Anderson) wants us to be the loudest and just to be positive and to make sure we cheer on our teammates.”

Things occurred quickly on the college front when she visited U of Portland on Nov. 8 and committed to the Pilots’ program four days later.

“The coaching staff was great. The girls were great, and so I thought that it’d be the best fit for me to attend there,” said Monahan, who began playing basketball in preschool and spent the last two summers traveling across the United States and competing at tourneys with her AAU teams on the Adidas and Nike circuits.

She’s always dreamt about playing college ball and aims to bring her shooting ability and leadership skills to Portland.

“I like to be very positive and just lead by example,” she said, adding, “Just making sure that you’re not only being supported by your teammates, but you’re supporting them as well and making sure that you’re put in the best environment to succeed and to follow your goals in life.”

The Reporter asked Monahan a series of questions to get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into her life:

* What would you say is your biggest pet peeve?

People chewing loudly.

* What’s a binge-worthy TV series that you’d recommend?

I love “Gossip Girl.” That was my favorite.

* What’s something that you’re afraid of that maybe you’d like to conquer?

I am afraid of snakes. I don’t know why. I just really hate them. So that would definitely be something to get over.

* If you could go to dinner with one person, who would that be?

I would say… this is a hard one. Got to think of them on the fly. I would say LeBron James. That’d be pretty cool.

* What’s your favorite restaurant on Mercer Island that you’d usually like to check out?

I like Gourmet Teriyaki. That one’s probably my favorite.

* What provides inspiration for you?

I guess before the games, I listen to music just to lock in and to stay focused. (Also) just quiet time before the game. Just visualizing the game ahead inspires me.

* What’s a go-to song or band for you that gets you going?

Oh, I really like Drake. Drake is good hypes.

* What’s your favorite movie of all time?

I really like “The Hunger Games.”

* What is it about that one?

I like the dystopian feel of it, and also just the competitiveness. Keeps me on the edge of my seat, not knowing what’s going to happen next.

* Kind of like a basketball game. You never know, right? So you can apply it there.

Yep.

* At Portland, what do you think you’re going to major in?

I’m majoring in nursing.