Fanni Szabo and Kate Letkewicz Find Success in Pro Careers

HANOVER, N.H. – Two former members of the Dartmouth women's basketball team have taken their talents to the professional ranks. Fanni Szabo '17 and Kate Letkewicz '18 proved themselves on the court at Dartmouth and have enjoyed success on two separate teams in Europe.

"Our DWB program takes great pride in having players decide to pursue their passion for basketball in the professional arena," said Belle Koclanes, the Gail Koziara Boudreaux '82 and Family Head Coach of Women's Basketball. "Four years of collegiate basketball can often feel like a blip on the screen for many players who, by senior year, are really just beginning to peak in their skill sets, maturity level and discipline to the sport. Like any other profession, it takes years to master your craft. Fanni and Kate are two examples of players from our program who continued to crave a hunger for competition and growth in their basketball journey beyond wearing the Green."

Szabo, a native of Hungary, is playing professionally in her home country for DVTK in the Hungary-A Division. Her team has had a strong season so far and currently sits in second place in the standings with a 12-4 record.

"It's been a great experience playing professionally," said Szabo. "Playing with and against the best players in Europe is something that I have been dreaming about since I was a little kid. Most of the teams in this league have one or two WNBA players and are filled with national team players that have been in this league for over 10 years, so every single game is competitive. The pace is much quicker, so every decision we make on the court has to be quicker too. Overall, it's a very competitive and challenging environment, but I'm enjoying every second of it."

Szabo finished her Dartmouth career as one of the best players to come through the program. She is tenth all-time in scoring for the Big Green with 1,295 career points.

"Dartmouth has impacted my career greatly," continued Szabo. "I was fortunate to play alongside many talented players and against some good competition. I also had coaches that believed in me and taught me a lot about the game, so I am very thankful."

Letkewicz is in her first season playing in Spain for Genero where she has earned a spot in the starting lineup and is averaging 10.2 ppg and 4.9 rpg.

"My professional experience has been really smooth so far, not much more I could hope for when it comes to my first season," said Letkewicz. "From the beginning, my team and coaches have been very helpful and accommodating, making the transition seamless. One of the best parts of this experience is living on an island with amazing weather year-round."

"I would say the main difference is experience, the Spanish leagues are very competitive and full of talented players from around the world," Letkewicz said. "Most have been playing professionally for years-and-years, so each game is a battle. I've been trying to absorb and learn as much as I can."

Off the court, Letkewicz has had the opportunity to explore her new Country, getting to know the area and its people.

"I have gotten the opportunity to see a lot of Spain, including two of the other Canary Islands, which has been really cool. I definitely feel I have been immersed into the Spanish culture, in terms of the food, music, and beautiful scenery. The friendliness of the people was something immediately evident. Everyone I've met is kind and helpful."

From Waterloo, Iowa, Letkewicz finished her Dartmouth career with 1,136 points and is fourth in 3-pointers made with 196.

"Dartmouth has prepared me extremely well, not only in terms of basketball but also in the ability to adjust to a totally new culture. Everything from strength training to time management, the habits created while playing at Dartmouth have helped me in countless ways. I am so thankful for the DWB family."

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