The CU freshman fitting right into the Buffs mix
BOULDER — From the very beginning, Peanut Tuitele knew she wanted to be at Colorado and play for Buffs coach JR Payne.
There were plenty of places Tuitele — whose given name is Sirena — could have continued her basketball pursuits. After a standout career at Pleasant Valley High School in Chico, Calif., she had all kinds of options, including many closer to home.
But it took just one meeting with Payne to convince her that the atmosphere and culture CU's coach is cultivating in Boulder — one built on family — is something she wanted very much to be part of.