Q-and-A with Olivia Vukosa: Gatorade New York girls basketball Player of the Year

Vukosa, a junior 5-star center for Christ the King, recently narrowed her list of possible Division I destinations

Olivia Vukosa (25) excelled for Christ the King (NY) at the 2025 Hoophall Classic. / The Springfield Student

Olivia Vukosa, an uncommitted 5-star recruit, is coming off a successful 2024-25 season with the Christ the King girls basketball team.

The junior standout center was part of the Royals’ campaign that despite falling short of a Brooklyn/Queens tournament championship, they still came away with a New York City title.

Vukosa’s efforts for CTK led to her being named the Gatorade New York girls basketball Player of the Year, joining a list of greats to receive the honor within the Royals' program history.

The junior took the honor as an opportunity to announce her list of seven possible Division I programs she is considering. The reveal comes after Vukosa hinted in February that she narrowed her list from 16 to 7 of possible destinations.

Forever grateful pic.twitter.com/T2GikLy7nl

— Olivia Big”O” Vukosa (@OVukosa) March 14, 2025

We caught up with the Christ the King girls basketball star on receiving Gatorade Player of the Year honors, the challenge of narrowing her Division I list and what’s she’s hoping to accomplish in her final season with the Royals.

Q: How did it feel to be named the Gatorade New York Player of the Year?

A: "I was definitely a little surprised. I mean, it’s an honor to get, especially with the legacy from Christ the King. I was happy because my hard work is finally paying off, and it’s showing.”

Q: What was it like being recognized as Player of the Year alongside some of the greats that Christ the King has seen over the years?

A: “It’s great. My name gets to go up there with amazing people, and people who had a big impact on women’s basketball."

Q: You recently narrowed your possible Division I destinations to seven. How challenging was it to narrow down your selections?

A: “It came down to who really wants to talk to me the most and who I can have a good, flowing conversation with and which school I can potentially see myself at the most. It took a while to feel every school out, so it took longer for me to choose than usual.”

Q: Do you see yourself making the Division I destination list shorter or choosing from the list?

A: “I think I’ll make my selection from the seven (schools listed). I think that list is where I’ll make my final decision. I just want to find the school that fits best for me, let it be over and finish the rest of my high school career.”

Q: When are you hoping to make your final decision?

A: “I’m not sure about that yet. I have to plan all of my visits and everything first.”

Q: How did it feel to finish the season with Christ the King as back-to-back city champions?

A: “It feels great, and it feels good to know that we’re showing everyone that we’re a force to be reckoned with, and that even though we didn’t win the Brooklyn/Queens (championship), we won the (New York City title). It’s important to know that everyone should still be afraid of us.”

Q: Is there anything you’re looking to accomplish in your final season with Christ the King for the 2025-26 season?

A: “I definitely want to be a back-to-back-to-back champion with the team. I also want to be a McDonald’s All-American. That’s definitely a goal.”

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