Hannah Passafuime '12 was named Ivy League Rookie of the Week in women's basketball last week for her strong performance at the Dead River Company Classic. Passafuime had five points, six rebounds, and two assists against the University of Maine to lead the Bears to their first victory of the season.
Brown advanced to the tournament's championship game against University of West Virginia, where Passafuime came off the bench to contribute a season-high 16 points and one assist. She shot 6-of-12 from the field, while also knocking down three three-point shots. She is now second on the team in scoring, averaging 8.2 points per game while shooting 45 percent from the field.
For her exceptional play, The Herald has chosen Passafuime as our Athlete of the Week.
Herald: When did you start playing basketball and why?
Passafuime: I started playing in second grade. My sister was in fourth grade and had just joined a team with some of her friends and they let me practice with them.
What has been the hardest part of your transition to college basketball?
The college game is played at a much faster pace.
Do you have any superstitions or pregame rituals?
I will always have a rubber band or hair tie around the back of one of my shoes.
Why did you choose Brown?
I got along very well with all the girls on the team. I wanted to come to school on the East Coast, and I like the Brown curriculum.
Did you expect to make such an impact on the team so quickly?
I came in with little expectations other than to work hard and do the best I can.
What does the team have to do to get back on the winning track?
Stay focused and be supportive and confident.
What are you looking forward to for the rest of the season?
Being successful and continuing to grow as a team.
What are the team goals heading into the break?
Finish preseason games strong to prepare us for league play.
