When the Crimson first asked Harvard women's basketball Coach Kathy-Delaney Smith to describe her freshman class, she initially held off on mentioning forward Hana Peljto's name. But when the time came, she let loose with unprecedented praise.

"I've saved the best for last," Delaney-Smith said. "She does everything: She runs the court hard, she can shoot the three, she slashes, she drives, and she has tremendous ball-handling. She's too tall for the guards, and too fast for the forwards. If you watch us practice or play, you will see Hana in seven seconds."

For the season, over 5,000 fans at Lavietes Pavilion were enraptured by Peljto as soon as she took the court.

Her numbers capture part of the story. She averaged 16.1 points and 8.1 rebounds per game to place second and third, respectively, among the Ivy leaders. She was an eight-time Ivy Rookie of the Week honoree and the unanimous pick for Ivy Rookie of the Week. Now she is the unquestionable choice for the Crimson's Female Rookie of the Year.

Peljto had already built up a considerable legacy before coming to Harvard. She lived through an extraordinary childhood-she was born in Bosnia, before her family fled from the war to Slovenia, where she first picked up basketball.

She ultimately found her way to Osseo, Minn., where she thrived in every aspect of life. Her senior year, she was valedictorian, as well as the AP and Gatorade State Basketball Player of the Year. She led Osseo to a state title in her final season, highlighted by a 34-point performance on two sprained ankles in the championship game.

It seemed natural that Peljto would immediately continue her success upon arriving at Harvard. When she first started practicing with the team, no one could stop her.

"When you ask her, 'How do you feel?' she answers, modestly but truthfully, 'Well, I didn't think it would be this easy,'" Delaney-Smith said of Peljto in the preseason.