Shooting for Greatness: Meet Dolly Cairns

A Glimpse into the Journey of NOVUS Athlete & FGCU Basketball Star

Dolly Cairns is a shooting guard hailing from Saratoga Springs, NY, and is currently making waves as a key player for the Florida Gulf Coast University women’s basketball team. In a recent conversation, Dolly reflected on her transfer from Rhode Island, her dedication to the game, and her aspirations for the future. 

Standout Shooter

A testament to her early talent, Dolly started getting noticed as a standout player as an eighth-grader playing varsity. She started getting recruited in high school, and realized that basketball could be more than just a passion—it could be a career. Maintaining humility, Dolly emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and growth, a principle instilled in her by her current coach at FGCU.

“I’ve maintained my humility by realizing there’s always room to learn and grow,” said Dolly. “You have to continue to always work on your confidence and not let anyone take that away from you.”

Leadership & Success

As a part of the URI women’s basketball team, Dolly served as one of three team captains during the 2022-23 season. The team’s impressive 22-7 finish earned them a spot in the Women's National Invitation Tournament for the first time. Dolly’s decision to transfer to FGCU was met with seamless integration. Thanks to the support of her new teammates down south and the high standards set by her coach she quickly was able to acclimate as an FGCU Eagle.

“My teammates made the transfer from URI easy,” said Dolly. “I had no expectations coming in as a transfer but trusting the coach's process has helped. He has high standards for us and holds us to those expectations.”

Shooting Powerhouse

Currently, as a senior guard at FGCU, Dolly is not only a scoring powerhouse but also a leader on the court. Averaging 13 points per game and boasting a 3-point percentage that ranks fifth in the conference, she embodies the team’s focus on shooting. Dolly’s dedication is evident in the team’s commitment to their slogan, “raining 3’s,” backed by rigorous shooting drills and countless hours in the gym. 

“A lot of people want to be a part of the program, due to the success of it. We have to put a lot of hard work into these accolades,” says Dolly. “It’s about how hard you’re going to push for it and gaining the trust of the coach.” 

Navigating the Transfer Portal

Dolly’s insights on the transfer portal shed light on her adaptability and commitment to personal growth. Despite her initial reservations about transferring, she recognized the opportunity for a fresh start after graduating from URI.

“I never thought I would transfer. I’m a loyal person. With me graduating and looking for a fresh start, it was something that opened my eyes,” said Dolly. “At FGCU, we’re still learning how to play with each other. Continuing to build those relationships and learn from each other is so important.” 

Future Aspirations

Beyond basketball, Dolly is pursuing a Master’s in health administration and envisions a future in the health field. With a background in coaching and mentoring young athletes in her hometown, she’d love to work with athletes in the future. 

Claim Your Crown

Dolly’s story is one of resilience, hard work, and unwavering commitment to excellence—both on and off the court. As she continues to make her mark in collegiate basketball, Dolly Cairns remains an inspiring figure, embodying the values of NOVUS’ Claim Your Crown mantra. 

Stay tuned for more updates on Dolly’s journey and other inspiring stories from our NOVUS athletes by following us on social media!