Paige Dwinell '24 Recruiting Profile

I was raised in the Williamstown area and have gone to school there since I was in preschool. It was in the third grade that I began my athletic career, which sparked my passion for basketball. In less than two years during my high school career, I had two severe injuries that required surgery. Despite the obstacles I faced, I made the conscious decision to overcome them rather than fall behind. During softball in the spring of my freshman year, I had my first injury, a broken ankle. At the time, all I knew was that I had to join my sister on the basketball court for her final year. My goal was to help her step onto the AUD (Barre City Auditorium) floor for a playoff game and make the last time we played together special.  I not only was able to make this happen, but I also made the Dream Dozen for D3 girls’ basketball for Vermont.  During my sophomore year, I had my second injury while playing basketball for the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU). Upon learning of my partially torn meniscus and torn ACL that year, everyone assumed I would not be able to play basketball my junior year. I never gave up, even if people were not convinced, I would play. Although the first estimated recovery period was likely to be nine months, I was cleared to play in seven and a half months. When returning I had to overcome my internal fear of getting hurt again by both my injuries.  I did return to the court my junior year and helped my team make it to the playoffs.  After my junior year I decided to recover and strengthen my body more and chose not to play AAU, instead I elected to coach a 4/5 girls’ team and learned a lot from being on that side of the sideline. I have learned the importance of resilience and perseverance through these experiences, which has shaped me into a stronger individual both mentally and emotionally. I have everyone who has pushed, encouraged, and most of all, believed in me to thank for my growth and progress. Their unwavering support has been a driving force behind my determination to overcome obstacles and achieve my goals.