Story Links
Jan. 9, 2004
by Dustin Lubertazzi
Just a sophomore, Tiffany Sardin’s success story could already be an instant classic. From being the last one picked to season-shortening injuries, Sardin has seen it all. And she’s stared it all in the face.
“My family has inspired me to do everything I can in life,” said Sardin. “Basketball just came to me.”
Sardin grew up in Chicago, living with her single mother and five siblings (two older brothers, two younger sisters, and a younger brother).
“My older brothers used to always play basketball with their friends in the alley. I would never get picked until the end, and that was only if they needed an extra player, but that’s where I got good,” Sardin shared.
From that point, Sardin went on to play for her high school team under Dorothy Gaters, a member of the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame.
“I learned so much from her. She prepared me for college both physically and mentally. Her dedication and loyalty are very similar to those of Coach Ryan.”
Sardin also played for two AAU teams, the Chicago Fever and the Lady Rockets where she played with current teammate Brandi Teamer.
Facing adversity is often a blessing in disguise. Growing up and watching her mother struggle to maintain a large family by herself has inspired Sardin. She knows that nothing is going to be handed to her on a silver platter.
“I learned from where I grew up that things are never really going to be easy. I just tell myself not to give up.”
Injuries have plagued Sardin early in career as a Cavalier. Last season, she missed six games after severely spraining her ankle. After rehabilitating the ankle and getting it back into playing shape, she re-sprained it and tore some ligaments in the third scrimmage of the preseason.
“It’s just really frustrating to have it holding me back, but I’m going to keep working on it and make sure it gets better,” Sardin said.The 6-1 forward appeared in 22 games with six starts as a true freshman. Despite her injuries, head coach Debbie Ryan is impressed with Sardin.
“Tiffany is another player that has really improved and her level of confidence has been raised tremendously over the summer,” Ryan said. “Tiffany is going to swing for us from the 3 to the 4. She gives us good strength and good size at the guard position. Her shooting has improved, and we’ll need her to defend on the perimeter.”
When asked about what contributions she is attempting to make to the team this year, Sardin was quick to reply, “Whatever Coach Ryan calls, the hustle plays, hitting the boards harder, playing tough defense or anything else that needs to be done.”
Sardin’s abilities on and off the court were recognized by her teammates when they elected her as a captain for this season. On a team of several seasoned veterans, it is a tremendous honor to be put in such a position.
“It’s great that they know they can depend on me for anything. I wanted this role all summer, and I’ll do whatever it takes to get the job done. I’m confident that I can do a great job. And if I can’t, I can look to the older players for advice. This team is a family; anyone can be a leader if they speak up. We can depend on whoever, whenever for whatever,” commented Sardin.
“The sky is the limit for this team. We’ve already shown a ton of dedication and sacrifice, and the chemistry is better than ever. We’re going to have our bad games just like any team, but you need those in the back of your mind. You have to go out and play to win, knowing every night that you have to be the better team.”
Being the only one of her siblings enrolled in a four-year university, Sardin hasn’t hesitated to take full advantage of her talents. She wants to pursue the field of sports medicine in hopes of one day being a physical therapist.
In the meantime, however, basketball is her life.
“Professional basketball is still a dream, either in the WNBA or overseas,” Sardin explained. “I’ve even thought about coaching. I just like being on the court, and if you have the passion and the will, it will all work out. I love what I do.”