Jan. 11, 2008
By Susan Bedsworth, Penn State Athletic Communications Student Assistant
"I believe it takes a special person to be a walk-on, and not everyone is cut out for that role."
Those are the words of assistant women's basketball coach, Maren Walseth when asked about this year's walk-on, Nicole Arcidiacono. Walseth however, didn't stop there. She continued on saying, "Nicole is absolutely perfect, and has really embraced her role."
Had you asked Nicole two years ago when she was a high school senior if she ever thought she would be playing college basketball as a Lady Lion, she most likely would have said no. In fact, Nicole had no plans to even attend Penn State at all.
"My sister was here and I didn't want to follow her here," said Nicole. "I really just wanted to play basketball in college. I was looking at the schools that were looking at me, Division II and III schools."
All that changed Oct. 8, 2005 when the Penn State football team upset the Ohio State Buckeyes. Nicole was in the student section that night during a weekend visit to her sister. Nicole went home after that weekend and told her mother that no other school was going to do it. For Nicole, Penn State offered the big school atmosphere, a competitive club basketball team, the option to try out for the Lady Lions and the ultimate college experience.
Nicole was so sure that Penn State was the place for her that she didn't apply anywhere else. When Nicole arrived on campus in the fall of 2006, she dove in head first. She joined the club basketball team and got involved in THON. However, she told herself that if the opportunity arose she would try out for the Lady Lions.
"I had told myself that if they ever had tryouts that I would do it," said Nicole. "I had dedicated my whole life to playing basketball, why wouldn't I do it?"
The opportunity did arise this fall when head coach Coquese Washington announced that she would be holding open tryouts. Nicole attended with a fellow club basketball member and both were surprised by how short the tryout was. A few days later, Nicole and another player were asked to practice with the Lady Lions for a few days before a final decision was made.
When Nicole arrived at practice one afternoon, she was asked to wait and talk with the coaches instead of heading out on the court. Washington officially asked her to join the team. Walseth and assistant coach Kia Damon bombarded Nicole with questions about shirt size, shoe size and other matters. Washington quickly stepped in and said "Slow down, she has to think about it first." Walseth then chimed in saying, "Okay, well if by some chance you don't want to be on the team..." which made everyone laugh.
"My mom and dad were both so excited," said Nicole. "I was on the phone for over two hours calling people. My sister took me out for ice cream. It was just so mind-blowing that I was going to be a Lady Lion."
Being a walk-on presents its own set of unique challenges but Nicole has stressed that there are far more benefits. The biggest challenge was just simply going to the open tryout. However, now that Nicole is a Lady Lion she mentions that being able to work with the other players and help them get better is one of the greatest benefits in addition to the wonderful friendships she had developed.
"At first it was a little scary because I felt like I was creeping in on close friendships," said Nicole. "But I really love the girls and feel like I slid right in."
Nicole has since made her Lady Lion debut in the exhibition game against Millersville and has played in two regular-season games.
"It was so exciting, it was awesome," said Nicole. "All of a sudden I got called in (against Millersville) and they had to tell me how to sub in. All the girls were so excited. Then I ended up scoring. It was just a very cool experience."
As a member of the team, Nicole has set some lofty but attainable goals for herself and the team. She came in as a post player but has now moved to point guard, so she wants to work on her ball handling. She hopes to grow as a person and as a player, even though she admits that may sound a bit cliché. However, her biggest goals are team goals. She hopes for a Big Ten Championship.
For now though, amidst all the practices and road trips, Nicole is just soaking it all in and enjoying every minute. Her life did change quite drastically in a matter of one week. But, in the short time that Nicole has been a Lady Lion she has managed to make an impression on her coaches and teammates.
"From the first day she walked into our office, she has done everything we asked and always with a smile," said Walseth. "She jumps in and plays any position, which is a testament to her dedication and willingness to do whatever is asked for the betterment of the team."