Athlete Spotlight: Ernidia Goncalves

Jose Rodriguez '24, Staff Writer | Media & Communications  

SALEM, Mass.- Our athlete spotlight features the reigning MASCAC Rookie of the Year, Ernidia Goncalves (Everett, Mass.). Goncalves had an impressive five double-doubles in seven games for the Vikings during the month of November to start the 2023-24 campaign.  During the month, she averaged 29.9 minutes per game, averaging 15 points and 11.9 rebounds.  

The sophomore talked about the performance she had against Elms to begin the season, posting 22 points and 17 rebounds enroute to an 87-82 victory against the Blazers at Twohig Gymnasium. "My team and I weren't too happy with our performance from last year's game against Elms, so we got on the court ready to compete and work together. Yes, I did have 22 points, but everyone contributed including three other players who were in double figures as well, so it was a great team win." 

Goncalves talked about the Vikings' fans and the atmosphere. "Our fans are always great!! Their high energy pumps us up and helps us dominate the floor. It's always exciting to see them cheering on and supporting women's basketball."  

She talked about how locked in she was during that game. "I think I had a good defensive game; I was able to get four steals and 11 defensive rebounds, and whenever I'm dominating on the defensive end of the floor it translates to my offense, because of that I was able to get some open looks." 

The Vikings next played Salve Regina back on their home court where they took home an 81-77 victory. Goncalves posted another double-double performance with 14 points and 12 rebounds. "Going into the game we knew that they were a good team, but we didn't let that lower our confidence level or stop us from competing, and because of that we were able to prove that we were the better team, especially when we're working together."  

Goncalves had her third straight double-double performance to begin the season when Salem State defeated Johnson and Wales (RI) in Providence. She contributed with 15 rebounds and 12 points.  The Vikings then suffered their first loss of the season when Lasell won 64-51. Despite not getting the result the team wanted, the Everett native finished the game with 13 rebounds and 14 points. "When you're putting in the work everyday, you're more proud of your results then impressed. Getting four straight double-doubles helped me see how good things can get once you dedicate your time and effort to [it]." 

Goncalves, who currently is studying health-care studies spoke of how the team bounced back on Wednesday night against Clark University after losing to Suffolk two days prior, which saw her record an impressive fifth double-double during the month of November in a 70-64 victory. "We weren't about to let that one loss mess with our heads, we knew what we were capable of and so went out there and competed until the very end and left there with a dub before Thanksgiving break." 

She expressed what she is working on in her sophomore year. "I have definitely been working on my patience with and without the ball, being more comfortable on the court and getting  a little out of my comfort zone with trying new things."  

The Everett native has high expectations for her team this season. "I think that we'll go pretty far this season The goal is to win it all and I think that's possible with the group we have this year."  

She talked about her go-to meal before the game. "I wouldn't say I have a go-to meal before a game, but if I had to choose, it would be rice, beans and some steak." 

Her brother inspired her to play the game of basketball. "I used to always see my brother play and that encouraged and motivated me to start playing as well." 

The sophomore, who started playing basketball when she was in sixth grade talked about a professional player and a professional team she would love to see. "A professional player I would love to see would be A'ja Wilson, she's an outstanding leader and an even better player. A team I would love to see would have to be the Aces or the Celtics. The chemistry and energy on both of those teams is unmatched, so to get a chance to personally see them would be very exciting." 

Goncalves and the Vikings will return tonight to Twohig Gymnasium to face the Brandies. Tipoff is at 7 p.m.