Andover's Caveney the Moynihan Scholar-Athlete of the Month

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TIM JEAN/Staff file photo Moynihan Scholar-Athlete of the Month Devon Caveney of Andover (right) played at the TD Garden almost as often as some Celtic benchwarmers. TIM JEAN/Staff file photo
CARL RUSSO/Staff file photo. Andover's Devon Caveney (10) scored 1,205 career points but she was wasn't afraid to leave some skin on the floor either. The Williams recruit helped the Golden Warriors to three Division 1 state titles.
Devon Caveney: 1,205 points

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March 8, 2013

Andover's Caveney the Moynihan Scholar-Athlete of the Month

Andover's Caveney followed blueprint to the top

By Michael Muldoon mmuldoon@eagletribune.com The Eagle Tribune Fri Mar 08, 2013, 12:24 AM EST

Devon Caveney set her sights sky high.

She wanted to play basketball at Williams College, one of the country’s most prestigious schools.

The Andover High senior sharpshooter didn’t have to look far for the blueprint.

Golden Warrior coach Jim Tildsley knows a thing or two about play for the Ephs. His daughter, former Brooks star Kaylan, had a brilliant career at Williams, earning conference co-Defensive MVP honors in basketball and first-team All-American recognition in lacrosse. She is now a vice president at Goldman Sachs in New York City.

Caveney achieved her goal and was accepted into the Class of 2017.

“He was a great influence,” Caveney said of her coach. “I talked to his daughter. It seems like an amazing school.”

Caveney, a four-year mainstay, put an end to the doom and gloom predictions that Andover might be in free fall after the graduation of the great Nicole Boudreau, who carried the Golden Warriors to three straight Division 1 titles.

With Caveney leading the way, Andover went 18-7 including a win over top seed Lynn English in the North quarterfinals. Central Catholic ousted Andover in the North semis.

There were more highlights this winter to a highlight-filled career for Caveney, who was also a captain in soccer. She finished with 1,205 career points (fifth most in the program’s history) and reached 1,000 in storybook fashion with a rare 4-point play.

“That was amazing. I’ll never forget it,” said Caveney.

Tildsley won’t soon forget Caveney.

“She had a great four-year career,” he said. “She has never missed a practice or game. She is all about winning and will do anything for the team. She’s one of the hardest workers I’ve coached, a coach’s dream. I’m just so happy she’s going to Williams where my daughter played. I’m looking forward to seeing her play there next year.”

Caveney, who likely will be named an Eagle-Tribune All-Star for the third time, realized early on if she put her all into both athletics and academics the combination could help her do great things.

“I have the grades but basketball got me in,” said Caveney, who averaged 15.8 points and made 66 3-pointers this winter.

This year her demanding course load includes calculus, AP Environmental Science and AP Spanish. Andover has had so many elite players and championship teams over the years and Caveney got the bug early.

“I remember going to watch when they won it all in 2003,” recalled Caveney, whose brother, Sean, a sophomore, skis and runs track for the Golden Warriors. “I was only 7. I loved it. Ever since then, I wanted to play at that level. Just winning the three titles, it’s been a dream.”

She received good coaching early. Her father, T.J., coached most of her travel teams. He was a star at Tewksbury High (Class of ‘78) and grew up on the same street as Pentucket’s great coach John McNamara.

Previous Moynihan Winners

Month Boy Girl

September Will Heikkinen, Andover football Jackie Solimine, Haverhill cross country

October David Rose, North Andover soccer Brenna McNally, Pinkerton volleyball

November Zach Vieira, Brooks soccer Ashlee Korsberg, Andover swimming

December Andrew Wells, Whittier basketball Abby Galloway-Burke Methuen basketball