Women’s basketball star is number one in rebounds at California community colleges
In her first season as a Hawk, Monique Cavness became the leading rebounder in the California Community Colleges Athletics Association for women’s basketball.
Cavness has been fighting tooth and nail all season to average 16.8 rebounds per game, using her height and strength to outperform other teams. Coming off an isolating year of lockdown, Cavness unlocked her potential with the Las Positas basketball program, guided by first year ex-pro coach, Caleb Theodore. Her current performance and title have been very impactful for her and everyone on the women’s basketball team.
Becoming a state leader has helped Cavness unlock another gear in her game. Everytime she walks onto the court, no matter who she is playing, she knows she is one of the best. Even players who’ve played more games haven’t been able to match her.
“Other people have played about twenty to twenty-three games, where we only have played seventeen, making my presence well-known,” Cavness said.
Cavness isn’t letting this title affect her ego, though. She continues to focus on other parts of the game, like leadership. Cavness uses the title to inspire her teammates, showing them that even with this title she remains focused on their team goals; she acts as if she does not even have the title.
“She’s a leader through and through. Off the court, she’s an outstanding human being, a woman of high character and is very focused,” Coach Caleb Theodore said.
Cavness makes it her duty to check in on her teammates and help them with their struggles.
“We all are attentive when she speaks,” Freshman guard Mi’Ari Garnett said. “I want her to keep doing what she’s doing because it definitely inspires us as a team.”
Cavness’ accomplishments inspire her team to keep performing and play at the highest level possible. She states that her accomplishments do not separate her from her teammates but instead uses them as proof what hard work gets you.
Growing up, basketball players usually look up to the same notorious pros. Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, Shaq, the list goes on. But Cavness looked up to players that had grit, who weren’t always the flashiest but had a significant drive to do what they needed to win the play. She stated that these grit players would be one of the key reasons that she focuses on her defensive games, WNBA legend Candance Parker was a key player for her growing up, seeing such a dominant player in that league grew her passion to play.
“I always loved watching Candance Parker, she’s one of my favorites,” she said.
If you dropped fifty points in a game and still lost, the fifty points would be overlooked and things like defense or rebounds will be looked into.
“I’ve always liked Dennis Rodman, he never really would score but his presence was rebounding and making crucial plays,” Cavness said.
Her coach notices that she will do whatever she needs to do to win, so if that means she has to grab over fifteen rebounds for her team then you know she will do it. Cavness has a strong love for defense, which is hard to find in a lot of players who mostly want to score. Her drive to make a crucial impact makes her a better defensive player.
“I’ve always been a defensive player, either from my steals or blocks.” she said.
Defense wins championships, and that is Cavness’ goal.
“I would love to put a banner (of that) up,” she said.
Cavness continues to focus on her goal: to leave an impact on the Las Positas program, to turn the trajectory of defeats to victories as a cohesive unit. She does not want to focus on the little things, she looks towards the big picture.
Cavness knows she has a high ceiling, but what she really keys in on is success and what that is. To her, it is the small things, watering her team with support so they can grow into state-title holders like her. As Cavness has another year on the team, women’s basketball in 2024 is looking optimistic.
Gabriel Carver is a writer for Express. Follow him @cup1dco.
