Radnor senior guard Nicole Massimino is Main Line Girls Athlete of the Week

Q: What has been the most important thing you have learned from your grandfather, Rollie Massimino? What is the most frequent question you hear from people about him -and what is your response?

A: My grandfather has taught me so much about the sport. Through the countless hours he has spent with me in the driveway, he has shown me how your attitude impacts each play. He has taught me how to be a resilient player, and how to improve my game through the little things that require no skill. Most frequently people ask me if he’s still coaching. My response is “yes” usually followed by an “I know, he’s crazy”!

Q: You had a couple of productive games down in Orlando, Florida this past week, scoring 20 points against University High School, then dropping in 15 points in a win against Dr. Phillips. Tell us a little about the trip – what was the most memorable experience you had down there?

A: We had a great time in Orlando together. Overall, the trip was a very relaxing trip for all of us, and we were able to really bond with each other and become closer on and off the court. The most memorable experience down there would definitely be the log flume rides we went on as a team and waiting to see who got soaked and who didn’t.

Q: How do you see your leadership role on the team as co-captain? How do you try to display leadership, both on and off the floor?

A: As a co-captain of the team, I tend to see my leadership as a more intense role. I am a very competitive person so when it comes to [leadership] on the floor, I work to make sure everyone is doing what they should be doing. Having Allison [Lanzone] as not only my best friend but a co-captain makes everything run a lot smoother. After so many years, we have become used to playing with each other so we as usually on the same page about everything.

 

Q: You’re a four-year starter who was on the floor for the Red Raiders’ first-ever district title in 2014 (against Villa Maria). What (in your opinion) has been the most memorable moment of your Radnor basketball career – can you share with us your feelings, emotions at that moment?

A: Winning the district title against Villa Maria my freshman year has definitely been my most memorable moment of my Radnor basketball career. Playing in the Pavilion was such an unbelievable experience especially considering how many games I have been to in the stands there. When Myonie {Williamson] made her second free throw to put us up by four [points] with little time left, I knew we had won. I was completely overwhelmed, but it was a very accomplishing feeling since nobody thought we would even be in the final game.

Q: What uniform number do you wear for Radnor? Is there a reason you chose that number – does it carry any special significance to you?

A: I used to wear No. 10 for Radnor, but last year I switched to No. 13, which is a family number. Both of my grandparent’s birthdays as well as their anniversary fall on the 13th. In addition, the Villanova exit and my lake house exit are both off of Exit 13.

Q: Who are your favorite basketball players? Are there any players that you try to pattern your game after?

A: Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges would have to be my favorite basketball players. Both of them never give up on any play, and they both unselfishly make plays to help the team in the long run. Their defensive efforts are what lead their team to big wins.

Q: Who have been your biggest basketball mentors, and what was the important thing each of them taught you?

A: My biggest basketball mentors would have to be a combination of my dad and my grandfather. My dad has coached me for about six years, and showed me everything from how to hold a basketball to how to take a charge. My grandfather has also played a huge role in my basketball career. He has and is still teaching me how to take my time and shoot a foul shot. Coach [Mark] Jordan has also been a huge mentor in my basketball career. He has taught me how to play at a high intensity while still having fun along the way.

Q: You have committed to Notre Dame for lacrosse. What most attracted you to Notre Dame, and what other colleges were in the running? What do you think you’d like to major in at Notre Dame? Is there a career path that particularly interests you at the present time?

A: Overall Notre Dame provides that large campus feel on a smaller scale. Notre Dame’s success in sports, and the school’s overall camaraderie to come together as one really attracted me to it. I would like to major in something related to business, but not one career path particularly interests me right now. I also considered University of North Carolina, Penn State University, and Georgetown University.

Q: What extracurricular activities are you involved in at Radnor other than basketball, lacrosse and soccer?

A: Basketball, lacrosse and soccer consume majority of my time out of school, but I am also involved in clubs including National Honor Society, Student Ambassadors, Students helping Students, and the Fishing Club.

Fun facts – Nicole Massimino

Favorite book: Fast Break.

Favorite author: Mike Lupica.

Favorite TV show: Prison Break.

Favorite movie: Dumb and Dumber.

Favorite athlete: Darrun Hilliard.

Favorite pre-game pump-up song: Lose Yourself.

Favorite team: Villanova men’s basketball.

Favorite place to visit: Lake Sacandaga in the Adirondacks.

Favorite pre-game meal: Turkey hoagie from Wawa.

Person I most admire: Mia Hamm.

Favorite color: Blue.

Birth date: July 19, 1999 in Philadelphia.

Family members: parents Chrissy and Andrew, sisters Megan and Melissa.

(To be selected as Main Line Girls Athlete of the Week, a student-athlete must first be nominated by her coach.)