At just 12 years old, Blessed Sacrament sixth grader Anna Kate Mercer is making her mark across nearly every sport she tries. A lifelong Isle of Hope resident, she treasures the friendships she’s built in the neighborhood, meeting friends at the park, the pool, the marina, and “the crabby holes.”

Anna Kate’s athletic calendar is full. She plays flag football, basketball, volleyball, softball, soccer, and plans to add track to the list this year. In the City of Savannah’s inaugural flag football league, she split time at quarterback and wide receiver for the Savannah Storm, helping the team capture both the season championship and the end-of-season tournament title.

On the basketball court, she plays point guard and wing for her school, while in softball she’s rotated through shortstop, second base, and the outfield. Soccer finds her holding the defensive line, and volleyball is still a developing skill set.

Basketball has been her longest-running passion, inspired in part by her idol, Paige Bueckers. But she says trying flag football this summer sparked another big dream — playing in college on scholarship.

Anna Kate credits her success to discipline in the classroom and on the field. She studies daily with a goal of earning all grades of 95 or higher and values the lessons sports have taught her, especially teamwork, communication, and encouragement. She remembers volleyball coach Jennifer Flemming for her steady support during the team’s first season.

Her advice to other young athletes is simple but powerful: “Practice how you play. Show up ready, give 100 percent, and don’t put too much pressure on yourself when things don’t go right the first time. Keep trying and never give up.”