Cazenovia College senior Erin O’Malley, from Torrance, Calif., made history Jan. 13 by becoming just the seventh player in Cazenovia College women’s basketball history to reach the 1,000 career point milestone. Early in the second-half of the Wildcats 79-65 win over North Eastern Athletic Conference rival Wells College, O’Malley went coast-to-coast on a steal to score points number 1,000 and 1,001 for her career.
O’Malley made the decision to attend Cazenovia College in 2011, and four years later has become a household name on campus and remains on pace to graduate this spring.
“I chose Cazenovia College because it not only provided me with an opportunity to pursue a career in fashion, but allowed me the opportunity to pursue my passion for the game of basketball,” O’Malley said.
O’Malley attributes such passion for the game of basketball to her family, coaches and former teammate and 1,000-point scorer Megan McDermott.
“They have always been there for me,” O’Malley said. “Each has taught me a different lesson, lessons I can apply both on and off the court.”
Standing six feet tall, O’Malley came to Cazenovia as a forward, one who in her own words “could barely dribble.” Hard work and dedication to the game she loves has allowed her to become not only one of the most recognizable student-athletes on campus, but one of elite status in the history of Wildcats athletics.
This season alone, O’Malley has been named North Eastern Athletic Conference player of the week on two separate occasions, and currently leads the Wildcats in points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks.