The love of sport drives a lot of scholastic athletes.

Some are fit, gifted and talented at one particular sport.

Others are blessed to have special abilites in multiple sports.

Carly Minchhoff always seemed to be ticketed to play basketball.

During her splendid high school career for the Marian Fillies, Minchhoff scored over 1,000 points, and was an All-State selection. She was adroit in just about all aspects of the game - excelling as a defender, rebounder and scorer, while playing with a rare sixth sense that all the standouts seem to have.

Yet her calling came in track and field where she demonstrated the ability to throw the javelin with ease and distance.

In addition, her academics were second to none.

So when Monmouth University offered her a scholarship to play the sport, Minchoff knew where she wanted to go and what she wanted to do after high school.

“I love basketball, but I also like throwing javelin,” the soon-to-be Marian graduate said. “I looked at everything and they have the courses that I want to take to be an occupational therapist. Plus, the campus in general made it an easy decision.

“I also wanted to help my family, and the fact that I received money academically as well was a big factor. So back in December I made the commitment.”

“I think it’s exciting and a testament to her hard work,” Marian head track coach Justin Hugel said. “Going to a Division I school is impressive,”

Her coach praised the effort, work and determination that has helped Minchhoff get to this level.

“For her to be able to step up and show the confidence and say ‘I’m one of the best in the nation,’ is a tribute to her and says a lot about her character and who she is. It’s not just by happenstance that it all occurred.”

Huegel said Minchhoff was in line to have a really big senior year, but suffered an injury and won’t get the chance to participate in the postseason.

Minchoff suffered the injury just three weeks into the season while training.

“My spike got caught in the turf and I injured my ankle,” she explained.

It put her on the shelf for the remainder of the high school season.

“It’s a big disappointment. But I’ve got to move on get ready for my (college) career, now,” she said.

Minchoff said it was extremely difficult missing the league, district and possibly state event.

“I do have a chance to compete at nationals in June, but I’ll just have to see how I’m feeling,” Minchoff said. “My career best throw is 124-9, and it’s a school record. But right now my main focus is getting ready for college.”

The daughter of Debra and Chris Minchhoff said her choice to attend and compete at Monmouth came down to two things.

“I always wanted to be within two or three hours from home,” she said. “And I’m close to the beach!”

Of course, she won’t be throwing the javelin on the sands of the Atlantic Ocean, but maybe she can take up another sport while at college - maybe beach volleyball.

After all, Carly Minchhoff is one of those athletes that seems to excell at everything she does.

Something that’s becoming harder and harder to find in these days one-sport athletes.