“One on one,” word from Marta Tumminelli of Women’s Basketball.

Marta Tumminelli of women’s basketball team moved to Rome at a very young age, ready to embark on a double life: as a student and as a basketball player at Luiss. And now, after three years in the women’s C Series, she tells her story in the fourth episode of “One on One” on Radio Luiss.

Marta, tell us about yourself...

I’m in my third year of Law, I was a freshman, so although I’m 19, I’m already more than halfway through my academic career. I was immediately struck by the possibility of reconciling study and my passion, basketball.

When was your love for basketball born and how did it develop?

I was born and raised in Sicily, in Palermo. I’ve always played in only one club, Verga, and there I did all the youth teams until I debuted in the first team. I started with them on a path that allowed us to climb higher and higher and at the age of 16 I made my debut in the A2 Series. When I moved to Rome, the team played the A1 championship. After that year, however, it went bankrupt.

How was the impact with the highest levels of Italian basketball?

Unforgettable, I remember everything about those days. Moreover, I had more experienced teammates who made me feel immediately at ease, the group was fantastic and I’m still in touch with some of them now.

Why did you decide to join the Luiss project afterwards?

Because I realized that basketball is not everything in life. I decided to radically change my habits, not to spend all day on the parquet and to dedicate myself to something else. I made the right choice: I can study the subjects I love and play and have fun.

Was it difficult to settle in a big city like Rome?

Not really. Let’s say that I was used to traveling without my family, since I’ve been around big girls since I was very young. When I arrived here, I immediately found a cohesive and well-integrated group.

What championship are you looking forward to this season?

The Women’s C Series, a demanding regional championship that will require great dedication. It’s not to be underestimated: all the teams we’ll meet are competitive. Including Stella Azzurra which has a very high level women’s sector.

Tell us something about your team….

The roster has changed a lot, there are a lot of new girls. We haven’t played a lot together, but from training I’ve noticed that there is a lot of harmony between us: the goal is to get a good collective result.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I don’t have much, because between studying and basketball I’m very busy. I listen to a lot of music: there’s practically no time when I’m not accompanied by a good song. I like soccer a lot, I’m a Palermo fan. Then I love taking pictures, especially during my travels, which are another thing I love.

Do you have an idol in basketball?

I really like Cecilia Zandalasini, a Virtus Bologna player. I also have a lot of respect for Giorgia Sottana: both have extraordinary talent.