Avery LaBarbera, a distinguished guard hailing from Harrison, New York, has embarked on an exhilarating new chapter in her basketball journey by joining the University of Wisconsin’s Badgers women’s basketball team. Her announcement, “Really excited for my new chapter with @BadgerWBB and I can’t wait to get to Madison!!”, reflects her enthusiasm and readiness to contribute to the Badgers’ success.
Early Life and High School Achievements
LaBarbera’s basketball journey began at Harrison High School, where she played five varsity seasons under coach Louis Kail. Her tenure was marked by numerous accolades, including four all-league selections and three all-section honors. As a junior, she earned second-team all-state recognition and played a pivotal role in leading Harrison to its first league championship in the 2017-18 season. Demonstrating her scoring prowess, LaBarbera set school records for career points (1,457), single-season points (421), and single-game points (40).
Collegiate Career at Holy Cross
LaBarbera’s impressive high school performance paved the way for a stellar collegiate career at the College of the Holy Cross. Over four seasons with the Crusaders, she consistently showcased her skills and leadership:
- Freshman Year (2018-19): Averaged 11.3 points and 4.2 rebounds per game, earning the Patriot League Rookie of the Year and third-team All-Patriot League honors.
- Sophomore Year (2019-20): Improved her scoring average to 13.7 points per game, securing a spot on the All-Patriot League second team.
- Junior Year (2020-21): Led the team in scoring (13.9 points per game), assists (51), and steals (39), earning her second consecutive second-team All-Patriot League selection.
- Senior Year (2021-22): Delivered a standout performance with averages of 16.4 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game. Her exceptional play earned her the Patriot League Player of the Year award and first-team All-Patriot League honors.
Throughout her tenure at Holy Cross, LaBarbera amassed 1,478 points, 660 rebounds, 364 assists, and 173 steals, cementing her legacy as one of the program’s all-time greats.
Transition to the University of Wisconsin
In March 2022, LaBarbera announced her decision to transfer to the University of Wisconsin for her final year of eligibility. This move was met with enthusiasm from Badgers head coach Marisa Moseley, who had previously coached against LaBarbera during her tenure at Boston University. Moseley praised LaBarbera as a “consummate competitor and a phenomenal leader,” expressing excitement about her addition to the team.
LaBarbera’s decision to join the Badgers was influenced by her familiarity with Coach Moseley and the opportunity to compete at a higher level in the Big Ten Conference. She expressed eagerness to develop her game under Moseley’s guidance and to experience the vibrant college town atmosphere of Madison.
Impact with the Wisconsin Badgers
During the 2022-23 season with the Badgers, LaBarbera made an immediate impact:
- Scoring: Averaged 11 points per game, reaching double figures in 17 games, with a season-high 20 points against Minnesota on January 8.
- Shooting Efficiency: Led the team with a 37.9% three-point shooting percentage, achieving five games with four successful three-pointers.
- Rebounding: Ranked second on the team, averaging 5.3 rebounds per game, including a season-high 10 rebounds against Milwaukee on November 7.
- Playmaking: Averaged 3.3 assists per game, with a career-high nine assists against Bradley on November 16.
Her experience and leadership were invaluable to the Badgers, providing stability and mentorship to younger teammates.
Academic and Community Engagement
Beyond the basketball court, LaBarbera has demonstrated a commitment to academics and community service. She graduated from Holy Cross in 2022 with a degree in political science and was a two-time selection to the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll. Her involvement extended to the Holy Cross Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and volunteering with organizations like Girls, Inc.
Legacy and Future Aspirations
LaBarbera’s journey from a high school standout to a collegiate star at Holy Cross, and her subsequent impact at the University of Wisconsin, exemplifies her dedication, resilience, and passion for the game. Her ability to adapt and excel in different environments speaks volumes about her character and work ethic.
As she reflects on her collegiate career, LaBarbera’s influence extends beyond statistics. Her leadership, both on and off the court, has left an indelible mark on her teammates and the programs she has been part of. Looking ahead, LaBarbera aspires to continue her basketball career professionally, aiming to bring her skills, leadership, and competitive spirit to the next level.
In conclusion, Avery La