After winning the Dave Cowens Achievement Award — an honor named for former Boston Celtics player David Cowens, and given to just two South Coast student-athletes per year — one would assume a little gloating is only fair. 

Yet when 2020 award winner Lindsey Oliveira of Dartmouth High’s varsity basketball team is asked about her accomplishment, she is quick to share the credit. 

“It’s really meaningful in a lot of different ways for me,” said Oliveira. “Because not only is it reflecting on my basketball career, but also on the coaches I’ve had [over] the years, and my teammates too.” 

Her response is unsurprising based on varsity girls’ basketball coach Scott Richards’ description of her. “She’s [always] been the same kid,” said Richards of his time coaching her at Dartmouth High. “Really humble, just trying to be a better basketball player and to win games, and she’s a great teammate too.”  

Oliveira is quick to praise her fellow players, and in spite of being apart due to Covid-19 distancing measures, they gave the praise right back. 

“Social media is a wonderful thing,” said Richards. “They’re all aware, they were super happy. It’s a shame that Lindsey didn’t get to have the award night, get dressed up, get the trophy...I’m sure her teammates would’ve been there if that had been the case. So in that respect it’s a shame but they definitely knew and were happy for her.” 

Richards is thrilled for her as well. “It’s a great accomplishment,” said Richards. “She’s everything a coach could ask for. She doesn’t really get flustered. Whatever you ask of her she tries to do to the best of her ability.” 

“She’s definitely a pleasure to coach,” he added. “She was great for Dartmouth High School, we were lucky to have her.”

Oliveira has won several awards during her high school career in addition to the Dave Cowens Achievement Award, including scoring her 1,000th point on February 13 in a game against Bridgewater-Raynham. 

Now, Oliveira is looking back fondly on her high school career while looking forward to a bright future. She’s a three sport athlete, having played volleyball and softball as well during high school, and next year she’ll be headed to Wheaton College to play softball. 

“She could play any sport she wanted to probably at the Division III level in college,” said Richards. “I’m sure she’ll be successful in whatever she does. And if she changes her mind and wants to play basketball, she can do that too,” he added with a laugh.

As Oliveira moves into the next chapter of her life, she offers some advice for young athletes. 

“Enjoy every second you get to spend with your teammates, never give up on your goals, keep pushing forward, and at the end of the day have no regrets,” she said. “Make the most of it all while you have it!