“It was definitely a hectic process, going to visit all the schools and trying to impress all the coaches,” Battista said. “I spent a lot of my junior year going around (to different schools).”
There were plenty of factors that led her to choose Bentley over several other schools that were after her. She wanted to compete for a national title, to major in something business-related and to play for a solid coaching staff.
“I think it was a long process,” said Laney Clement-Holbrook, Battista’s coach at Oliver Ames. “I think the fact that they obviously are a program that is of the highest quality helped her decision-making.
“I think she is very respectful of Bentley’s basketball reputation, but I also think it was a good match for her academically.”
Bentley also held one additional bonus over the other schools — a family connection. Battista has had several relatives attend Bentley, which also happened to be the meeting place for her parents.
“They both had a great experience, so they’re excited for me to carry on the family name at Bentley,” Battista said.
While she made one coaching staff very happy with her decision, Battista ultimately had to reject several notable schools, including Boston University, Holy Cross, Northeastern, Siena, Hartford, and of course, her hometown college of Stonehill.
“At first, I thought, ‘If I can go to D1, I should go there,’ but later, I decided to choose the school for the school,” said Battista who elected to play in Div. 2, noting that Bentley is more competitive than many Div. 1 programs.
In the past, the Falcons have taken on, and beaten, higher-division schools, including an exhibition victory earlier this season over the University of New Hampshire.
Choosing against Stonehill was a bit more difficult.
“It was very hard, because I was also being recruited heavily by Stonehill,” Battista said, remarking that the Skyhawks’ coaching staff was understanding of her decision. “It was hard to say no to them. I grew up going to Stonehill games, and watching their rivalry games against Bentley.
“I know it was a tough decision because she has great respect and admiration for (women’s basketball head coach) Trish Brown at Stonehill,” Clement-Holbrook said. “She knew she was going to make one person happy and a lot of people upset.”
With her decision finalized and her letter of intent signed, Battista can now focus on her final season as a Tiger before she joins Jacqui Brugliera of Wachusett and Christian Bakolas of Manchester, N.H., on the floor at Bentley next season.
Last season as a junior guard and forward, Battista averaged 23 points and 11.5 rebounds in her third year as a starter to reach 1,000 career points.
A four-time Enterprise All-Scholastic in both, volleyball and basketball, the six-foot Battista is averaging 18 points, nine rebounds and three assists over her career and is capable of playing all five spots on the floor, although she will be looked to as more of a forward in the collegiate ranks.
“In my estimation, she is probably one of the most balanced players I’ve had the great fortune to coach,” Clement-Holbrook said. “And I’ve coached a number of kids who have been exceptional basketball players.”
Her high school performance to date has been good enough that she should compete as a freshman next season.
“I think I’ll definitely see some minutes my freshman year,” Battista said.
Her ultimate goal with the Falcons is to finish with a degree in a business-related field and battle for a national title.
“It’s definitely a good name to have on a resume when I go and look for jobs after college,” Battista said.
A national title wouldn’t look bad either.
http://www.enterprisenews.com/sports/high_school/x962894926/Olivers-Ames-Battista-all-revved-up-for-Bentley
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