Cassidy Dadaos, Women's Basketball

Senior Cassidy Dadaos of Healdsburg, Calif., is one busy member of the women's basketball team. Not only did she start all but one game as the Judges reached the second round of the NCAA tournament as a junior, she also served as president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, earned Dean's List honors and was one of the key student organizers of the University's highly successful Relay For Life.

1) What has been the highlight of your athletic career so far?

The highlight of my Brandeis career thus far would have to be last season's home victory over Wash U. We had yet to beat them in my career at Brandeis so it was a huge time first. At the time we were in a tight race for first and second place in the UAA with a couple other teams making the win all the more exciting. We played some great team basketball that game and executed the things we had been working on together for months. Everything really came together at the right time for us and it was one of those wins that I'll carry with me for a long time to come.

2) What makes your team special?

It's easy for any team to say they really like each other on and off the court, but in our case, it's definitely true. Our chemistry for the last three years has been incredible. We have a lot of fun together, on and off the court; I've never been with a group that spends so much time together and genuinely enjoys it. Our team is made up of a really unique group of girls from all over the place and we each bring something different to the mix. In terms of personalities we are a really diverse squad which makes it entertaining and fun to come to practice each day.

3) How do your experiences on the court translate to the class room/world?

For many years now my experiences on the court have directly influenced my real world choices and experiences. There is a serious commitment to things at the collegiate level, and my dedication to basketball has taught me the same dedication and focus in the classroom and as well. I've learned throughout my time on the court that things don't always come easily, but the more you dedicate yourself to something you love, the better the payoff will be. Additionally, I've learned how important chemistry and camaraderie really is to the success of a group. I had some idea how key this was before I made it to Brandeis, but my experiences with different teams has only certified the fact that you're only as good as the people you surround yourself with, and that is absolutely true both on the court and in the real world. The lessons I've learned through years and years of basketball will continue to stick with me long after my last game.                                                                 

4) What is your favorite class and why?

The best class that I have taken at Brandeis so far has got to be one of Gordie Fellman's Sociology courses. I've taken both "War and the Possibilities of Peace" as well as "Social Class and Social Change" with him and have yet to have another class spark my interest the way these have. We covered a really wide range of topics and issues in both classes and had some very intense and animated discussions among each group. In "Possibilities of Peace" we discussed everything from the inhumane treatment of animals and the "politics of meat" to the class structures that divide today's population. I've never had a more diverse selection of course readings and materials; he really presents the issues to his class from all angles. Professor Fellman's classes have helped me to reasonably form the way I perceive a number of issues facing the world today

5) What is your favorite non-athletic activity at Brandeis and why?

My favorite non-athletic activity at Brandeis is actually a fairly recent addition to the university. The first ever “Relay for Life” was held at ‘Deis last December and it was one of the most memorable experiences I’ve had since beginning school here. Our overnight fundraiser, held in the Gosman Athletic Center, raised over $70,000 for the American Cancer Society. The event had non-stop activities, food, and competitions and brought a huge number of community members together. It was an awesome event for such a good cause and I’m looking forward to planning our second annual Relay this March!

6) What are your aspirations after Brandeis?

After graduation I’m hoping to take some time to travel and gain some work experience before heading back to school again. I plan on attending graduate school in hopes of pursuing a career in public interest or non-profit work of some kind.

7) What is something surprising we might not know about you?

I grew up stomping grapes in Northern California and was convinced I wanted to be a ski instructor when I grew up.