Buckeye Tales of Sisterhood: Ursuline's Radaszewskis

The nine-time state champion Ursuline Lions have produced their fair share of solid players in the rugged Girls Greater Catholic League throughout the history of the sport. [player_tooltip player_id='195856' first='Lindy' last='Radaszewski'] (right) did a number of things well for the Lions in her four years there and will look to do similar things as a fourth generation Miami (Ohio) University student after graduating later in the week.   Younger sister [player_tooltip player_id='564942' first='Mina' last='Radaszewski'] (left) may not have seen varsity action as early as Lindy, but she still put in the work waiting on her time. The two took the time to talk about the Ursuline tradition, growing up together among other things. The two play club ball on the top [program_tooltip program_id='431827' first='Elevation' last=''] teams in their age groups.   Growing up with Sister   Lindy: One of my favorite things was having someone to pepper with for hours on end. I often gave Mina a hard time and critiqued her technique, but regardless of how annoyed of me she got, she would still come outside to play volleyball with me.   Mina: The biggest joy of growing up playing volleyball with my sister was having a role model that I could look up to. I always admire all of the work and effort she puts in and want to do the same.   Ursuline Tradition   Lindy: I think of Ursuline culture. It's competitive, gritty, and fun. Each individual pushes each other to be the best they can. Within UA culture there is a lot of expectation that comes with being an Ursuline student-athlete, you have to stay organized and push yourself through every drill or assignment.   Mina: Ursuline is a very welcoming and fun environment to be in. I know that I will always have a fun time in the gym while also working my hardest to become a better player and person. All of the players that I've met through Ursuline's program have been amazing and I know there will be lifelong friendships that come out of it.   Playing for head coach Ali Butcher and Staff   Lindy: As a player and human I was taught the importance of communication. In order to function on the court, communication is a must. It's also extremely important to be transparent with your peers!   Mina: Playing for Ursuline has made me grow in the area of responsibility. In volleyball I've learned to hold myself accountable on the court, and in life and school I have to work to handle my homework and other obligations while also going to practice nightly.   Daily grind in the GGCL   Lindy: The GGCL is one of the most intense leagues. Although smaller, each team is competitive, energetic, and challenging! It takes someone who is willing to work every practice and improve their own game while also working to grow as a team.   Mina: It is a very competitive league and it takes a lot of time, effort, and practice every night to put our best selves forward for our team so we can compete at the high level.   Pre-Game Rituals or Superstitions   Lindy: Some of my pre-game rituals and superstitions are wearing the hair ribbon for state run so I would have a good game, taking off my warm-up at a certain time in warmups, always being first in line to swing in warm-ups, and wearing certain hairstyles on big games because those hairstyles “made me play better."   Mina: One of my superstitions is always having two hair ties in my hair when playing and another is wiping the bottom of my shoes in between points.   Solving Conflicts with Teammates   Lindy: The key is to understand your teammates' personalities. This will provide you insight as to how they might respond during a conflict. It would require a conversation at the beginning of the season, but it would allow each member of the team to explain how they want to be talked to on and off the court. It might be a little awkward at first, but it's extremely beneficial!   Mina: There are many factors that you have to consider when solving conflicts among teammates. One is that you have to know what way your teammates will react to each way you can solve a problem, and which one is the most effective. One way might work for one teammate while it doesn't work for another.   Keys to Success at Ursuline   Lindy: I think playing against some of the most talented players I know as a freshman, sophomore really challenged me and helped me grow as a player. But I also challenged myself off the court by learning about nutrition and strength training.   Building Friendships   Lindy: Some of my most valued friendships have come from this sport. Spending so much of your time with these amazing people allows you to build such special bonds on a deeper level, not just as someone you play a sport with.    Choosing Miami (Ohio):   Lindy: I am incredibly grateful that I have the opportunity to carry on this tradition but I still get to have my own journey to grow as a person. [player_tooltip player_id='195210' first='Rachel' last='Morgan'] and I played on [program_tooltip program_id='431827' first='Elevation' last=''] 12-2 together so my family has known the Morgans for a long time, and I can't wait to have the chance to play with Emily and also Rachel again.   Filling in Roles at Ursuline this fall   Mina: There is never a guaranteed spot on a team. There is hard work that comes along with playing at Ursuline and this year I am going to play my hardest wherever I am needed for the team's success.    Making Mark at Ursuline   Mina: I think that while still being an underclassman the small actions that are being performed really matter. The little things like getting to practice ready to go, having a good attitude, and pushing your teammates to be their best are what make programs like Ursuline great.   Notes from Mom and Dad   "Of course we are thrilled, like any other parents, when the girls win a state championship or come in second in open at nationals, but we are most proud of the lessons learned along the way. From early wake-up calls at 5:30 a.m. on cold January Saturdays, to the weekly grind of staying on top of nutrition, workouts, and practices, to developing their unique leadership skills to strengthen team chemistry, these are the moments that have shaped our girls into the people they are today. It's amazing that volleyball, and the programs they have been a part of, have given them the tools to focus, process, and adjust to whatever life will throw at them. Lindy and Mina are both fiercely competitive but love the sport of volleyball and their teammates. Their teammates are their best, and lifelong friends. They are fortunate to be a part of a highly-competitive high school program and a highly-respected club. What's truly remarkable is how the strong and positive cultures of each program have impacted their views on what a team is and how important the bonds are with their teammates. – Mom and Dad (Heidi and Ryan Radaszewski)    Radaszewski is taking her talents to Oxford, Ohio after a solid career for the Lions after graduation later in the week. She makes things happen in the middle and the pins. She contributed in a number of ways since stepping foot into the school. Radaszewski earned a number of one-on-one opportunities with Ursuline's balance.     Radaszewski is sure to leave her mark on the Ursuline program in a similar way to big sister with her work ethic. She is mentally tough and can place balls all over the place and does not back down after opponents block her. The Lions should have plenty of options for her both offensively and defensively this fall.    Note from the Writer   Mike Graham has been writing for Prep Dig for one year and has enjoyed getting to know the volleyball scenes in both Kentucky and Ohio. If you liked the story, please copy and paste to X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. You may also follow us at @prepdigkentucky or @prepdigoh on Instagram in addition to @PrepDigKy or @PrepDigOH on X. If you feel someone in Kentucky or Ohio needs coverage, please email Mike at pnmikeg@yahoo.com. You may also follow him on X @GMCgrah or Instagram @g.michaelgraham. Subscriptions give you access to exclusive content. For a 30% discount, enter code graham30 at checkout.

The nine-time state champion Ursuline Lions have produced their fair share of solid players in the rugged Girls Greater Catholic League throughout the history of the sport. Lindy Radaszewski Lindy Radaszewski 6'0" | MB Ursuline (Cincinnati) | 2025 State OH (right) did a number of things well for the Lions in her four years there and will look to do similar things as a fourth generation Miami (Ohio) University student after graduating later in the week.