Rosie Scognamiglio is a junior guard from Bradley Beach, New Jersey, majoring in government and law.A transfer student from Bucknell University, she comes from a very athletic family. 

She is the youngest of her siblings to play sports, having grown up watching them and her dad coach. Her brother, Patrick Scognamiglio '14, ran track at Lafayette. She has fond memories playing in the back of their house, which she says is where she developed her competitive edge and drive. 

Rosie is very versatile on both sides of the court for the Lafayette Leopards. She has also been named to the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll, showing the ability to play competitively while also staying present in the classroom.

Notably, her hometown of Bradley Beach has its own sports lore: Babe Ruth played an exhibition game there in 1926, hitting three home runs before the game was called due to swarming fans.

College Hill

What sparked your interest in your major, Government and Law?
I've always thought about being a lawyer, like, since I was young.I'm interested in sports law. That's one area, there's definitely others that I might want to go into. 

Is there any class that really stuck out to you, or a professor?
Politics of Fashion with Professor Joshua Miller. That was really cool because it showed how everything is connected and how politics can be intertwined with fashion.

From Backyard to the Courts 

How did you start playing basketball, and did you play other sports when you were younger?
I have three older siblings, one brother and two sisters. My sisters played basketball together on my high school team, so I grew up watching their games and practices while my dad coached them when they were younger. My family played a lot of different sports, so we were always competing in the backyard. I definitely grew up with a sports mindset.

Favorite NBA and WNBA Teams?
My favorite NBA team is the New York Knicks, and my favorite WNBA team is the Indiana Fever. 

What would you say is your personal basketball Mount Rushmore?
Michael Jordan, Steph Curry and Caitlin Clark. 

Do you have any pre-game routines or rituals?
I listen to music and I always chew a piece of juicy fruit gum. 

What has been your favorite moment within basketball since you've been here?
When we were at Bucknell, that was really exciting. Especially coming from Bucknell, it was cool to be able to go back and win. I know we hadn't won on that court in 12 years, so it was really fun to get that win.

Transfer Experience

Can you tell me a little bit about transferring in the same league?
The transfer process was a little bit stressful, especially with the portal and how things have changed. Women's basketball and college sports in general are getting a little crazy. I loved Bucknell, it was a great school and I have a ton of friends there, so it was hard to leave. But I'm really happy with my decision to be here. I have a great relationship with my teammates and coaches, and it all worked out for the best.

Coaching & Mentorship 

How is it coming to a school where your brother graduated?
I mean, we were always super close, of course, but I feel like it's only made us closer. We talked about where all the buildings are, and I even had a professor he had. It's just really fun to talk and share things, like the Lafayette–Lehigh game, and be able to share that experience with him.

Who has believed in you most throughout your college journey?
I think everyone in my family has been so supportive. I have a different relationship with each of them, of course, but I can turn to any of them at any time, which is great. I'd say especially my dad, he was the one who introduced me to basketball and was my first coach. He's always there and always has good advice.

What do you miss about home?
My mom's cooking, specifically her spaghetti and meatballs. 

Did you play other sports growing up?
I grew up playing a bunch of different sports: soccer, softball, and basketball. I rode horses for a while too, but I really focused on basketball once I got to middle school.

Above the Rim

Are you more productive early in the morning or late at night?
I guess late at night. But I also try to go to bed at a pretty good hour, so I try not to stay up super late working. I definitely try to get a lot more done during the school day. 

What is something you enjoy doing that's not basketball?
I really like going to yoga, pilates and like to run. 

What's something people assume about you that isn't true?
I feel like a lot of people say I'm super organized. I think I have a little bit of OCD. I like things in my room with labels facing the right way and all my clothes folded a certain way. That sometimes surprises people. Some of my friends are always shocked when they go into my closet. I'd say I'm organized, but not overly so. My friends will sometimes swap things in my room to see if I notice, and my eyes immediately go to it. 

If you could instantly master one skill that's not related to basketball, what would it be?
Chess 

Off the Court Faves

If you had control of the aux on the bus, what song would you play first?
Unwritten by Natasha Bedingfield

What's your go-to late-night snack?
Dill Pickles 

Do you like pancakes or waffles?
Pancakes 

Favorite uniform combo?
Pink uniforms 



If you could only eat one meal for the rest of the season, what would it be?
Hibachis

Favorite TV show or movie?
I really like Gossip Girl. I've seen it so many times.

Do you have a favorite smell or scent?
Floral scents