Shelly Pennefather

Mary Michelle Pennefather (born c. 1966), now known as Sister Rose Marie of the Queen of Angels, is a former professional basketball player. Winner of the Wade Trophy in 1987, she went on to play premier league basketball in Japan before retiring to a monastic life.

Personal life Shelly Pennefather is the daughter of Mike and Mary Jane Pennefather. Mike Pennefather was an Air Force Colonel so the family moved to many locations, like Germany, Hawaii, and New York. Shelly was one of six children.

Pennefather was named to the Parade All-American High School Basketball Team. She was a U.S. Olympic Festival selection in 1981 and 1983. She turned out for the USA Women's R. William Jones Cup Team in 1982 where she earned a silver medal.

College Pennefather played college basketball for the Villanova Wildcats at Villanova University in Radnor Township, Pennsylvania. She was convinced to attend by Coach Harry Perretta, who connected with her through their devotion.

Villanova statistics Source

Professional career After graduating from Villanova, Pennefather played three seasons of professional basketball for the Nippon Express in Japan. During this time, she would fly back to the United States every offseason and work for a month with the Missionaries of Charity, Mother Theresa's order of nuns.

Religious life On June 8, 1991, Pennefather retired to a monastic life with the Poor Clares order at their monastery in Alexandria, Virginia.