In the chaos of the Olive Garden, December female Athlete of the Month, point guard Lily Oliva (12), hustles down the court, leading the Falcons to victory.
“It felt good,” Oliva said. “I think for it to happen again was something I wasn’t expecting. When I first opened Instagram, it was just a little bit shocking.”
This wasn’t Oliva’s first time as the recipient of the award, as she also had the honor of receiving Athlete of the Month last season. Her success on the court is often attributed to her leadership and drive, both on and off the court.
“Lily just immediately stood out as a person that leads by example,” varsity girls basketball head coach Scott Herrin said. “She does absolutely everything you ask of her, basketball-wise, school-wise, all of those things. She’s just a phenomenal young lady.”
Forward Harper Kelley (12) agreed.
“I think it’s cool because Lily doesn’t look for anyone’s approval or praise, so I think when she gets these awards and accolades, she’s not thinking about bragging about them or showing them off, but I really think she deserves each one that she gets, and the ones that she’s hopefully receiving this season,” Kelley said. “And, I think it’s cool to see hard-working people who put in the work outside of practice and games receive the recognition they deserve.”
As a four-year member of the varsity girls basketball team (10-5) and a senior captain, Oliva’s contributions are instrumental in her team’s success. With close to 1,000 career points, she is a key figure in the Falcons’ goal for a spot in the CIF Open Division playoffs.
Her leadership style extends far beyond her statistics. Described by Kelley as “welcoming and friendly” and a “natural leader,” Oliva plays a pivotal role in mentoring younger players on the team.
“I feel like being able to reason with a lot of girls that maybe might have a hard time fitting into their role here [are some of the biggest things I bring to the team],” Oliva said. “I feel like it’s empowering for me and other players to be able to build a connection with them, and get them on board with what our team expects of them, and what they should expect of themselves.”
Kelley, who began playing basketball with Oliva about six years ago, echoed this sentiment, noting the balance they work hard to maintain between being kind to younger players while also teaching them what it means to be a good teammate.
“We’re all trying to help each other out,” Kelley said. “It’s important to find that balance between encouraging each other and holding ourselves accountable.”
Herrin, who moved Oliva from shooting guard to point guard this season, praised her unselfishness, saying that Oliva gave up personal scoring opportunities for the benefit of the team.
“This team this particular year has an opportunity to do things that haven’t been done in over 15 years, which is become an [Open Division] team,” Herrin said. “And you know, it’s where our program should be…”
Oliva’s journey from her freshman year, when the team struggled with a 5-21 record, to a CIF Division II title last season, and up until now, where the team is set for their battle to become an Open Division team, was one of transformation.
Herrin believes this class of seniors, led by Oliva, has been pivotal in the program’s revival.
“This group of seniors has been transformational for our basketball program,” Herrin said.
The recognition of Oliva’s leadership goes beyond her performance on the court.
“I was just overcome with emotion, to be honest with you, because she’s just such a deserving kid for everything… And to be recognized for, you know, [her] steady play and being the rock of the team, it just makes me proud,” Herrin said.
In addition to her technical skills, Oliva’s support for the team has not gone unnoticed. Herrin recalled a moment the team shared in the locker room last season when Oliva reflected on the team’s last game of the season.
“I will always remember the conversations that she shared in the locker room afterwards… and just the words that she’s ended up saying about being dedicated to the next year because they only have one year left, but proud of this year because she gave it everything… And so the tears that were in the locker room from Lily when she was talking weren’t tears of necessarily sadness of not reaching the goal, but it was more of she knew she had given everything that she could to that season, and it’s more of a you’re sad it’s over, not sad that you lost,” Herrin said.
Her leadership, paired with the bond she shares with her teammates, contributed to a stronger dynamic this season.
“Our dynamic this year, I think, is a lot better than the past couple years,” Oliva said. “I feel like personally when me or another senior like Harper Kelley steps up, I feel like our team gets more focused, and we’re able to get things done according to what our coach wants and for us to reach goals that we set for ourselves throughout the season.”
In many ways, Oliva sees her recognition as a reflection of the team’s collective hard work.
“I just think the hard work and dedication that not just me but our team put into getting more attention towards our program, and I feel like how our success as a team has impacted our school, really brought attention from many students in the community, which maybe led to me getting the award,” Oliva said.
