My name is Cassidy Mahaney and just completed my sophomore year as a starting guard for the Academy of the Holy Cross Varsity Women's Basketball Team.  My passion is basketball but my understanding for the game is what separates me.  If I'm not playing basketball I am watching basketball and studying players, coaches, refs, just anything I can soak in.    I have a quick shot release, great range and most importantly unreal defense.  After all,  defense wins games.  I am driven by competition, honestly I can make any aspect of my life a competitive situation, just ask my siblings!  Leaving a public school system for an all girls private school took some time getting used to.  Removing distractions and peer pressures of regular high school has allowed me to really focus on my studies which is good since the curriculum is way more intense and exceptions set much higher.  I have great basketball coaches and teammates for these past two years.  Our record doesn't accurately reflect our improvements after each game we play.  We are rebuilding and our competition is intense.  I just strive to overlook the final score and focus on my game and what I contribute to my team each time I walk out on that court.   My AAU teammates - GTS Fusion 16U GUAA - and I are getting ready for a great summer.  I cannot wait to be back on the courts and putting that work in.  I am fiercely loyal, dedicated player and have a strong drive to succeed.   And my drive will continue into my college game.  There are so many collegiate programs I respect and would love to play for.  I am excited to start building relationships with coaches and find my future home court.