Empire 8 Captains Series: Sammy Pasinella, Russell Sage College

Women's Basketball | 1/19/2023 1:16:42 PM

Sammy Pasinella is in her fifth season as a member of the Russell Sage College women's basketball team and first year as a captain in 2022-23. Pasinella has appeared in 90 career games for the Gators and is averaging 10.1 points and 2.6 assists per contest. She is a two-time All-Empire 8 selection, garnering first team honors in 2021 and second team accolades in 2021-22. Pasinella is closing in on 1,000 career points, as she is 95 away (as of Jan. 19, 2023). She helped lead Russell Sage to the 2020 Empire 8 Championship game, averaging 12.9 points and 3.0 assists per game that season.

A native of Mechanicville NY, Pasinella is a physical education major. She is six-time Empire 8 President's List selection for academic excellence and member of the Russell Sage College Athletic Honor Society.
Institution: Russell Sage College
 
Sport(s): Women's Basketball
 
Major(s)/Minor(s): Physical Education

GPA: 3.8
 
Class Year: Graduate Student
 
Anticipated Graduation Date: December, 2023
 
Favorite Professional Player/Professional Team: Breanna Stewart/Pittsburgh Steelers

Favorite Food: Pasta with Vodka Sauce
 
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup
 
Dream Vacation: Hawaii
 
Last TV Show/Series You Binge Watched: The Office

Various Academic Honors/Academic or Athletic Clubs:

• Russell Sage College Athletic Honor Society
• Empire 8 Presidents’ List
• Russell Sage College Dean’s List
• Russell Sage College President’s List

When Did You Become a Captain?/How Long Have You Served in That Role? I became a captain at the beginning of this season.

What Are Your Duties as Team Captain? Helping my teammates be successful both on and off the court. Encouraging them to be the best version of themselves by working hard in the classroom and everyday during practice or a game. I feel as though an important role of mine is staying positive, and being the positive role model that my teammates may need when things are not going our way as a team or when things get tough. I also think that I am responsible for holding myself and my teammates accountable. Setting the standard for being on time for practice each day, to making sure things are taken care of on a daily basis is a huge role I think is important to help us be successful.
 
What Type of Leader Are You? I feel as though I am a lead by example type of leader. Making sure everyone is prepared, comes to practices/games focused, and works hard each day to get better. Learning to move on to the next play after a mistake is made, and stay positive.

What Qualities Do You Think A Team Leader Should Have? A leader should be respectful, accountable, trustworthy, disciplined, confident, passionate, genuine has good communication skills.   
 
Any Interesting or Exciting Internships You Have Done or Are Currently Working On? I was able to student teach both elementary and high school Physical Education for a semester last year and I found that to be very exciting and eye opening! Being able to take what I have learned over the years in school and put it into real life was a great learning experience. 

Plans After Graduation: To become an elementary Physical Education teacher.

What Do You See Yourself Doing in 10-15 Years/What is Your Ultimate Professional Goal: I see myself being a successful PE teacher with hopes of also becoming a basketball coach on the side.  

How Has Playing Collegiately and in the Empire 8 Prepared You For Life After College: Playing in college and in the Empire 8 has prepared me for life after college in that both have helped me become a more responsible individual. Learning new skills such as time management and learning to deal with adversity has helped me become stronger in areas where I did not think I was when I first began in college.  

Favorite Athletic Memory from Your Time in College: Competing in the Empire 8 Championship game in 2020 at St. John Fisher.

Greatest Mentors (On or Off Campus): My greatest mentor was my Poppy. Even though he passed away last year, his love, support, and life lessons still live through me today and continue to shape me into the person I want to become. I also think some great mentors in my life include my parents, aunts/uncles, high school coaches, and my current college coaches.

What Have You Learned About Yourself from Being a Captain: I have learned that being the one people look to and depending on comes with a lot of responsibility. I think it has taught me that I can be that player that has good and bad days, but even on the bad days to still show up and work hard. It has taught me to also have confidence in my ability on the court and to radiate that to others around me. I think it has also taught me to enjoy the little things/moments I share with my team and to just take it one day at a time, while also having fun. 

One Thing Most People Do Not Know About You: I am a morning person!  

Advice for Younger Teammates/Student-Athletes and Future Captains: Live in the moment when playing throughout your collegiate career, as four years (five for some) goes by in the blink of an eye, and soon you will be the one who is doing it all for the last time. Work hard each day and never forget who you are. Get involved with others on campus, support other sports teams, and have fun while doing it. Enjoy the little things like bus rides or team dinners. And lastly, always remember to smile!   
ABOUT THE EMPIRE 8 CONFERENCE
The members of the Empire 8 Conference are committed first and foremost to the pursuit of academic excellence and the league is regarded as an outstanding NCAA Division III conference. The membership has distinguished itself among its peer group for its quality institutions, spirited and sportsmanlike competition, outstanding services and highly ethical policies and practices. Its commitment to serve the educational needs of its student-athletes is the hallmark of the E8. For more on the Empire 8 visit www.empire8.com.
 
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