Talia Kilyn Olaniali’i von Oelhoffen, born on October 7, 2002, is an American college basketball player who has rapidly become a prominent figure in the sport. Known for her versatility, skill, and leadership on the court, Von Oelhoffen currently plays for the University of Southern California (USC) Trojans in the Big Ten Conference. Her journey to this point has been marked by significant achievements, transfers, and a clear dedication to the game. This article delves into her career, exploring her high school success, her time with the Oregon State Beavers, her recent move to USC, and the key aspects that have made her a player to watch.
Early Years and High School Dominance
Von Oelhoffen’s basketball journey began in high school, where she quickly established herself as a force to be reckoned with. She played her first two seasons at Tri-Cities Prep in Pasco, Washington. During her sophomore year, she led her team to the Class 2B state championship, showcasing her talent early on.
For her junior season, Von Oelhoffen transferred to Chiawana High School, also in Pasco. Despite battling mononucleosis, she played a crucial role in helping her team reach the Class 4A state tournament. Her exceptional skills and court presence made her a highly sought-after recruit.
Recognized as a five-star recruit by ESPN, Von Oelhoffen was ranked among the top players in the nation. She garnered attention from numerous prestigious programs, including Stanford, UCLA, UConn, and Oklahoma. Ultimately, she made the decision to graduate high school a semester early, opting out of her senior season amidst the COVID-19 restrictions to begin her college career. This early entry into the college basketball scene underscored her eagerness and commitment to advancing her game at the highest level.
Oregon State Beavers (2020-2024): A Period of Growth and Recognition
Von Oelhoffen committed to play college basketball for the Oregon State Beavers, where she spent four impactful seasons from 2020 to 2024. Her time at Oregon State was characterized by consistent improvement, significant contributions to the team, and individual accolades.
Freshman Year (2020-2021)
Joining the Beavers mid-season, Von Oelhoffen made an immediate impact. In 13 games, she averaged 11.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game. Her impressive shooting efficiency, with 44% from the floor and 43.4% from the three-point line, earned her Pac-12 All-Freshman honorable mention. A highlight of her freshman campaign was scoring a career-high 20 points against California.
Sophomore Year (2021-2022)
Von Oelhoffen continued to elevate her game in her sophomore season. Starting in 31 games, she led the team with 13.7 points per game and showcased her all-around abilities by averaging 3.9 rebounds and 3.0 assists. Her exceptional free-throw shooting, leading the Pac-12 with 88.8% accuracy, was a significant asset for the Beavers. She earned her first All-Pac-12 Team selection and recorded her first career double-double against Oregon, with 12 points and 12 rebounds, nearly achieving a triple-double with nine assists in the same game. She also scored a season-high 31 points against USC, foreshadowing her future connection with the university.
Junior Year (2022-2023)
Entering her junior year with preseason All-Pac-12 recognition, Von Oelhoffen faced a setback due to a lingering injury that cut her season short in February 2023. In the 26 games she played (24 starts), she still managed to average 13.2 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game, earning All-Pac-12 honorable mention. Notably, she scored a career-high 41 points against Nevada at the Maui Classic, the most single-game points by an Oregon State player since 2008. This performance also earned her Maui Classic All-Tournament Team honors.
Senior Year (2023-2024)
In her final season with the Beavers, Von Oelhoffen started all 35 games, averaging 10.7 points, 5.0 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game. Her leadership was crucial in Oregon State’s impressive run to the Elite Eight of the 2024 NCAA tournament. She received her second All-Pac-12 selection, further solidifying her status as one of the conference’s top players. By the end of her Oregon State career, she ranked No. 4 all-time in Pac-12 history for free-throw shooting percentage (86.9%).
Transfer to USC Trojans (2024-Present): A New Chapter
For her fifth year of college eligibility, Talia von Oelhoffen made a significant decision to transfer to the University of Southern California (USC). This move to a high-profile program in a major media market signaled a new chapter in her career, with aspirations for further team success and personal growth.
Reasons for Transfer
While Von Oelhoffen described her decision to leave Oregon State as difficult, she expressed excitement about the opportunity to join the USC program. The Trojans, under head coach Lindsay Gottlieb, were building a strong team, and the addition of a player with Von Oelhoffen’s experience and skill set was seen as a major boost. Playing in Los Angeles offers increased visibility and new challenges, which can be attractive to players with WNBA aspirations.
Impact at USC
Joining the USC Trojans for the 2024-2025 season, Von Oelhoffen has brought immediate experience and versatility to the team. As a graduate transfer, her leadership and court savvy are invaluable assets. In the 2024-2025 season, through 34 games, she has averaged 5.9 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game. While her scoring average is lower compared to her time at Oregon State, her role on a team with other talented players like JuJu Watkins might involve a more distributed offensive load and a focus on facilitating the game.
USC enjoyed a successful 2024-2025 season, finishing first in the Big Ten Conference with a 31-4 record. Von Oelhoffen played a significant role in their journey to the Elite Eight of the NCAA tournament, where they faced a tough loss against UConn. Her ability to handle the ball, make smart passes, and provide veteran presence was crucial for the Trojans’ success.
Playing Style and Strengths
Talia von Oelhoffen is a versatile guard capable of playing both point guard and shooting guard positions. Her key strengths include:
Scoring Ability: She has demonstrated the ability to score efficiently from various spots on the floor, including three-pointers and mid-range shots. Her career-high 41-point game showcases her potential to take over offensively when needed.
