Sarah Liberatore is proof Division II college basketball can be the right fit.
It can even open doors to the next level, just like Division I can.
Liberatore, a Hempfield graduate who recently finished her college playing career at NCAA Division II Florida Tech, signed with an agency and is pursuing a professional opportunity overseas.
She said she still has plenty to give the game.
“This decision came from me having a passion and love for the game, feeling unfinished and wanting to continue playing, the opportunity to study overseas and experience basketball in a whole new environment,” Liberatore said. “I love to travel and want to take this time in my life to experience all I can, (with) a lot of prayer and direction from God and the support of my family.”
A 5-foot-10 guard, Liberatore started 21 of the 25 games she played in this season and led the Panthers with 29 3-pointers.
She scored 7.2 points a game and was the 28th player in program history to record 100 assists (103).
She averaged 8.3 points in 78 career games over three seasons.
Wanting a change in scenery and more playing time, Liberatore transferred to Florida Tech after one season at Division I Marshall, where she scored 41 points in 10 games, averaging 4.1 minutes.
The move was transcendent.
“I’ve always known it was an option (to go pro),” she said. “I kind of had my eyes set on doing that since I found my love for the game again while playing here at Florida Tech.
“This year, knowing it was my last year of college, I started to pursue it, ask questions and talk to coaches, friends and teammates that have done it.”
The third all-time leading scorer at Hempfield with 1,225 points, Liberatore signed with StartingFive, an agency based in Italy.
“The next step is working with my agent to go through different options. The process will most likely go through April and some of May,” Liberatore said. “I am looking in the direction of Ireland or England.”
