Olivia Cardinale '24 Recruiting Profile

My name is Olivia Cardinale. Ever since second grade, when I started playing basketball, my dream has remained the same. That dream is to continue to play basketball at a competitive level in college. Despite what people say, I know I will make it because I am determined and don’t let people’s opinions get in my way. I have always been competitive. I love to win and, like everyone, I want to be the best, and like some, I strive to do so. Every time I set foot on a court, on a field, or in a ring, I give everything I have. 

A coach can always count on me to be there for my team. My team can count on me to always try my best and encourage them. A coach can count on me to be the first girl over to help someone up and the last to stay down when fallen. My team can count on me to make an extra pass to give up a good shot for a great shot. A coach can count on me to find my role and play it.

Finding one’s place on a team can be very difficult, I truly believe everyone on a team has a special role and specific thing they contribute. My contribution is not to score the most, although everyone loves a flashy, “and one” or someone who can shoot deep threes and I can do those things, but I don’t believe that that’s my role. I think my role is to work so hard that others will do the same. I think my role is to go out on the court and create opportunities for my teammates, whether it’s giving them an open shot or helping them on defense.

If I was playing basketball just to be seen or to be considered the best on my team I think I would have quit a long time ago. The reason I play is because I genuinely love it and because I believe God has blessed me with the skill and physical ability to play.