Years ago, Olivia Middleton wore a Barrington High School basketball jersey as she raced up and down the court at The Murray Center.

This year she’s driving for layups on the same court, but doing it in a Rhode Island College jersey. 

The former BHS standout, who played four years at St. Lawrence University, is finishing her college basketball career as a fifth-year player for the Anchorwomen. 

Middleton graduated from St. Lawrence in May and decided to pursue a career in nursing. Knowing that she needed to take some additional courses before applying to nursing schools, Middleton enrolled at Rhode Island College. 

“Due to COVID, I had one more year of eligibility which is when I decided to reach out to Coach (Jenna) Cosgrove about completing my fifth year,” Middleton said. 

“I am completing prerequisite courses for nursing programs through RIC. The NCAA has provided some exceptions for fifth-year students who are using their extra year due to COVID. The exception allows me to play basketball without being enrolled in a graduate program because I am taking courses that are professionally advancing my future. I am very grateful for this rule because it allows me to take the courses I need, and continue doing what I love.”

And what she loves is playing basketball. 

Middleton shined during her years at Barrington High School — she scored more than 1,000 points during her high school career and helped the Eagles win a Division I championship. Her teams also reached the state open tournament finals and semifinals and she was selected for All-State and All-Division honors.

Middleton went on to star at St. Lawrence University. She played all four years and averaged double figures in scoring for her career. In her senior season, Middleton led the Saints women’s basketball team in scoring at 12.3 points per game, and in assists with 86 for the season. She was second on the team in steals and in three-point shooting percentage. 

Middleton said she was very excited to be able to play a fifth year of college basketball. And playing it in Rhode Island has been a special treat.

“Yes, I was very excited to come back home and play in Rhode Island. It has allowed me to be closer to my friends and family, who I have been away from the past four years. It’s also cool to play with, and against other players from Rhode Island,” Middleton said. 

Rhode Island College is a talented team — ranked number three in the country. The Anchorwomen are 16-0 this season overall and 7-0 in the conference. RIC reached the NCAA Division III national semifinals last year. 

RIC Coach Jenna Cosgrove said she was happy to welcome Middleton onto the team this season. 

“Her experience as a four-year starter at St. Lawrence has been a huge asset to the team this year,” Cosgrove said. “She plays at an elite level on both sides of the floor and can alter the game both offensively and defensively.

“Olivia comes in with a ton of experience and poise. Her basketball IQ is extremely high, and her maturity has allowed her to immediately step into a leadership role and become a pivotal piece to our success.”

Cosgrove said Middleton’s offensive skill-set is impressive and her defense is also very strong. 

“Her defensive ability is as best as they come at our level,” Cosgrove said. “She can defend any guard on the floor and disrupt teams’ offenses. In some of our toughest games and toughest opponents, Olivia has been able to come in as a spark off the bench and give us the composure and spark we need in the fourth quarter to put teams away.”

Middleton is averaging more than six points a game and is shooting better than 93 percent from the free throw line. She also leads the team in three-point shooting percentage — Middleton is 14 for 33 on three-pointers for 42 percent from behind the arc. 

“Her experience allows her to have the confidence and composure needed in big time moments and games,” Cosgrove said. “Her speed is another incredible strength. She has a hesitation move that is extremely hard to guard. She can use her speed and craftiness to breakdown defenses to score or find her teammates. She is a terrific passer and knows where and when to find her teammates. She has adapted to her role with our team tremendously and provides a depth for us that we were missing last year.”

Middleton said she loves playing for Rhode Island College and enjoys her role on the team. 

“Individually my goal is continue to provide leadership to younger teammates, and be more of an offensive threat,” Middleton said. “Our team goal is to win the LEC championship for the fourth season in a row. 

“Ultimately, our goal is to win the NCAA DIII National Championship. As a team we are all on the same page about this goal, and we push each other daily in practice to make sure we are prepared for the big games. As long as we win our last game our goal will be met!”