EDITOR’S NOTE: This story is part of a series of profiles created by UMass’ Journalism 332 Sports Writing class.
When Allie Palmieri transferred to UMass in 2023, she wasn’t sure if she’d ever find her rhythm again.
A once-promising recruit who had faced injuries, limited minutes and the mental strain that comes with the grind of Division I basketball, Palmieri arrived in Amherst searching for a fresh start.
What she found was not only a new team but a renewed sense of self.
“It definitely felt like a waiting game,” Palmieri said. “When I got to UMass, being able to have that new start and a coach that knew me from high school, giving me this opportunity has been really good for me.”
Palmieri’s journey hasn’t been easy. Coming out of high school, she was known for her shooting touch and relentless energy on the court. But after setbacks early in her college career, four years passed before finally touching the floor for real minutes.
Palmieri played in seven games as a junior at Seton Hall before suffering a season-ending ankle injury that required surgery.
In the following offseason, Palmieri entered the transfer portal and found a new home in Amherst.
Palmieri sat out her first season at UMass. She would’ve likely missed the first month of the season due to the surgery, so she and coach Mike Leflar agreed it was better to redshirt and save that year of eligibility.
“I was glad, I got another year to learn his system, what he likes, what he doesn’t like, and what kind of culture he wanted,” Palmieri said.
“Ultimately, I just needed a fresh start and someone that really believed in me.”
Under Leflar, Palmieri has become one of the Minutewomen’s most dependable players. Leflar credits her resilience and leadership as key to the team’s chemistry.
“She’s always been a leader by example,” Leflar said. “She’s always been a really hard worker.”
In her first season with UMass in 2024-25, Palmieri scored 12.2 points per game on 36.6% shooting from the 3-point line.
“Allie brings a steady presence,” Leflar said. “She’s the kind of player who lifts everyone around her. If we ever come out flat, we can depend on her to pick us up with her incredible shooting ability.”
On Nov. 8, UMass hosted Harvard, a team poised to see postseason play in March. UMass and Palmieri started off flat, trailing 29-22 after the first half. Palmieri was held scoreless, shooting 0-for-4 from the floor.
In the second half, she caught fire, shooting 4-for-5 in the third quarter for 12 points. She finished the game with 17 and helped the Minutewomen to a 68-55 victory.
“She didn’t get down on herself and trusted she would get many more opportunities and she responded,” Leflar said.
For Palmieri, basketball has become less about chasing perfection and more about embracing the process.
“I’ve learned that leadership is about trying to develop a relationship off the court with everybody and knowing what motivates them so that way when we talk to each other on the court, we’re all coming from a good place,” she said.
