DiMatteo helped AOSR maintain dominance on court

American Overseas School of Rome forward Natalia DiMatteo tries to lay in the ball against Aviano’s Aubrey Cannon during pool play of the 2026 DODEA European basketball championships on Feb. 11, 2026, at Wiesbaden Sports and Fitness Center in Wiesbaden, Germany. (Matt Wagner/Stars and Stripes)

An injury turned out to be a blessing in disguise for Natalia DiMatteo.

The American Overseas School of Rome forward missed most of her junior season due to a fractured metatarsal bone. That included the Falcons’ run to the 2024-2025 DODEA-Europe Division II title.

According to DiMatteo, though, that rest was just what the doctor had ordered. The 5-foot-10 forward was burned out from constant training for basketball and admitted she needed a break.

That hiatus lasted until summer, when she picked it back up with her siblings. In the fall, DiMatteo and her friends played at lunch, and the enjoyment returned.

“I think I kind of regained my love for basketball in a way,” DiMatteo said. “I was doing it out of choice just for fun for myself.

“I think that’s very valuable to know because sometimes, pressure can make things not enjoyable, when you feel like you’re not doing something for yourself anymore.”

With her love of the sport back, DiMatteo put together a big 2025-2026 campaign. The senior from Syracuse, N.Y., led AOSR to an 18-2 record a successful defense of the program’s mid-size tier crown.

The daughter of Kristen and Brett DiMatteo earned tournament MVP and first-team All-Europe honors.

Because of her exploits on the basketball court, DiMatteo was selected Stars and Stripes’ 2025-2026 girls basketball Athlete of the Year for Europe.

Part of this special season was her performance in the 38-36 victory over Vicenza in the title game on Feb. 14 at the Wiesbaden Sports and Fitness Center in Wiesbaden, Germany. DiMatteo amassed 22 points in the game, attacking the bucket and helping break the Cougars’ potent press.

“There’s no slacking in those games,” DiMatteo said of playing Vicenza. “You have to go hard to come out on top, and I think that’s really fun.”

DiMatteo bookended her high school with championships – and in both, she played a key role. As a freshman, she hit the title-clinching free throw to beat Naples 26-25.

Despite her impact, DiMatteo expressed humbleness. When asked about her strengths on the hardwood, the forward said she isn’t fancy, nor is her play exciting.

Instead, she focuses on the basics like crashing the boards and just tries to do those well.

“I definitely don’t have too much skill,” DiMatteo said. “I don’t have any crazy moves or anything, but I think it’s just intensity and fundamentals.”

Another aspect of her game she highlighted was her defensive effort.

DiMatteo said she loves that side of the game. It doesn’t matter if she’s in a physical contest with her fellow post players or if she takes on guards like she did against Aviano and Naples – that’s her bread and butter.

“A lot of it is how hard you try and how hard you focus, and for me that’s really great,” DiMatteo said. “Even if you’re having a bad game shooting-percentage wise or something’s not going your way, you can always play the best defense that you can.”

With the end of the basketball season, DiMatteo turns her attention to track and field, where she will try to help the Falcons defend their co-championship from 2025.

After this spring, DiMatteo said she hopes to compete at the Division III level in college, but just like with basketball, perhaps a pause could do wonders for her.

“I do think it’s hard. I love doing sports, but I feel I tend to get burnt out,” DiMatteo said. “Maybe it’s a good time to take a break.”