Leadership has been the central focus for Olivia Wade throughout her senior season with the Seneca High School girls’ basketball team. “My main goal this season is to be a strong leader and be the best teammate I can be,” Wade said.

That mindset has helped fuel what she believes is a special environment around the program. “Our team morale is the best it’s ever been,” Wade said. “We really enjoy being around each other and everyone wants to be here, whether it’s practice or games.” The chemistry has been especially important for a roster that experienced heavy graduation losses a year ago. “The biggest improvement I’ve seen so far is our ability to work together,” she said. “Last year, we had a majority of our team graduate, so we’ve had to rebuild and pour more into the younger girls.”

Growth remains a priority every night. “One of our biggest goals is to compete at a high level every game and continue growing as a team,” Wade said. “We’re working to achieve that by holding each other accountable in practice, communicating on the court, and trusting the process even when things get tough.” According to Wade, that trust is the team’s greatest asset. “Our biggest strength is our chemistry,” she said. “We genuinely support each other, and that trust makes us play harder and more confidently as a unit.”

Versatility defines Wade’s role on the court. “I am very versatile and play all over the court,” she said. “I mainly play a post position and use my height to my advantage down low.” When reading defenses, her focus stays team oriented. “I look for how the defense is shifting, where the help is coming from, and mismatches we can take advantage of,” Wade said. “I’m always trying to make the best decision for the team.”

Preparation is rooted in practice habits. “In practice we do a lot of conditioning and drills that get our bodies physically ready to play in high pace games,” she said. “Coach Schulte always preaches ‘you practice how you play.’” Once the game begins, effort takes priority. “My mindset is to give everything I have and do whatever the team needs to win,” Wade said.

As graduation approaches, Wade hopes her impact is remembered beyond the scoreboard. “I want to be remembered as someone who led by example, worked hard every day, and helped build a strong, supportive team culture,” she said.

Wade is a senior at Seneca High School who plays basketball and softball and serves as student body president. “After high school, I plan to major in health sciences at the University of Missouri to later on become an anesthesiologist,” she said.