HONOLULU – Former Chaminade University women's basketball guard Olivia Crigler (2022-23) signed her second professional contract over the weekend, this time with the Dillingen Diamonds in Dillingen, Germany.
The Diamonds are a part of the Damen-Basketball-Bundesliga League (DBBL), and they participate in the second-highest league (2nd DBBL) in the Bundesliga South group.
Crigler made her debut overseas last year, becoming the first documented Chaminade women's basketball player to play professionally. She started her rookie season with the Trinity Meteors in Dublin, Ireland where she played a few games, but found a better opportunity with the Marble City Hawks in Kilkenny where she played the full season. The Trinity Meteors are a part of the Ireland Super League while the Marble City Hawks are a part of the Ireland Division One League.
In her first season as a pro, Crigler averaged 20.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 2.0 steals per game. She also had a game-high of 32 points, eight made 3-pointers, and five steals.
"My first professional season went well," she said. "It was successful both on and off the court. I felt I grew a lot in my basketball skills and also adjusting to the FIBA basketball rules (a much different style of play than the NCAA)."
Crigler hails from Hebron, Kentucky and attended Holy Cross High School in Covington. In her high school career, she won two state titles, was a three-time all-conference and three-time all-region selection, and was a finalist for the Cincinnati Player of the Year.
She started her college career at Pacific Union College, an NAIA program in Angwin, Calif. where she competed with the Pioneers from 2020-22. She then transferred to Chaminade for her junior year where she played under current head coach Michael Edwards for the 2022-23 season. In Crigler's lone year competing as a Silversword, she was the team's leading scorer at 13.4 points per game and broke the single-season 3-point record with 57 triples. After earning her Bachelor's degree in spring 2023, she decided to forgo her final season of collegiate athletic eligibility to turn professional.
To Crigler, it is a dream come true. "It has been a goal of mine since I was a kid to be doing what I am overseas. I can remember shooting in my driveway when I was young dreaming of just getting the chance to go pro."
With this being her second year playing professionally, she takes pride in what she has done, not just for herself, but for her family and home as well.
"Basketball has been a big part of my family and I want to make them and my home proud. It is allowing me to visit and live in so many places I would have never gotten the chance to prior. It is making me grow as a person in more ways than one."
With a new chapter up ahead, Crigler states her excitement for the upcoming season. "Germany is one of the countries I have always wanted to visit and play in," she said. "I am extremely excited to have the opportunity to play another season of pro basketball. I am looking forward to getting to know the team and coaching staff on and off the court. I am also excited to help coach the youth teams and getting to know the community."
Basketball has brought Crigler both experiences and opportunities of a lifetime to which she is grateful for. "Basketball has brought me a lot of opportunities in life and I am extremely grateful for this opportunity and ability to continue playing."
The Olivia Crigler File
Program Records Held:
Single Season 3-Pointers: 57
3-Pointers Per Game: 2.71
Career Highs:
Points: 29 vs. Holy Names (Feb. 12, 2023)
3-Pointers Made: 6 (twice, last vs. Holy Names, Feb. 12, 2023)
Rebounds: 8 (twice, last vs. Hope International, Dec. 17, 2022)
