Experience and grit. That is what the graduate transfers want to bring to the St. Joe’s women’s basketball team.
Graduate transfer Olivia Ramil played at Georgetown University from 2016-17 and Binghamton University from 2017-20, so she has experience against top programs.
“I’m a fifth year player, so I think my experience is my strongest asset,” Ramil said.
According to Ramil, she chose St. Joe’s because of the basketball program’s rich history.
“It’s been a great program over the last decade or so, and it’s a family environment,” Ramil said. “It was a perfect fit for me.”
Graduate transfer Alexis Santarelli, a native of South Philadelphia, wanted to return to the city she grew up in and play for a team she grew up watching.
“I used to go to the games,” Santarelli said. “Even as a little girl, I could always see myself playing at St. Joe’s.”
Santarelli brings experience as well, playing in over 90 games at Lafayette College. She said that her four years of experience for the Leopards, a positive mindset and a physical playing style are assets that she brings to the Hawks.
“My strengths are my interior presence in the post, and learning how to use my body and get physical,” Santarelli said.
Graduate transfer Alayna Gribble said she is also eager to play again, as she missed her last season with the University of Pittsburgh due to an injury.
“The ability to step out on the court again is what I’m really excited about,” Gribble said. “Playing with this team under the circumstances that we are in, I’m really excited to play some games.”
Gribble said she chose St. Joe’s for its academic benefits as well as the fit of the team.
“I thought that I would fit in well with the team,” Gribble said. “My skill set and what I bring as a player is a good fit, in addition to the coaching staff.”
At the University of Pittsburgh, Gribble finished top 10 in the school’s history for career 3-pointers made with 88.
“I would say my strengths are definitely my ability to shoot the ball and [my] mentality,” Gribble said. “I work hard.”
Both on and off the court, Gribble feels like she fits seamlessly into what the Hawks are trying to do.
“The team gets along really well, overall, the transition has gone well,” Gribble said.“Basketball-wise, I fit in really well with the system. It’s a good fit on both offense and defense.”
For Santarelli, her graudate season feels like a bit of a homecoming.
“Everyone here has made my transition so easy,” Santarelli said. “They’ve welcomed me with open arms and made me feel like I’ve been here for years.”
