For three seasons while wearing the University of Hartford Scarlet and White, senior guard Irene Primo was a contributor to the successes of the women's basketball team. Now, she is the leader.
 
Primo returned for the 2022-23 campaign as the Hawks' lone senior and has taken on a key leadership role for the development of the team. With 11 newcomers, including six freshmen, Primo has utilized her time with the Hawks on and off the court over the years to help mold a young team for the future. 
 
"This being my fourth year here at Hartford, it's been great learning from different people and coaches over the years," said Primo. "Since I'm the oldest on the team it gives me the chance to really teach my younger teammates using my various experiences."
 
Going from averaging 14 minutes per game and scoring a combined 105 points over her first three seasons at Hartford, the Tres Cantos, Spain native has by far surpassed her career totals through 15 games into the 2022-23 season. Dropping a career-high 106 points (7.1 ppg), 24 assists (1.6 apg), 14 steals and 24 three-point field goals (.338 3-Pt FG. Pct.).
 
Weighing in on her senior's leadership qualities and attributes she brings to the team day-in and day-out was first year head coach Polly Thomason. 
 
"First of all, Irene is a leader by example, giving her utmost effort whenever she's on the floor. She's our hardest worker when it comes to getting in the gym, working through pain and showing her overall work ethic.
 
"She doesn't take plays off or take the time she has on the court for granted. That's the first thing you want out of a great leader and she definitely does that for us," Thomason continued. "Her leadership is so important because we've had a lot of tough games and losses but she hasn't lost her mindset of let's keep working hard and getting better."
 
A mainstay in the Hawks' starting five, Primo along with freshman standout guard Tatum Forbes have formed a great connection on and off the court. The guard duo currently ranks first and second on the squad in multiple categories. Forbes averages 8.3 ppg, 1.9 apg and 1.0 steal per game for first on the team, while Primo follows closely behind scoring 7.1 ppg, dishing out 1.6 apg and grabbing 0.9 spg. 
 
"Coming in as a freshman Irene has been here the longest out of everyone on the team so her experiences are very valued," said Forbes. "I always try to pick her brain and learn from her because she's where I've been trying to get as a player and as a teammate."
 
Looking to pass her knowledge onto her current teammates to become futures leaders of the team, Primo's dedication to the Hartford women's basketball team is acknowledged by all the players.
 
"Since she's been here the longest, she knows the roots and how things are run at the level we play at," said Forbes. "She's always the most positive one around and is basically the glue of the team. Overall, she's someone that my teammates and I are able to look up to and learn a great amount from."
 
Currently on an extended seven-game road trip transitioning into the latter half of the season, the Hawks are looking to keep growing and improving as an overall unit. 
 
"It's been a hard season so far, however, I think we're learning a lot and growing as individuals and as a team entirely," said Primo. "Getting ready for these last few games of our road trip and preparing to return home will be good as it's where we practice and where our fans are."
 
Primo, Forbes and the rest of the Hartford women's basketball team will be back in action on Tuesday, Jan. 10, heading back to Philadelphia, Pa., to take on UPenn. Tipoff inside the Palestra between the Hawks and Quakers is set for 7 p.m.