Storm

It took some digging, but finally reached former Washington guard Nicole Romeo (pictured right) to hear why she left the program. She’s currently in Australia, preparing to play for the Sandringham Sabres. According to an e-mail from Romeo, it was more about culture than coaching. Reminded me of when WNBA star lauren Jackson first left her native Australian roots at 19 to play in Seattle. She was just as uncertain about the culture in America, feeling most comfortable when surrounded by fellow Aussies Sandy Brondello and Tully Bevilaqua (late Suzy Batkovic joined the Storm).
You can read Romeo’s full response to my questions as to why she left below:
“There are many reasons as to why I left the UW which I clarified with the coaches,” Romeo began. “It is really difficult as an International player to find the right program that fits. The environment at UW wasn’t the right fit for me and I believed that in order to continue to develop as a player I had to head elsewhere.
“Moving away from home into a different country and a new culture is always going to be a challenge. I learnt many life lessons in my short amount of time but that can only help me grow into a better person and better player. I also met a lot of lovely people and made some really close friends which I will keep in touch with.
“I’m currently playing back home for a new team called the Sandringham Sabres. I’m really enjoying it so far, after the season I will be looking to make a professional team somewhere in Australia.
“Going back to the States is always an option hopefully one day I will again play ball over there. I also have a European passport so going to play in Europe is something I will definitely look into.”
Elsewhere in the league, Arizona State guard Briann January (Lewis & Clark), who sprained her ankle in the Sun Devils’ second-round win, is practicing for when the women’s NCAA tournament resumes this weekend. Meanwhile Oregon State (20-11), advancing to the postseason for the first time in school history, is preparing for its third-round matchup in the women’s NIT against New Mexico (24-10) tonight.