Women's Basketball

Friday Focus with Alice Altomare

TOWSON, Md. – Every Friday, the Landmark Conference spotlights one of its standout student-athletes in the Friday Focus series. This week’s feature highlights Alice Altomare, a member of the Drew University women’s basketball team. From pregame rituals to post-practice snacks, Altomare shares what keeps her motivated on and off the court, and the traditions that make her team feel like family.

Early bird or night owl?
Night owl. My roommate, Liv, is always trying to settle down to go to bed while I'm about to start vacuuming our rug at 12:00 am on a Tuesday.

Favorite team tradition?
Our chant right before tip-off is great. It gets us going and brings the energy up, especially in high-stakes games.

If you could have dinner with any athlete, who would it be?
I think I'd like to have dinner with Jordan Poole. He's an amazing combo guard, and I love his game's pace. I also want to know what happened between him and Draymond Green.

What motivates you when training gets tough?
My parents. Especially late in the season, my daily phone calls with both of them are so important for my energy level and mental health. They can give me the level of support I need while still criticizing me and keeping me humble. Giving 100% in games and practice is the least I could do for everything they've invested in me. My mother and father also occasionally bribe me with an Uber Eats allowance if I really need a pick-me-up.

One thing you always pack in your gear bag?
My sneakers. Freshman year, when we played Elizabethtown away, I got on the bus, took a two-hour nap, woke up, and ate a BLT before realizing they weren't in my bag. I did our warm-up in New Balance 530s, and Amy's parents came to the rescue and bought me new Sabrina 1s (still wear them today). Now, I check my bag five times for them before we get on the bus.

Funniest teammate?
Mia is THE funniest girl. She and I go back and forth spewing nonsense, probably more than the coaching staff and our teammates would like, but our team is dependent on the good vibes and laughter she brings.

Best advice you’ve gotten from a coach?
"Don't overthink, just let that thang fly." - Isa Guzman.

If you weren’t playing your current sport, what would you play?
Volleyball. I played throughout middle school and high school and loved it. I can still pass dimes off serve-receive.

Favorite post-practice snack?
Pickles. Great for cramps.

First concert or live show you went to?
The Lion King on Broadway.

Favorite local restaurant near campus?
Masago in Morristown is awesome. The meal is cheaper when you pay with cash, so my roommates, Liv and Joc, and I always pool our cash together to get as many sushi rolls as possible.

Favorite sport to watch (besides your own)?
Volleyball. I still can't stop rewatching Texas A&M's run from this past tournament. I'm Kyndal Stowers #1 fan.

One thing on your bucket list?
As my teammates would tell you, I have an obsession with matcha. While using my whisk and bowl in the dorm is convenient, I've always wanted to experience the traditional way of drinking matcha. A trip to Uji (Kyoto) in Japan has always been a must-do on my bucket list. I would absolutely love to travel there and experience Japanese culture and traditional tea ceremonies.