Cassidy Mihalko, senior business administration major and guard at California Baptist University, surpassed a 2,000 career-point milestone Jan. 30 during the women’s basketball team’s 81-55 home win against the University of Hawaii, Hilo.
Mihalko only needed 16 points to break the 2,000 career point threshold. Instead, she accumulated 25 points in the game against UHH.
Humbled by the achievement, Mihalko said it is rewarding to be a top scorer on the women’s team.
“I’m thankful to have great teammates who look for me, pass me the ball and support me on the court,” Mihalko said. “I don’t like to focus on how many points I score, but it’s rewarding to see how hard work is paying off in the end.”
The athlete said the team does not like to focus on rankings. The Lancers are ranked No. 8 in the NCAA Division II.
“Essentially it is a voting poll on people’s opinions and where they think you should be,” Mihalko said. “It’s rewarding to be ranked No. 8 compared to other teams.”
Mihalko said her next goal for the team is to be undefeated in the Pacific West Conference this season.
“We learned that no other team has been undefeated in the PacWest,” Mihalko said. “In my senior year, I want to win the PacWest tournament because we haven’t won the PacWest tournament. We lost in the finals every year.”
Jarrod Olson, head coach of the team, commented on Mihalko’s talents as a basketball player on the women’s team.
“It’s been a lot of fun to coach her in the last four years,” Olson said. “She has a great work ethic, she’s a great teammate and she is a good role model for younger players.”
Olson said Mihalko’s contributions have been essential to the team’s success this season.
“She has contributed in a big way in scoring and rebounding this year,” Olson said. “Having her out on the floor makes things a lot easier on offense.”
Olson said he is happy the program is able to boast a player such as Mihalko.
“It is a nice way to recognize her achievements throughout her career,” Olson said. “We’re really happy she has a lot more games to go, but we’re really proud of her and her hard work.”
Mihalko will continue to lead the team through the rest of season toward a PacWest win. The Lancers currently hold an overall record of 24-2 and are preparing for their final home game in the Van Dyne Gym Feb. 27 against Point Loma Nazarene University at 5 p.m.
