By: Alyssa Baron, Penn Women's Basketball Legend

Why did you choose to attend an Ivy League institution?

I had scholarship offers to play Division I from other schools, but I wanted the combination of the best academic experience with high level basketball. I had the opportunity to receive the best education from world-class professors combined with playing Division I basketball, which helped me prepare for my future on and off the court. 

What athletic accomplishment are you the most proud of?

Winning an Ivy League championship during my senior year and playing in the NCAA Tournament. I arrived at Penn after the team had finished 2-26 the previous season. Coach McLaughlin told me that I could help turn the program around and win an Ivy League championship. After starting my career at the bottom of the standings to finish up in first place was a major achievement. Celebrating the championship with my teammates and coaches was the highlight of my career. 

What Ivy League school did you enjoy competing against the most and why?

Princeton. During my four years they were the most dominant team. Every game against them was a battle, which ended in defeat. Finally beating them at Princeton to win the Ivy League title in my last career conference game made it that much better.
 
How has Ivy League basketball evolved since your time as a student-athlete?

It has progressed farther than what I expected in such a short time. The teams in the Ivy League are not only competing with teams from major conferences, but also beating them. In terms of recruiting, Ivy League schools are contending with top programs for players that in the past would not have considered playing in the Ivy League. I dreamed of playing in an Ivy League Basketball Tournament and that is now a reality for current players. 

What kind of relationship do you have with those you competed against during your time as a student-athlete?

Playing in such a competitive sport, we weren’t on the court to make friends. After graduating, I have become friends with some of the student-athletes that I competed against. Sophie Bikofsky, a former Brown basketball player, played with me in the Maccabiah Games in 2013 and our friendship continued while we both played professionally in Israel.
 
Who were your idols while you were an Ivy League student-athlete?

I am lucky to know two of my idols. In high school, I became friends with Venus and Serena Williams. I got to know them as people in addition to seeing them perform at the highest level of sports. They have both overcome so much adversity in their lives and were still able to achieve greatness. Serena is the most dominant athlete of all time and Venus has done so much for women’s sports—she carries herself with grace and dignity. They have both been great role models.     
 
What does it mean to you to be a Legend of Ivy League Basketball?

It is an honor to be included in the company of Ivy League basketball greats. It is always a goal of mine to be the best at what I do and to be a Legend of Ivy League Basketball shows that all my hard work is being rewarded.
 
What are you looking forward to most about the Ivy League Basketball Tournaments?

Enjoying the atmosphere at the Palestra and being able to cheer on the Penn team with my former teammates as they seek another Ivy League tournament championship. 

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Alyssa Baron was a Penn women's basketball student-athlete from 2010-14. She is a member of the 2018 Class of Legends of Ivy League Basketball that will be formally honored during the 2018 Ivy League Men's and Women's Basketball Tournaments on Saturday, March 10, at The Palestra in Philadelphia. Purchase tickets at IvyMadness.com. 

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Authentic Ivy is Ivy League student-athletes, coaches and alumni, in their own words. Stay tuned to IvyLeague.com for more Authentic Ivy features throughout the 2017-18 year.