Senior Spotlight 13: Alivia Thompson (Blackhawk)

Alivia Thompson stands in the middle of Wheeling University's basketball court with a Wheeling basketball uniform on.

SOURCE: (Twitter, @aliviaathompson)

One in a series on tributing high school seniors, who are about to graduate high school from the WPIAL & City League.

Name: Alivia Thompson

School: Blackhawk

Sports: Basketball

Future College: Wheeling University (Will play Basketball)

Future Major: Business Marketing

Questions & Answers

Up to this point, what has been your favorite high school memory?

Alivia Thompson: Beating Central Valley last year at their place. They are our rival school.

Off the top of your head, what is the most amount of points that you have ever scored in a basketball game?

AT: 19

You had prom on Friday, and you played in the Roundball Classic game on Saturday for the 4A girls team. How did you manage to deal with all of that in a short period of time?

AT: Well, with being an athlete, and having a personal life as well, you kind of learn to adapt to having a busy schedule, so it wasn’t much of change for me. It was kind of normal. I was definitely tired the next morning though.

Back in December 2020, you committed to Wheeling University to continue your basketball and academic career. What made you decide to commit there?

AT: The coaching staff and the players really influenced me to commit there because it was truly an amazing atmosphere. They really made sure I understood that if I went there, I would be treated like family and that’s one of the biggest things I was looking for during my recruitment process. Coming from Blackhawk, we preach family and take care of each other like our own. So, when I found that out at Wheeling, it was pretty hard to turn away from.

In the past year, your two assistant basketball coaches at Blackhawk passed away because of cancer. If you can, tell me how that has affected your team and how were you all still able to play during a difficult time?

AT: Honestly it was rough, and felt impossible at times even. At first, when we lost coach Amalia, it felt so unreal. He was a father figure to me, and he taught me how to love and play the game of basketball so that really hit hard for me and for all of us. Then, when Coach Mike passed, at that point it really just felt impossible to even want to pick up a basketball at that point. Both our coaches were gone just like that, so quickly. Every practice, there would be a moment where it felt like both those guys were going to walk into practice, start their yelling, and begin their endless jokes. But, then you kind of remembered that they are really gone. It was really just hard to play while we were all trying to deal with both losses, and grieving without trying to show it especially seeing Coach Lodovico having to deal with losing a best friend and his father, it was really just hard. At one point, we kind of just realized both coaches would’ve been yelling at all of us to pick our heads up and keep playing, so we did, for them. We realized we needed to play with a purpose and try to win this thing for them. The season didn’t end how we wanted it to, but we fought so hard all season and I couldn’t be more proud of my team and coaches. They are my family forever.

Ok, who would you say is one of your favorite basketball players?

AT: Lebron James, his style of play is just amazing.

Favorite class that you have ever taken at Blackhawk?

AT: Ceramics

What do you think was the best food item that Blackhawk's cafeteria served?

AT: Definitely the Popcorn Chicken bowl

What would you say is one of the funniest moments that have ever happened during your time at Blackhawk?

AT: There is definitely a lot, but basketball wise, it would probably have to be when my teammate Casey Nixon walked into her first practice of her freshman year and chucked up a shot that completely missed the hoop and bounced off the scoreboard on the wall. We all laughed as Coach Amalia proceeded to scream, "What the crap Casey?". Coach Mike was over on the sideline just shaking his head.

What do you think you will miss the most about high school?

AT: All of the friendships I’ve made with both my friends and teachers.

What is something that people would be surprised to know about you?

AT: I love to paint.

Brentaro Yamane: bkyamane@gmail.com and Twitter/Instagram @BYHilton13