Her Crimson teammates depict Rose as the paragon of optimism in the face of her surgery. Even her coach found her positive attitude remarkable.

"For any human being, never mind a 17-year-old girl to have to undergo invasive surgery, is traumatic," Delaney Smith says. "I was so impressed with Rose's attitude; she was so poised."

However, Janowski's outward appearance of confidence, on and off the court, was somewhat of a facade.

"I was so nervous the first week of practice," Janowski says. "I thought these girls are older, bigger, more experienced. I didn't think that I could play with them."

While her effort has been unflagging, Janowski admits her performance has been erratic.

Playing either center or forward, Janowski averages 4.8 points and 2.9 rebounds per game. It was not until the game against the University of New Hampshire that the freshman displayed the athletic ability that she possesses. Since that time, Janowski feels she has reached new heights.

"Instead of Suzy Cheerleader, I'm actually out there on the court," Janowski says.

Her coach attributes her dramatic improvement to natural physiological healing.

"Following the surgery, she was fairly inconsistent and weak," Delaney Smith says. "However, after the change [in her play] over exams, it was clear that her body had fully recovered."

Rose uses her optimism to her own advantage. She enjoyed a successful fall semester academically, an accomplishment which does not escape her fellow basketball players.

"I think of all the freshman, Rose is the one who has her priorities set, especially during exams," freshman Sarah Russell says. "Then she came back and turned it on because Rose is all about game."

That Rose is committed is an undeniable fact. When asked what she does for fun, she replies that she plays pickup basketball games with her friends and roommates. She also shrugs off the possibility of injury during a friendly game.

"I probably should worry about getting injured, but I don't," Janowski says. "I can't see myself getting hurt when I'm having fun playing basketball."