In the second in a series of Q&A’s with players on the William Paterson women’s basketball team, Beacon reporter Daniel Karp interviewed senior Victoria Palladino. Palladino’s presence is vital to the Pioneers, boasting shutdown skills that has led to the nickname “Palla-DEFENSE.” She runs all over the court, scoring points, grabbing boards, and getting steals.

Name: Victoria Palladino
Number: #1
Year: Senior
Major: Public Relations
Hometown: Middletown, NJ

• If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
  If I could travel anywhere, it would definitely be Italy. I am Italian, and my family is the first generation in America. Going to Italy and seeing where my roots are from would mean a lot to me. Being Italian means our family cooks a lot, and with that going to Italy would be amazing to try the food in its natural environment it comes from. 
• Which person on the team would you not let watch your child and why?
  Menna [Hafiz], because I feel like Menna would be so excited to watch the child and her excitement would cause her to maybe run away or forget about the child while making a TikTok or wandering off. On the bright side, I think that child would have a great time with her because she is super fun and energetic all the time.
• What song would you play to get yourself pumped up?
  Off the court, I am Tate McRae currently. Her pop style is upbeat and fun to listen to. For on the court, anything with a remix. Having something with a remix on the court before a game or during practice can spike adrenaline and spiking that adrenaline helps me perform at my best on the court.
• What is your favorite way to stay active outside of basketball?
  Besides weightlifting, I am excited to try pilates when I get out of basketball. I have focused on other activities, which helped me focus on basketball. However, I am excited to focus on other body movement activities that help me focus on mental health and fitness that do not have to do with basketball.
• What is one thing on your bucket list that you are determined to accomplish?
  One thing I am determined to accomplish is to become an interviewer for the Teen Choice Awards. It’s something I can see myself doing when I get out of this stage in my life. I have watched and practiced what interviewers do. I can see myself doing that, and I would love to be able to form connections with celebrities.