Passing and Court Vision: With a consistent assist average, Von Oelhoffen displays good court vision and the ability to find open teammates, making her a valuable playmaker.
Free-Throw Shooting: Her exceptional free-throw percentage (career average of 86.3%) makes her a reliable scorer in crucial late-game situations.
Rebounding for a Guard: Averaging over 3 rebounds per game throughout her college career highlights her willingness to contribute on the boards.
Leadership and Experience: As a fifth-year senior with significant playing experience, she brings leadership and composure to her team.
Personal Life and Background
Talia von Oelhoffen comes from an athletic family. Her father, Kimo von Oelhoffen, is a former defensive tackle in the National Football League (NFL), having played for several teams including the Cincinnati Bengals, Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Jets, and Philadelphia Eagles. Her mother, Tondi, played college basketball for Hawaii, indicating a strong basketball heritage in the family. Talia is of Hawaiian descent, a part of her identity she proudly embraces.
What People Ask About Talia von Oelhoffen on Google
Based on the information available, here are some of the questions people commonly search for regarding Talia von Oelhoffen on Google:
Talia von Oelhoffen height: She is listed at 5 feet 11 inches (1.80 meters) tall.
Talia von Oelhoffen education: She attended Chiawana High School and has played college basketball at Oregon State University and currently at the University of Southern California.
Talia von Oelhoffen nationality: She is American.
Talia von Oelhoffen current team: She currently plays for the USC Trojans.
Talia von Oelhoffen WNBA draft: While she was eligible for the 2024 WNBA draft, she was not drafted as she had another year of college eligibility, which she is using at USC. She is listed as a 2025 WNBA draft prospect.
Talia von Oelhoffen parents: Her father is Kimo von Oelhoffen, a former NFL player, and her mother is Tondi, a former college basketball player for Hawaii.
Talia von Oelhoffen stats: Her college career stats include averages of 10.7 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game with a career free-throw percentage of 86.3%. Her stats vary by season, with her sophomore year at Oregon State being particularly strong in scoring (13.7 PPG).
Talia von Oelhoffen transfer: She transferred from Oregon State University to the University of Southern California for the 2024-2025 season.
Talia von Oelhoffen high school: She attended Tri-Cities Prep and Chiawana High School in Pasco, Washington.
Talia von Oelhoffen position: She plays as a guard, capable of handling both point guard and shooting guard duties.
Future Prospects
As a prominent player for a successful USC program, Talia von Oelhoffen has a bright future ahead. Her performance in the 2024-2025 season will be crucial as she looks towards the 2025 WNBA draft. Her versatility, shooting ability, and high basketball IQ make her an attractive prospect for professional teams. Continuing to develop her game and showcasing her skills on a national stage with USC will be key factors in her professional journey.
FAQs
Who is Talia von Oelhoffen?
Talia Kilyn Olaniali’i von Oelhoffen is an American college basketball player, currently playing as a guard for the USC Trojans in the Big Ten Conference. She previously played for the Oregon State Beavers from 2020 to 2024, earning multiple All-Pac-12 honors during her tenure .
What is her background and early life?
Born on October 7, 2002, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Talia grew up in Pasco, Washington. She attended Tri-Cities Prep and later Chiawana High School, where she excelled in basketball, volleyball, and soccer. Her father, Kimo von Oelhoffen, played 14 seasons in the NFL, and her mother, Tondi, played basketball at the University of Hawai’i .
What were her high school achievements?
Talia was a five-star recruit, ranked No. 14 nationally by Prospects Nation. She scored 2,392 points in her high school career, placing her on pace to set the Washington state scoring record had her senior season not been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She was also a Jordan Brand Classic All-American and a three-time Adidas All-American .
How did she perform at Oregon State University?
During her time at Oregon State, Talia:
Earned All-Pac-12 honors in 2022 and 2024.
Averaged 13.7 points per game in her sophomore season.
Scored a career-high 41 points against Nevada in 2022.
Helped lead the Beavers to the NCAA Elite Eight in 2024 .
Why did she transfer to USC?
Talia transferred to USC as a graduate student for the 2024-25 season, citing the opportunity to play under Coach Lindsay Gottlieb and to be part of a team with national championship aspirations. She also announced her transfer through a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) partnership with Panini America .
What are her expectations at USC?
At USC, Talia is expected to bring leadership and experience to a talented roster. She has been named to the Nancy Lieberman Award Watch List, recognizing the nation’s top point guard, and is anticipated to play a significant role in USC’s pursuit of a national title .
What is the Nancy Lieberman Award?
The Nancy Lieberman Award is presented annually to the top point guard in women’s NCAA Division I basketball. Talia’s inclusion on the 2025 watch list highlights her exceptional playmaking and leadership abilities .
What are her academic pursuits?
Talia earned a degree in business administration from Oregon State and is currently pursuing a master’s in entrepreneurship and innovation at USC .
What are her career aspirations?
Beyond college basketball, Talia aims to play professionally and eventually transition into coaching, leveraging her extensive experience and basketball IQ .
Where can I watch her highlights?
Talia’s game highlights are available on various platforms, including YouTube and USC’s official athletics website. Search for “Talia von Oelhoffen highlights” to view her performances.
To conclude
Talia von Oelhoffen’s journey from a high school standout in Washington to a key player for USC’s women’s basketball team is a testament to her talent, dedication, and resilience. Her impressive statistics, leadership qualities, and academic achievements make her a role model both on and off the court. As she continues her collegiate career at USC, fans and aspiring athletes alike can look to Talia as an example of excellence in women’s basketball.
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