Double Teaming

Members of the Class of 2027. Double majors. Student-athletes. Twins.

Nick and Olivia Verdile have a lot in common—and now they also share a place in the Suffolk records books: They are the only brother-sister pair to play on the Suffolk University men’s and women’s basketball teams at the same time in school history.

The connection they share—on and off the court—is a true family bond.

“In high school, our games were never played at the same location, so I was unable to watch a lot of Nick’s games,” says Olivia. “In college, we play back-to-back on most nights, which allows me to see him play and cheer him on. It’s great for Nick and me to have a support system besides our teammates.”

“Olivia and I are always there for one another, whether it’s at our dorm, in the gym, or at our games,” says Nick. “It’s good to know that you have someone around all the time who you can count on.”

Finding their way to Suffolk

Both Nick and Olivia made names for themselves on the hardwood at Ballston Spa High School in New York, Nick as an all-purpose player and 1,000-point career scorer and Olivia a three-year starter and three-point shooter at the point guard position.

While the hoop stars were recruited by a number of Division III schools, Olivia says they “never thought that we would attend the same college.”

Suffolk men’s Head Basketball Coach Jeff Juron, who grew up one town over from Ballston Spa, had Nick on his recruiting radar early on, even before watching him play in an Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) game in Boson the summer before Nick’s senior year.

“He was as good as advertised,” says Juron. “I was impressed with his speed, how he could handle the ball, and his outside shooting, which is his strongest attribute.”

After playing the role of sixth man as a freshman, Nick has worked his way into the starting lineup this season. The combo guard is playing 30 minutes per game and averaging 10.4 points each contest, helping the Rams to a record of 15-7, 11-4 in the Conference of New England (CNE) league.

“Nick is a hard worker and a great teammate,” says Juron. “He doesn’t get caught up in all the emotions of the game. He is a confident kid who leads by example, which is letting his play do the talking for him.”

While competing in an AAU tournament in Louisville, Kentucky the summer before her senior year, Olivia was approached by Suffolk women’s Head Basketball Coach Ed Leyden, who gave her his business card. She sent him her highlight tape, visited the Suffolk campus, and shortly afterwards made her college decision.

“I grew up in a suburban and rural area, so I wanted to play my college ball in a city like Boston,” says Olivia. “I love how Suffolk is such a central part of a big city where there is so much to do.”

“When I recruited Olivia, I thought to myself that I found a hidden jewel,” says Leyden. “She knew exactly what to do to help contribute to her team, even the way she pays attention on the bench.”

Olivia is playing an important role for the Rams (11-11, 6-9), coming off the bench to give the team a boost with her outside shooting, maturity, and basketball IQ. The multitalented guard also appreciates the opportunity to play the game she loves at the collegiate level.

“Olivia thanks me after every practice,” says Leyden. “She is the only player I’ve ever had do that every single day.”

What basketball teaches

As double majors, Olivia (finance and management) and Nick (finance and entrepreneurship) have taken many classes together, including three this semester. Before tests, they study together and help each other to better understand the course material and be properly prepared for the exam. They live on the same floor in the same dorm and often eat together while watching basketball games. Their parents attend almost all of their weekend games..

Olivia and Nick agree that basketball has been an education in itself.

“I like how the game teaches you life lessons, such as resolving conflict, managing your time, and communicating with others,” says Olivia, whose future plans include obtaining her MBA and becoming a financial advisor. “You learn how to push yourself, develop relationships, and work together toward one goal—to do your best for the good of the team.”

“Basketball has given me a good foundation for my life when it comes to hard work, discipline, and leadership,” says Nick, who hopes to pursue a career in wealth management. “Ten years from now, you’re going to forget the wins and losses, but you’ll always remember your teammates and coaches and the fun times you had together.”