Athlete of the Week: Camille Giardina

Camille Giardina, 14, might be only a freshman, but she already is a major asset to Cardinal Mooney’s varsity girls basketball team this season. She averages 16 to 17 points a game. Camille moved this summer from Maine to Florida and had to choose whether to continue playing basketball or to play soccer, another sport in which she has played at competitive levels. She spent her fall playing volleyball and made the junior varsity team.

How did you get into basketball?
I’ve been playing since I was in the first grade. What really made me want to play more was when I was a seventh-grader and an Amateur Athletic Union team (Maine Firecrackers) recruited me. I had good coaching and got to go out of state and play some games and became well-rounded. In eighth grade I played up with ninth-graders. Both our teams won states and we went to nationals in Orlando. The ninth-grade team won the championship.

What are your strengths?
I’m pretty good defensively, and I can see where the ball is going. I have good vision of the court. My best shots are my jump shot and lay-ups.

What would you like to improve?
Having my shots be more consistent and rebounding.

What are you looking forward to most this season?
I’m looking forward to seeing the team get better and if we can connect and play more consistently and get some wins and maybe make it to our district finals or get far.