#1 Nina Aho

"Thank you, Duquesne.

Thank you for the great professors I had during my years, who helped me realize what I am passionate about.

Thank you for the friends that I made and for the fun times and endless laughs.

Thank you for accepting me and welcoming me to the Duquesne family.

To my basketball family,

Thank you for pushing me hard every day and for being there for me during the times I most needed. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to experience the American dream. I have met so many different people and experienced so many different cultures during my time at Duquesne. I learned a lot about life, but even more about myself. Duquesne will always be a big part of my life because it molded me into the person I am today.

I am thankful for the hard times and for the situations that challenged my personality and my perseverance. 

Once a Duke, always a Duke.

- Nina

#10 Paige Cannon

"Dear Duquesne,

First and foremost, thank you. Thank you for the best five years of my life thus far. Thank you for the friends that will last me a lifetime and the people I have met along the way that will always be in my heart. Thank you for bringing me to a program that has taught me more than I could have ever imagined about basketball but more importantly, about life. I found a second family here, and although I am leaving Duquesne and the city for now, I know it will always be like home for me when I return. 

Thank you to all of the people who have helped me along the way. Thank you to my coaches who have taught me, believed in me and were with me through the good times and the bad. And lastly, thank you to my teammates and friends who have made this place so hard to leave because of the countless laughs and the endless memories that will always stick with me.

You will always be in my heart, and as always, Go Dukes!

Love,

- Paige Cannon #10

#54 Angela Staffileno

"Dear Basketball,

All of my earliest childhood memories involve you in some way. From co-ed leagues at the local middle school, to playing against my brother in the driveway (and winning), to high school and AAU then onto college, you always played a major role in my life. I’ve always had a special place in my heart for you. Not everyone could understand why time and time again I chose you over “fun” times with friends. It was hard for some to comprehend how a game could take precedent over having fun; the choice for me, however, was very simple. I had a dream of playing at the highest-level possible.

I started playing organized basketball in about 5th grade. My coach always told me I had the talent to be special. Of course, at that age, you don’t really think too much about the future or realize the weight a compliment like that holds. I changed schools in 7th grade, so I ended up having a new coach. He had the same thoughts as the previous, and he even wanted me to play on the 8th grade boys’ team (haha). 

Then, my freshman year of high school came, and it was then that I truly realized how much you meant to me. Starting varsity as a freshman is a big deal for anyone, but it was an eye opener for me. Even though at that time I still I didn’t fully understand the talent God had blessed me with, I realized it soon after. Becoming the leading scorer and rebounder as a freshman and being one of the top players in the state as a freshman sure does put a chip on your shoulder. We didn’t win very many games in high school, but that did not take away the love I had for you. I still enjoyed every second of the competition no matter the outcome. Years passed and my love for you continued and I continued to have so much fun. I worked so hard to craft my skills for you; committing the majority of my time to practicing you after hours. My hard work and dedication to you was rewarded when I became Brooke High School’s leading scorer in both men and women’s basketball, along with leading rebounder in women’s basketball. 

Even more rewarding, I fulfilled my dream of playing Division I basketball at Duquesne University. This led me to things that I never dreamed I would do. You gave me the opportunity to be a part of a historic season in Duquesne women’s basketball history. You gave me the opportunity to play in the NCAA tournament and win our first-round game. The experience ended with playing the best team in the country on their home court (UConn). You also allowed me to travel the world, all the while still enjoying what I love to do. I got to see and explore Paris, Hungary, Serbia and Croatia, along with experiencing firsthand the cultural differences to America. I got to travel to several famous landmarks in America, such as Niagara Falls and the Golden Gate Bridge. You also enabled me to get my education for free, including a masters degree.

Because of you, I have met some of my best friends that I know I will have in my life forever. It wasn’t always easy with you; there was definitely a lot of adversity to overcome. But, we did it. We made it through together. I wouldn’t trade any of it for the world. Most of my fondest memories involve you, and even though there were difficult times, the good times far outweigh the bad. I am not sure what life holds for me beyond my career with you, but whatever it is, you will have prepared me for it. Thank you, basketball, for all the memories, the lessons, and shaping me into the best version of myself I can be.

You will always hold a special place in my heart. 

- 54, out.