NEWTON, Mass. – There is a lack of appreciation in today's sports culture for elite defense.

It does not consist of the glamour and flashiness that offense creates, but it is often the deciding factor between winning and losing games. The grit it requires has always appealed to Marie Zampano '22 of the Lasell University women's basketball program.

She emerged as an elite defender for the Lasers during the 2021-22 season, often guarding the opposing team's premier player. Zampano's commitment and effort on that end of the floor were inspiring.

"I have always loved defense, it has always been my favorite," said Zampano. "I focused on being quick on my feet and watching the players' movements to make sure that I do not get stuck. I worked on my quickness in the offseason, which helped me to be a lockdown defender. I always made sure to communicate while on defense because communication is the most important part. My favorite part of playing defense is getting those quick steals."

Zampano is a throwback and unselfish basketball player, prioritizing the team's interest over any personal agendas. She was a superb on-ball and team defender in a half-court setting, recording three or more steals four times in 2021-22.

She added a complementary offensive punch, scoring six or more points 10 times and recording two double-digit performances. The North Branford, Connecticut, native was always willing to make the extra pass, upgrading a good shot to a great one.

"When I am in game mode, I do not think about myself like how many shots I want to make, I think about what is going to give us our best chance at scoring, which is why I made that extra pass most of the time," said Zampano. "It is important to have the balance of being aggressive and a good teammate because it helps you to do your job on the court. My job was being a good defender and help our team get on offense, which leads to scoring."

The 5-foot-4 guard recorded career-highs of 18 points, six made field goals and four made 3-pointers, while shooting 4 of 5 from downtown, during an 87-51 triumph over Fitchburg State on Dec. 9. Zampano also corralled a personal-best nine rebounds in a 76-59 triumph against Northern Vermont-Johnson on Nov. 30.

She tallied an individual record with four steals in a 50-38 victory over Johnson & Wales on Feb. 5. Zampano dished out a career-high five assists against UMaine Presque Isle on Nov. 19. She knocked down at least one 3-pointer in 13 games, as the Lasers finished with seven GNAC wins, the most conference victories for the program since the 2006-07 season.

"This was a huge accomplishment because the program is getting better and it meant so much to us seniors who have been a part of the team for the past four years," said Zampano. "The program is only going to get better. The coaches have done a great job of transforming our program to be a winning one and to be able get seven conference wins in their first season is only the beginning."

Zampano engaged in a Q&A segment.

Q: Why did you start playing basketball?

A: I have grown up loving basketball. My great aunt loved the sport and always watched it and asked me when am I going to try out for UConn. She passed away when I was in high school and I wanted to make sure I worked hard enough to play in college just for her. That is the reason it has been so special and close to my heart all these years. It is fun and exciting to play. I love the fast pace game.

Q: As a recent college graduate, what are you currently doing?

A: I am doing an internship for auditing at a company called Baker Newman Noyes in Boston for the summer, and then I am attending Quinnipiac to get my Masters in Accounting. Lasell set me up for success after graduation because of its resources. My professors provided me with great networks, such as a career fair where I ended up getting my summer internship.

Q: What makes the Lasell experience unique?

A: Lasell is smaller in size, so it is great that you get a chance to know many of your peers and professors rather than just being a number. 

Q: How did you balance academics and athletics at Lasell?

A: Balancing academics and athletics at Lasell was overwhelming at first, but I quickly learned time management. I found that I was more efficient when I was in season because it gave me less time to procrastinate. I utilized bus time on the way to games for schoolwork. I will take the time-management skills and use them in the real world.

Q: Who were your biggest inspirations?

A: My biggest inspirations during my time as a Laser were my parents. Although they did not have the luxury or opportunity to attend college, they ensured that I had the opportunity to attend college. Through them, I found the strength and resilience to work hard in my studies by double-majoring, playing basketball and having an internship at the same time. 

Q: Who is your favorite professional basketball player?

A: My favorite professional basketball player is Breanna Stewart. I used to love watching her play for UConn and now she plays for the Seattle Storm. 

Q: What was your favorite college class?

A: My favorite college class was calculus. I do not know why I loved this class so much, but I did and I liked that we were able to apply it to the business world. 

Q: If you could teleport somewhere immediately, where would it be?

A: I would go to Italy. I visited once a few years ago and it is my favorite place.

Q: What is a hidden talent that you have?

A: A hidden talent that no one knows about me is that I know how to play the drums. My grandfather is a drummer and he got me into it at a young age.

Q: What would a perfect day include?

A: A perfect day would be hanging out at the lake on the boat with my family, friends and my dog, Romeo.

Director of Athletic Communications Trevor Wenners can be reached at twenners@lasell.edu.

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