Portland Maine News

If Saint Joseph's College is 'where community grows', Hannah Talon's roots run deep. Hannah, a junior exercise science major with a sports psychology minor, is the daughter of Allison and Aaron Talon, '97 and '98, respectively. These roots are infused with the Talons' athletic ability. Allison was a part of the field hockey team, Aaron was a member of the baseball team, and Hannah's younger sister Sarah is currently a freshman on the University of Maine Women's Basketball team. While Hannah was bound to become an athlete, baptized on Saint Joseph's campus, it seems Hannah was destined to be a Monk.

During Hannah's freshman year of high school, she came to St. Joe's for a GNAC championship game. The Monks beat Emmanuel College 66-62 and won the GNAC Championship. She reminisces, "I remember the environment, the students, and the community around St. Joe's. I was just in awe of seeing so many people in such a special environment. After that, I knew I wanted to play college basketball."

Years later, Hannah found herself at the championship again, this time as a college basketball player. The years that led to this moment were filled with self-discovery and growth.

While Hannah's future is undoubtedly going to be filled with success, the road to where she is today was plagued by injuries. Talon's college process, which started in 2018, took an unexpected turn when she went through a very difficult two-year stretch. Tearing her ACL seven games into her junior season of high school, she rehabbed, persevered, and came back stronger for her senior season. Everything was on track until she tore the same ACL in the last game of her high school career.

One ACL surgery is a tough mountain to climb, but tearing the same one twice in a two-year span is nothing short of demoralizing. Most would let the injury dictate their lives. Hannah did the opposite. Stating, "a serious injury is 80% mental and 20% physical," as she fell back on what defines her. Hard work, determination, and commitment, paired with the support from those close to her, she was able to not only grow, but excel through these difficult times.

Drawing inspiration from many, Hannah voices her appreciation toward her parents, "they have always been there for me. Being injured, especially a torn ACL, is a very long process. It was a long year-and-a-half process and there were times I wanted to quit. There were times when I didn't want to keep going because it was too painful and mentally exhausting. They always told me to keep going and were there for me when I wanted to cry. They were there to pick me up and make sure I wasn't throwing myself a pity party." Having people willing to support you in the most difficult times is life changing. Hannah was given the opportunity to grow her support system by attending and playing basketball at Saint Joseph's College.

Two roads, one being Hannah's life and the other being SJC, that were always parallel, conjoined as she wrapped up her college recruiting process. She would now get to create her own journey in a community she always watched from the outside.

Allison Talon, Hannah's mom, articulates what this meant to Hannah "she's always had admiration for Coach McDevitt. He was at all of her games so we knew he was interested in her. He puts together a team with some really great chemistry and he knows what he can get out of his players. This really started to appeal to Hannah."

SJC Women's Basketball Head Coach Mike McDevitt '83, who is a member of the Saint Joseph's College Hall of Fame and a future member of the Maine Basketball Hall of Fame, adds "I felt there was a lot of room for improvement there and those are the kind of players that I'm trying to find. Someone who can hopefully get a lot better during their time here at St. Joe's. She was definitely somebody I thought could reach that potential." Throughout Coach McDevitt's career, he has identified great players, and once again he was spot on. Thinking about her time here so far, he notes "St. Joe's is a really good fit for Hannah. It fits the type of person she is, her values, and she's having a really positive college experience." Talon continues to push her limits and develop the already notable Saint Joseph's women's basketball program.

Hannah knows she is lucky to play for a coach of McDevitt's caliber and she shares, "I felt proud of myself for getting recruited by Coach McDevitt. He has been so successful here, he's such an amazing coach, and he's well known across New England. To play under him has been the most amazing experience and I wouldn't want to play for anyone else." McDevitt continues to be a role model for all and specifically within the team. Talon adds "he wants to make sure we're doing the right thing all the time. He always preaches if you're going hard and giving your all, then good outcomes will follow. He is supportive of us at all times."

Transitioning to college is a monumental step in everyone's life but doing so during the "COVID" year while going through a second ACL injury in the span of two years is unimaginable.

March 6, 2021: Hannah had overcome countless hardships and was able to take the court in a Monks' uniform for the first time in a 77-32 victory of University of Maine Augusta.

While initially Hannah was seeking the benefits of her return to basketball, the lessons, and relationships, she developed during this time stretch far beyond the basketball court.

During these years, Hannah credits Jan Veinot, her former sports psychologist, who is now working with the sports teams at the University of South Carolina, "She helped me find who I wanted to be outside my sport. Who am I outside of myself as Hannah the basketball player?"

Thinking about her dreams after school, Talon envisions, "I would love to work for any type of college program as a sports psychologist, because I definitely see it as an uprising profession. These programs are definitely in need of sports psychologists. It's coming to the realization that athletes and students need extra help, and it is okay to ask for that help." After everything Hannah has gone through, whether coaching basketball or working in the field of sports psychology, those fortunate enough to work with her in the future are in good hands.

Allison believes Hannah has gained perspective. Articulating "she knows how to help athletes who are going through the same thing that she's been through. Especially learning how to change your mindset and goals. When an injury like that happens, you have a goal, and you have a vision. The difficult times happen and your goals change. Learning how to adapt and get through that is special. After dealing with the grieving process of what injuries put her through, she appreciates the game more, studies the game, and understands the game at a higher level."

Hannah also touches on her growth and appreciation. "It's all about appreciating the little things around you. It could all end in a second, so it's important to appreciate those around you and the game and do what you love. I spend every single day appreciating the little things." She continues, "I'm willing to do what I need to do to make myself successful but also my team. I want to make sure that everyone around me feels like I'm there for them. Whether it's making them smile or pushing them to be better, it just comes from the love of the game. I have so much love and respect for basketball I just want everyone else to feel that."

Everyone felt that love on February 26th, 2023.

On the same court Hannah found her love for basketball - and in front of a near-capacity crowd - she would etch her name in the history books and bring the SJC community its first women's basketball championship since 2018.

Hannah's road to the history books was exceptional. Averaging 26.3 points through three games, Talon was inevitably named as the GNAC tournament's Most Valuable Player and was crowned as a GNAC champion.

In a game where the Monks' GNAC hopes were slim, trailing 32 out of the 40 minutes and by as many as 11 points, it was only right for Hannah to ignite the comeback, scoring 18 of the team's 27 points in a decisive fourth quarter.

On the biggest stage, with her family and community watching, Hannah rose to stardom. A performance that will go down in St. Joe's history, but more importantly a performance that truly defines Hannah's character.

Perseverance.

Her life experiences, which have built her up, allowed her to achieve this rare feat and it paves the way for all the success she will encounter going forward.

Hannah's passion for basketball, but also for the well-being of everyone around her, is infectious. Throughout her life, Hannah has remained humble while holding herself to the highest standards. Just being herself, she inspires others, but she still makes time to express her gratitude, "to my parents, I want to say thank you for your patience and for being able to push me every single day. To my teammates and my coaches, thank you for never giving up on me, and I'll never give up on you."

Hannah Talon embodies what it means to be a Monk. Similar to her parents, she holds the community very close to her heart. Take notice because nothing's going to stop Hannah from achieving her dreams.

Original source can be found here