WEST POINT, Ala. — West Point’s play-making guard Miriam Oldacre announced Wednesday that she has committed to play for head coach Greg Van Atta and the University of Montevallo. She has won numerous All-County awards during her high school career, including helping West Point win its first county title since 2006, and helping it win the Class 5A, Area 14 championship last season. She’ll look to continue to be a standout and help her team reach even greater heights in her final season at West Point.
After visiting Montevallo and meeting all of the coaches and players, Oldacre decided that Montevallo was the place for her to continue her athletic and academic career.
“I liked the all-around atmosphere, the quality education, the personable coaching staff, and I could just picture myself being there,” Oldacre said. “I also liked that the coaches really care about their players and try to push them to be the best they can be. The players have a friendly disposition to younger players.”
Oldacre has had some great coaches to help her become the player that she is today.
“Coach Welborn always pushed me to be a leader for the younger girls and set a good example while giving 110% at all times,” Oldacre said. “For AAU, Coach Cook helped with good advice on and off the court and taught me how to push myself to train like a college athlete.”
Oldacre can’t wait to get started at Montevallo next season and plans to learn a lot while she’s there, but she has learned an awful lot during her time at West Point so far.
“On the court, they play in a good conference with tough competition,” Oldacre said. “Off the court, I will be able to meet new people and have a great education at a school with a lot of culture and tradition. Playing at West Point, it has been a blessing to have people on my team that support and lift each other through any injuries or adversity. Playing on this team has helped me because we support each other on and off the court, and it makes me a better teammate and friend.”
Playing alongside her sister, Micah, has helped Miriam with her game even more. Having their dad as their coach before he retired a few years ago, has really helped them become the players that they are now.
“We have played together our entire lives and we have that connection to make plays and look to get each other the ball,” Oldacre said. “She is always more of a relaxed player while I’m more aggressive. We both bring different aspects to the game and are extremely competitive. It was pretty hard because it was a lot of pressure on me and Micah to play for our dad, but we learned how to be mentally tough, determined, and that there will always be someone there for you when you fail.”
Oldacre has some big-time goals for the upcoming season and she has been really busy during the off-season and has some advice for the young up-and-coming players who want to get to where she’s at right now.
“I just have the goal to be the best leader and teammate and do the best I can while pushing my teammates to be the best that they can,” Oldacre said. “Another goal is to make it as far as we can and go to state. I have been working on shooting, ball-handling, court awareness, and finishing with contact. I’ve been going to the gym whenever I have time and work on my game. My advice for younger players to get where they want to be, would be to simply put the work in and hustle every play.”
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