Posted: Jan 24, 2020
Nicole Rivera is in her second year on the varsity and is averaging season-bests of 8.0 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.1 assists while hitting 27 three-pointers. She has scored in double figures in seven games this season including a season-high 14 against Ridgeview. She is the school's nominee for Jersey Mikes Naismith Courage Award. She overcame an ACL injury entering her freshman year, doubts about her participation in the sport last year and an ankle injury this season. She is Vice President of the La Familia Club outside of hoops.
How does it feel to be starting this year and contributing in your senior year?
"It feel great. I've made great relationships with a lot of the girls. It is a fun thing to do and play basketball together."
Looking back on your injury, how did that shape your career?
"It helped me overcome my fears and helped me push. It defined what I wanted to do with basketball and not to give up no matter how hard it got."
You left the team late last season. How has coming back made this season more special?
"I realized that I needed basketball in my life and the relationships with the girls on the team. I was not having fun in life without basketball and the bonds. I needed them."
What are your goals for the second half of the season?
"My goals are for the team to go undefeated the rest of the season. I want to play my heart out every game."
What do your senior teammates mean to you?
"They mean a lot. They are not only my teammates they are my best friends. I go to them when I need to talk and we hang outside of school too."
What is a fun fact about Nicole?
"I have to sleep with my socks on every night or else I get sick."
What are your plans for college?
"I plan on majoring in criminal justice and going into the FBI or becoming a lawyer. I have applied UCLA, UCSD, Long Beach and a few other schools as well as Sacramento State in case I get homesick."
What do you see the role of basketball in your life moving forward?
"Hopefully I can get an offer to play. If not, I definitely still want to play in school either intramurals or walk on to a program."
What is your favorite thing about playing basketball?
"I love the environment we play in and the adrenaline rush. It makes me want to push more."
If you could live in a book, TV show or movie, where would you live: Criminal Minds.
What is your Greatest Achievement: Being bilingual.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be: Reading minds.
If you could time travel, would you go to the past or the future: Future.
What's the concert you want to see: Guns and Roses.
What teacher has inspired you the most: Mr. Norman.
If you could trade places with one person, who would you trade with: Grandma.
Favorite Holiday: Christmas.
Favorite Dinner: Pozole.
Favorite Disney Character: Sully from Monsters Inc.
Hero: My Mom and Dad.
Bucket List: Skydiving.
