Hassmann cemented an illustrious Tahoma legacy. She’s the TNT’s All-Area Player of the Year
Hope Hassmann owns the right to brag. She, along with Tahoma’s squad, brought home a state trophy no other Bears program ever could.
For the first time since 1999, the Bears turned the WIAA’s Hardwood Classic into the “Tahoma Dome.” They were 2-1 in the tournament from March 1-4 and captured third place, thanks in large part to Hassmann’s 21 points in her final game.
There was newness, urgency, and necessity for five seniors – Hassmann included. A regional win on Feb. 25 was Tahoma’s first state win since 1996, and the state trophy later in tow was the program’s first placing ever.
“We just had to leave it all out there,” Hassmann said. “We’re done after this. So why not us?”
For much of their careers, Tahoma’s players spectated at state festivities. A fourth try generated their trophy.
It was Hassmann’s dream from childhood to play at the Dome – both the state’s biggest stage and the last box unchecked on an illustrious to-do list. The star guard is a three-time 4A NPSL MVP and Division-I commit to Cal State Fullerton.
“It all means so much,” Hassmann said. “Since I was a freshman, I’ve dreamed of accomplishing (this). I’ve put in so much work. To see it pay off, heading into college, it’s such an honor.”
Behind an average of 18 points, six assists, and four steals in her senior season, Hassmann is The News Tribune’s All-Area Player of the Year.
“I just say, she’s the leader,” Tahoma coach Peter Smith said. “It kind of starts and stops with Hope.
“Collectively... they all work well together and work really, really hard. But Hope pushes the tempo for us. (She) holds people accountable. And it gets us in the right place.”
The game slows for Hassmann, an efficient scorer and dexterous defender who can pry the ball free in a flash. Tahoma capped its regular season with an NPSL title and was a perfect 7-0 when Hassmann shot over 50 percent from the field.
She entered the Dome with a chip on her shoulder, as did the others. Ask Tahoma’s seniors, and they’ll contend the Bears should’ve vied for a trophy a year earlier. Tahoma lost consecutive district contests in 2022, which held them out of the Hardwood Classic until this winter.
The program’s first contest at the Tacoma Dome this century, Hassmann dropped 24 points to lead all scorers in a 51-43 win over Gonzaga Prep on March 2. She snagged seven rebounds, dished four assists, and knocked down nine of 13 free-throw attempts to push the Bears into the 4A semifinals.
“My teammates mean the world to me,” Hassmann said. “We’ve done so much together, and we wouldn’t be here without them. They do so many great things on and off the floor… they’re great girls.”
Camas outlasted Tahoma in a March 3 semifinal, but Hassmann ended her high-school career with a win one day later. The Bears beat Kamiakin for third-place behind Hassmann’s 21.
“Districts had been our bugaboo,” Smith said. “Getting past that stage… we just feel we’re good enough to play with anybody, (and) we were able to showcase the hard work these kids put in.”
Hassmann entered Tahoma’s program in 2019, both an instant leader and instant success.
Involved everywhere, she piled 19 points, six rebounds, five assists, and three steals per game in a breakout freshman season.
Now a senior captain, Hassmann’s ‘genuine personality’ continues to flow – a remaining constant, Smith said.
“I feel like I stepped into that role at such an early age,” Hassmann said. I’ve had to keep that going all four years. That’s my job. To lead the team, get people going, and get myself going.”
Throughout a four-year Tahoma career, Hassmann averaged 20 points and six assists per contest. She could brag, but don’t expect her to.
“That’s my teammates, too. They find me,” Hassmann said. “If they know I’m hot, they let me go. And I can find them, too. I feel like my pace, I can go slow-to-fast, and hit hard shots.”
Hassmann reads the game, picks apart matchup discrepancies, and consistently finds the high-percentage look regardless of who takes the shot. She committed to Cal State Fullerton, and she’s set to depart for preseason workouts and training this July.
After two visits, Hassmann committed out of love for the family-oriented program and, of course, the chance to compete in the Big West.
Smith can’t imagine the success and recognition going to a better person.
“I have a nine-month-old daughter… and (Hope’s) the kind of kid that you want to babysit for you,” he said. “I just have a group of 12 kids that… are all like that. It makes it pretty special. They work so hard.
“And Hope… she just deserves everything that she’s getting.”
This story was originally published March 16, 2023 at 5:00 AM.
