Newsday's Athlete of the Week is Mount Sinai girls basketball player Mia Betancourt

Mia Betancourt does it all for the Mount Sinai girls basketball team, whether it's scoring, getting a rebound, playmaking or taking the jump ball. But, according to coach Jeff Koutsantanou, one of her best attributes is her leadership.

"That's what makes her so special, she always tries to make everyone better," Koutsantanou said. "She has taken the younger players under her wing and is showing them the right way to play."

Betancourt recognized that she is not only the oldest on the team but also has the most experience. So, she embraced that role and placed a strong emphasis on uplifting her teammates.

"It's nerve-racking being an eighth grader playing 17 and 18-year-olds. I always tell my teammates to have fun with it because there is no reason to worry," Betancourt said. "For some of these girls, basketball isn't their main sport, but giving them my knowledge after playing for so many [seasons] and seeing them use it has been rewarding."

When Betancourt is on the court, she is dominant. She had 19 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists in a non-league victory over Miller Place Tuesday, earning Newsday Athlete of the Week honors. 

"I play every game like it's my last," Betancourt said. "I don't really worry about who we are playing, I just know I have to go in and do my job. My goal is to outwork everyone on the court."

Betancourt plays soccer in the fall and golf in the spring. While she enjoys both, basketball is her true passion. She has committed to Division II Franklin Pierce University. 

"I've always wanted to compete at the collegiate level," Betancourt said. "I talked to some of the girls, and they were very welcoming. I felt like I was at home when I visited."

In addition to her performances on the court, Betancourt maintains a 95 GPA.

"I always find time to do my homework, no matter how late I get from games, Betancourt said. "I've always been great in the classroom and had a great connection with my teachers."

During the holiday season, she participated in her school's "Holiday Magic", where students donated gifts such as gloves, hats, jackets, and toys to those in need.

"It was my favorite thing to do during Christmas time," Betancourt said. "It taught me to remain humble and be grateful for what I have. You never know what someone is going through. Giving back has always been something I enjoyed doing."

Betancourt is determined to finish the season strong and lead the Mustangs back to the Suffolk championship and win the program's first-ever Long Island Championship.

"It was a feeling I never experienced before," she said of winning her first county title last season. "LICs didn't go our way last year, but I want to relive that feeling again and win the last game that we play."

By Jonathan Ruban

jonathan.ruban@newsday.com

Jonathan Ruban covers high school sports for Newsday after graduating from St. John’s.