Every time four-year varsity women’s basketball player Zakiya Mahoney ’18 steps foot on the hardwood, fans know they’re in for a treat.
Whether she’s driving the lane for a layup, crashing the boards for a rebound, dishing an assist to a teammate, stealing the ball, or swatting an opposing player’s shot, Mahoney leaves it all on the floor. Every game.
She achieved a major milestone during the NCS Division 2 Championship game on March 3, becoming the 12th O’Dowd women’s basketball player to score 1,000 points.
Others in this elite hoops club include Cathy Russi Thomas ’83, Sara Lillevand Judd ’86, Liz Gettleman ’92, Calisha Harmon Cobb ’94, Briana Weiss ’05, Alexis Bostick ’10, Robie Mayberry ’10, KC Waters ’13 (also 1,000 rebound club), Oderah Chidom ’13, Aisia Robertson ’15 and Myah Pace ’17 (also 1,000 rebound club).
Mahoney was inspired to shoot for the 1,000 point club by Robertson, as she was a freshman when the senior scored her 1,000th point. “I knew I had it in me to accomplish this goal, and I just tried my best,” she said.
Reaching the goal in a big game was icing on the cake, Mahoney said. “First I was very happy that our team won, and then I was excited that I reached 1,000 points,” she said.
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Varsity women’s basketball coach Malik McCord says not too many O’Dowd players achieve this accomplishment because of the Dragons’ team first approach. “We don’t prevent kids from scoring, but we take pride in a balance of scorers and don’t rely on just one or two individuals,” he said.
Added McCord, “From day one, Zakiya has been one of those players that has left it all on the floor with her effort. It has been fun to watch her mature and grow as a player and young woman. Her senior year is by far her best season, because she has added that experience and leadership to her efforts on and off the court.”
As the lone senior on the 2017-18 team, Mahoney has enjoyed her role as team leader, as she remembers the positive impact former players like Aerial Chavarin ’16, Pace, Robertson and Thomas had on her.
“It’s a blessing to be able to teach these girls how to be better basketball players, be smarter on the court, and watch them grow physically and mentally,” she said. “I always tell them it’s not the end of the world if you mess up – just be sure to play your hardest every time you step on the court.”
And Mahoney follows her own advice. “I always play my hardest, and if I fall short at least I know I’ve put everything out there.”
Mahoney’s most cherished memories of her O’Dowd playing career? Contributing as a freshman in the NorCal Open Division championship game against Vanden, and winning the 2015 Division 3 State Championship.