Olivia Healy Second to None in Reading Hoops History

In a new feature, Patch will highlight the efforts of local athletes on a weekly basis. We begin with girls basketball player Olivia Healy, now the Reading High School all-time leading scorer. 

Plenty of athletes have come and gone from the Reading boys and girls basketball program. But none stands taller than Olivia Healy.

Healy, the leading scorer for the unbeaten Rockets, recently surpassed Brian Wilson’s record of 1,547 points that was set in 1985. As a result, she’s the leading scorer in Reading basketball history, regardless of gender.

The senior hasn’t stopped there, however. Healy is now past 1,600 points and is pouring in games of 40-plus points as she hopes to lead the Rockets to a second consecutive undefeated state title.

“She’s the best high school player I have ever seen in my life,” said Reading head coach Kim Penney. “That says a lot. She’s fun to watch.”

Healy’s talents haven’t gone unnoticed. After her sparkling high school career, Healy earned a scholarship to the University of Richmond where she will play beginning next year for the Spiders.

Among those in attendance during a recent Reading game was her future head coach, Richmond mentor Michael Shafer. According to Penney, he liked what he saw.

“He said she’ll fit in perfectly, and that she could play for his team tomorrow and have an impact,” said Penney, who will enjoy watching Healy play at the high school level for what she hopes will be several more weeks. “She’s just physically bigger and stronger than everyone on the floor. She’s a very powerful player. She can do anything.”