Suffolk women’s basketball sophomore Amanda DeAngelis has won both Player of the week and Rookie of the week not once, but twice this season.
Hailing from Londonderry, N.H., DeAngelis said she loves getting to explore what Suffolk University has to offer.
DeAngelis has been playing basketball since she was 5 years old, attending Londonderry schools until her sophomore year of high school. She was a member of the 1,000 point club for her high school and won multiple awards throughout her career.
She then was recruited by New Hampton prep school as a reclassed sophomore and played for the school through her senior year. DeAngelis attributes her success to those who helped her become the player she is today.
“Starting with my parents, my dad was my coach all the way until I was in eighth grade, he taught me everything I know,” said DeAngelis. “My mom is my rock and she’s always there for me. This season has been very draining; it’s my first season with school and basketball so she’s been there to keep my head on straight.”
DeAngelis said her coaches and others have helped her further her career.
“My AAU coach Kevin Barboza really helped me develop into who I am today… His son Matt Barboza also helped me tremendously… and of course Coach Leydon for giving me the opportunity to play at this level,” DeAngelis said. “He didn’t owe me anything and he’s giving me all of these opportunities to prove myself, and I can’t thank him enough.”
DeAngelis was not expecting to win the award on either occasion and was incredibly surprised when she got the news.
“I was absolutely taken aback, I had no idea that was going to happen,” said DeAngelis. “It felt really good, like my hard work finally had some recognition.”
The COVID-19 pandemic prohibited the team from really working toward a specific goal last season. DeAngelis said she loves to be able to play the sport she loves without the fear of the season being shut down due to CDC guidelines.
“Last year was only eight games and it was basically glorified scrimmages, but I am really excited to be playing the sport that I love consistently every week,” said DeAngelis.
DeAngelis loves the game and said that it’s her way of handling the stress of college.
“It has become my happy place away from all the stress and everything between life and school,” she said. “This year, I am not taking it for granted. I enjoy going to practice — that’s what I’m looking forward to at the end of my day and I look forward to games because I just have so much fun out there.”
DeAngelis remained humble when talking about her success, repeatedly relating it back to those who have helped her along the way, including her teammates. She also stressed the idea that there is always something to improve on, and that hard work is what helps her and the team progress.
“I am extremely hard on myself. I play every game to get better. There is always something that you can improve on; having that mindset can be a lot but it helps me keep my head screwed on straight and work at everything, ” said DeAngelis.
So far, the Suffolk sophomore has had a show-stopping career and has big plans for her team in the home stretch of the season.
“I love every single girl on that team both individually and as a whole,” said DeAngelis. “I know we can make it extremely far and my goal is to win the CCC.”
Suffolk women’s basketball has had a strong season. With a current record of 17-6, this season has been one of hard work for the team.
Follow Bryce on Twitter @brycereagan1
