2021 Villanova commit Christina Dalce didn’t start playing basketball until seventh grade.
She couldn’t even catch a basketball at first. “It was rough”, as she put it, “I couldn’t run straight”.
Last season she averaged 14 points and 10 rebounds and became the Skyland Conference Player of the Year.
But she was tall and lanky, and she found the drive to develop her skills. That came from her competitive nature, hating to lose, and also having successful women as examples at home.
Christina plays with fire on the floor, she’s vocal, and it translates into the energy she brings as the starting center for Rutgers Prep.
My fire it comes from the idea of not losing. Like I hate losing… When I lose, I take it to heart. Because I’m like I could’ve played better… I could’ve done this, I could’ve done that.
Pursuing business and good air conditioning in the gym were some of the reasons why Christina fell in love with Villanova. She also has friends going there, including Rutgers Prep standout Trey Patterson.
She also shared her experience being at the USA Basketball trials, naming UConn commit Amari DeBerry as the toughest player she had to guard, along with fellow UConn bound Saylor Poffenbarger.
Christina says she’s highly influenced by the likes of Kevin Durant and her ultimate favorite player, Breanna Stewart, as she continues to develop her versatility.
But she’s most passionate about her presence on defense. Christina averaged over two blocks per game last season and takes pride in defending the paint.
If you want a player who takes PRIDE in playing big, @novawbb commit Christina Dalce (@christinadalcee) is your girl!
She joined us on the new #ProtectOurQueens to talk about starting her hoop journey in seventh grade and much more!
Full video: https://t.co/ncu0eoLIyQ pic.twitter.com/IDSTQHHJdk
— Martin S. (@marsoaries) December 3, 2020
Watch the full interview below.