COVID took so much from us. It was a painful, scary, and unusual time for everyone. In 2020, I was heartbroken when my sophomore season at SUNY Geneseo was canceled. While the world faced even greater challenges, it still felt significant to me, and I experienced a sense of loss.  

Now, four years after the pandemic, I cannot fully express how grateful I am for the opportunity that arose from that loss. I truly believe that everything happens for a reason, and I was meant to become a Ram at some point in my college journey.  

When I decided to enter the transfer portal last spring, I was seeking a change. I cherish my Geneseo family and my undergraduate experience, but I did not want to try to replicate it; I wanted to embark on a completely different path. My goal was to move to a city, earn my master’s degree, and play basketball with my remaining year of eligibility. Suffolk checked all my boxes, and my previous connection with Coach Leyden from high school recruitment made the transition seamless. 

Our basketball season was filled with pure joy, excitement, and passion. We played our hearts out day in and day out. I will never forget the big moments like the wins and the milestones. However, the little moments with this team stand out just as much. There are no words other than "I had so much fun" to describe my experience playing basketball at Suffolk and being part of this team.   

When people ask if I made the right decision, my answer is a genuine and enthusiastic yes. I put myself in a position to grow as a person and a student, living with no regrets. Suffolk gave me a family I cannot imagine my life without. Our season was filled with memories I will cherish forever. What more could I ask for? (Besides a championship, of course) Taking that leap of faith and stepping out of my comfort zone was the best decision I made; I wouldn’t want my career to end any other way. 

I cannot emphasize this enough—thank you, Suffolk Women’s Basketball, for taking me in.
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