Schools
Breast Cancer Claims ex-Mt. Miguel Basketball Star Genevieve Costello
Matadors Hall of Famer was diagnosed with aggressive cancer on April 17, UC Davis says.
Friends up and down the state are mourning Genevieve Marie Costello, a former Mount Miguel High School multisport star and UC Davis basketball standout who died May 7 of breast cancer, according to reports.
She was 26.
Her 2003 basketball team became the school’s first to win a CIF San Diego section title—and she led the Matadors to two more crowns under coach Robbie Sandoval.
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She also was named MVP of the girls golf team and cross country teams and was named the school’s outstanding athlete her senior year, the U-T said. Costello attended UC Davis on a basketball scholarship and was team captain her senior year.
According to UC Davis, Costello was diagnosed with aggressive stage IV breast cancer on April 17 “and immediately began a valiant fight to beat the disease. Friends and family started an online fundraising effort to help with expenses and to provide emotional support.”
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She had joined the UC Davis basketball team in 2005 and helped the Aggies transition to Division I status, the school said.
In 2008, she was a member of the team that played in the Big West Tournament Championship and advanced to the Women’s National Invitational Tournament.
“Genevieve was a fearless competitor who always played with passion in her 113 games as an Aggie,” the school said. “She will be remembered for her contagious positive energy and the trademark smile she displayed throughout her outstanding playing career.”
She graduated in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in human development.
“Anyone who knew Genevieve was taken by her boundless enthusiasm, her love of life, and her genuine friendship,” said her obituary.
On Facebook, the UC Davis women's basketball team posted a tribute video of Costello, No. 12.
She is survived by her father, Paul, mother, Myrna; sisters Minerva, Jennifer, Maria and Rose; nieces Liana, Alexis and Madison; and nephews Jeffrey, Markell, Michael, Jordan and Andrew.
Viewing will be from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday, May 16, at Glen Abbey Mortuary, 3838 Bonita Road in Bonita. Her funeral will be at 11 a.m. Friday, May 17, at St. John of the Cross Church, 8175 Lemon Grove Way, Lemon Grove.
A cemetery service is at 12:30 p.m. Friday at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, 4470 Hilltop Dr., San Diego.
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