Passafuime Back Playing Ball on West Coast

Four years after last tearing up the Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League, former Soquel High School basketball star and current Brown University co-captain, Hannah Passafuime, returns to California for two college games.

“It’s awesome. I haven’t played here since high school really so it will be a good experience. My family will be at both my games and lots of my friends will be there,” said Passfuime. “Just to be out here in with my team, a lot of them have never been to California, is a great experience, especially it being my senior year; kind of a cap on the great time I’ve had at Brown.”

Passafuime and her Bear teammates kick off their short California tour with a 7:00 p.m. game, Thursday night, against Dominican University of California in San Rafael. Brown, 6-4 this season, then heads a little south and closer to Passafuime’s hometown for a 2:00 p.m. New Year’s Eve game against San Jose State on Saturday.

For Passafuime, these games are special but also serve an important role in preparing Brown for their upcoming Ivy League schedule and continuing what has been the team’s best start during Passfuime’s four seasons.

“Hopefully we can come away with two wins from here. Preseason is all about preparing for the Ivy League schedule,” said Passafuime.

As Passafuimie plays out her final season, she has no regrets about playing her college career so far from home.

“I really wanted to go play on the East Coast. I think that there’s so many schools out there with such good basketball. I think I know ultimately I’ll be in California near my family living, in the future, and I wanted to try something different,” said Passafuime. “I’ve had a really good experience and have great teammates and that helps a lot, having girls around you who are your best friends.”