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University of Massachusets Athletics
Photo by: Thom Kendall - UMass Athletics
NCAA Approves Waiver for Breen
September 14, 2020 | Women's Basketball
Breen granted an extra year of eligibility and now has two seasons remaining at Massachusetts
AMHERST, Mass. – University of Massachusetts women's basketball forward Sam Breen has been granted an additional year of competitive eligibility, as a result of a waiver approved by the NCAA. Breen now enters the 2020-21 season with two seasons remaining as part of the Minutewomen program.
"It has been quite the college basketball journey for Sam Breen," said head coach Tory Verdi. "I've been so excited to coach Sam from the day she committed to UMass two years ago. We knew what type of player we were getting then and she has grown tremendously as a member of our team. We are excited to see what these next two years hold for Sam, and are grateful for the efforts of our compliance staff, administration and the NCAA throughout the waiver process."
Breen appeared in 20 games in 2019-20 season and was named Atlantic 10 All-Conference Second Team, even after sitting out the Fall semester due to NCAA transfer rules. She averaged a team-high 16.9 points and 9.2 rebounds over 32.7 minutes per night, ranking second in the A-10 with eight double-doubles. The Gibsonia, Pennsylvania native scored double figures in 16 games, including all 11 starts.
"I've never been around a team that cares so much about each other and plays so much for each other," said Breen. "I think it just makes it that much more special. Coming to UMass has been one of the best decisions I've made and has helped me grow confidence and my love of basketball. I look forward to the future and am thankful to all who have been supportive during the waiver process."
Prior to Massachusetts, Breen spent 2017-18 and part of 2018-19 at Penn State, where she appeared in 26 total contests. As a senior in 2016-17 at North Catholic High School, Breen was tabbed the Pennsylvania Gatorade Player of the Year as well as the PIAA 4A Player of the Year. She was ranked No. 67 nationally in the Class of 2017 by the Dan Olson Collegiate Girls Basketball Report.
Follow UMass women's basketball on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@UMassWBB) for the latest news and updates around the team.
"It has been quite the college basketball journey for Sam Breen," said head coach Tory Verdi. "I've been so excited to coach Sam from the day she committed to UMass two years ago. We knew what type of player we were getting then and she has grown tremendously as a member of our team. We are excited to see what these next two years hold for Sam, and are grateful for the efforts of our compliance staff, administration and the NCAA throughout the waiver process."
Breen appeared in 20 games in 2019-20 season and was named Atlantic 10 All-Conference Second Team, even after sitting out the Fall semester due to NCAA transfer rules. She averaged a team-high 16.9 points and 9.2 rebounds over 32.7 minutes per night, ranking second in the A-10 with eight double-doubles. The Gibsonia, Pennsylvania native scored double figures in 16 games, including all 11 starts.
"I've never been around a team that cares so much about each other and plays so much for each other," said Breen. "I think it just makes it that much more special. Coming to UMass has been one of the best decisions I've made and has helped me grow confidence and my love of basketball. I look forward to the future and am thankful to all who have been supportive during the waiver process."
Prior to Massachusetts, Breen spent 2017-18 and part of 2018-19 at Penn State, where she appeared in 26 total contests. As a senior in 2016-17 at North Catholic High School, Breen was tabbed the Pennsylvania Gatorade Player of the Year as well as the PIAA 4A Player of the Year. She was ranked No. 67 nationally in the Class of 2017 by the Dan Olson Collegiate Girls Basketball Report.
Follow UMass women's basketball on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@UMassWBB) for the latest news and updates around the team.
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