A-K Valley Senior Spotlight: Leechburg’s Olivia Vigna

By: Ted Sarneso
Monday, December 18, 2023 | 1:41 PM

As a 5-foot-11 freshman, Olivia Vigna was going to be a focus of the Leechburg girls basketball team right from the start of her varsity career.

However, a dislocation of her kneecap in her freshman and sophomore years delayed her chance at playing.

“Olivia is like a unicorn,” said Blue Devils coach Andre Carter. “She’s been skilled since she was in junior high. Offensively, she can shoot 3s, she can play down low and her defense is exceptional. Her loss definitely impacted the success of our program.”

The first two years without Vigna were tough, as the team suffered losing seasons, including going 0-18 her sophomore year.

“My injuries taught me to keep pushing through, persevere and overcome the challenges before me,” Vigna said. “I went through a lot of physical therapy appointments, and some were more challenging than others. I was able to push through, and last year was the first time I got to play a varsity sport and I’m ready again this year.”

Last year, the Blue Devils went 7-12 and secured a playoff spot. This year, the Blue Devils are off to a 2-1 start and with Vigna healthy and in the lineup, they’re looking for a winning record.

“She is our quarterback,” Carter said. “We typically have the first pass go to her, and she makes the decisions from there based on what the other girls are doing. Our plays go through her.”

“It makes me happy knowing I can contribute,” Vigna said. “Last year, we went 7-12, and that motivates me to give it my all because it helped our team as a whole to get some wins and show improvement.”

Vigna took a few minutes for a Senior Spotlight Q-and-A:

What has been a key to the team’s turnaround?

Last year, it helped that the team got really close, and we were able to communicate with each other like we hadn’t before. We all worked together really well, and everyone had their strong suits.

What are some of the goals for this year’s team?

We’re going to try for a winning season, and we’re improving all over the court to do that. I know our defense is already better than it was last season. We also want to get through the entire season without any injuries.

What’s your role on the court?

I’m the tallest, so there’s no one close to my height, but I have to work extra hard down low, get some easy layups, box out and grab some rebounds.

What is the strongest part of your game?

I get a lot of blocks defensively. I get up and smack the ball down, and that gets me pumped up to seek out more stuffs.

What were some of your individual goals coming into the season?

I wanted to get a stronger jump shot and work on my 3-point shooting because we lost a couple of our 3-point shooters last year. I also think because of my injuries, I’m timid when going into contact, so I’m trying to go up stronger to the basket and get some easy layups.

What hobbies do you enjoy?

I like going to Sheetz and taking long car rides with my friends, working out and going on walks with my two dogs.

Have you decided on a college yet?

I haven’t fully decided on a college yet, but I’m leaning toward Clarion and I want to study to be a radiology technician.

What’s been your favorite high school memory so far?

Last year, in the locker room before practice, me and my teammates were goofing off and were playing human bowling. I was also on homecoming court, so that was a fun experience.

What is one fact about yourself that would surprise people to know?

I’m a really good baker. I just baked some chocolate cookies the other day.

What is one piece of advice you would want to leave your teammates before graduating?

Never give up, put in the work and overcome the challenges ahead of you.

Tags: Leechburg