From the disappointment of last year’s Final Four to the desire for redemption, through shoulder surgery, the responsibility of leading a new-look Huskies team, and the overwhelming love of a fanbase that adores her. Blanca Quiñonez, the 2006-born forward who was born in Ecuador and developed as a basketball player in Italy, talks about her summer and her ambitions for the upcoming season in this exclusive interview.
First of all, how are you feeling physically? Did the shoulder surgery go well?
Yes, everything went well. I got rid of the brace a few months ago, and I honestly I literally feel reborn.
How did you spend your summer while you weren’t able to practice?
I stayed here in Storrs so I could have the surgery and go through rehab with our physical therapists. On June 1st, my teammates started working out again. During the summer, there’s actually more work in the weight room than on the court, with long lifting sessions. They also went to the mountains for an intense conditioning camp … luckily, I got away with missing that because I was still wearing my brace! (laughs) In August, I’ll finally go home for a few days.
We saw some pictures of you on a baseball field. Tell us about that experience.
It was a lot of fun! There was a baseball game with a World Cup theme where representatives from different countries got to throw out the ceremonial first pitch. Luckily, one of my best Italian friends plays baseball, so he gave me a few tips beforehand. Not surprisingly, I ended up having the best throw of the day!
The last time we spoke, you told me how excited you were about playing in the Final Four. What did that experience leave you with?
Even though the result wasn’t what we wanted, the Final Four was an incredible experience. The arena for the semifinal was huge. The craziest part is that in 2024 I was sitting there in the stands for the NBA All-Star Game in Phoenix, and now I’ve actually played on that same court! It really felt like fate. They treated us so well and spoiled us with gifts. They gave us something like a catalog where we could choose from an endless list of products—coffee machines, beauty products, and so much more.
Let me guess… as an Italian you picked the coffee machine.
(Laugh) Actually, no! I picked a bread maker for my mom, a keychain, and a speaker because I literally can’t live without music.
Looking back now with a clearer mind, what do you think went wrong in the semifinal against South Carolina?
It was a combination of things. We were a little tense, and we simply didn’t play our kind of basketball. They were more aggressive, and we weren’t able to match them physically because we weren’t fully on the same page as a team.
How did you handle everything that happened after the game?
A lot of things happened, but we really didn’t talk about it much because there wasn’t any reason to. That’s something that stays between those involved and the coaching staff. It doesn’t change the way we see our coaches or who we are as a team. It was something that got resolved pretty quickly.
What’s your favorite memory from your freshman season?
The moment I finally felt like myself and started playing the way I know I can. It was a tough journey, a really demanding year, but also an incredible one—I’d give it a ten out of ten because I grew so much. The challenges I faced are the foundation for doing even better next season. I’m not someone who’s ever satisfied.
What do you remember most about the Elite Eight game against Notre Dame, where you stole the show with 20 points?
That was definitely the best moment of the season. It was when I proved I was ready and could step up when the team needed something extra. None of that would have been possible without the confidence my coaches and teammates gave me all year long.
You were named Big East Rookie of the Year and Big East Sixth Player of the Year. What do those awards mean to you?
They mean everything. They say a lot about all the hard work I’ve put in and about the trust the coaching staff showed me every single day—even when they were yelling at me in practice to help me improve. None of it would have been possible without them.
Do you already know if you’ll be in the starting lineup next season? What role do you expect to have?
Whatever happens, happens. I’m happy with anything—as long as I get to play and hopefully earn as many minutes as possible. We honestly haven’t talked about it. Right now, my focus is on recovering step by step from the injury, and I should be back practicing with the team around September or October.
As a sophomore, you’ll already be one of the veterans on the team. What do you want to pass on to the freshmen?
I want to be a point of reference for the new players, especially the two international freshmen, because I was in their shoes last year. I want to have more of a voice, take on more responsibility, and always help bring the team together.
Do you feel ready to take on a leadership role after Azzi Fudd’s departure?
Yes. But to do that, I’ll need to raise my level even more, both in my game and in the way I lead on the court.
UConn will have a very European feel next season with the arrivals of Jovana Popovic and Marine Dursus. Will that change the way you play, or will they be the ones who have to adapt?
They’ll have to adapt, just like players do pretty much everywhere. The way we play is what has made UConn one of the best college basketball programs in the country. I’m sure they’ll do well. The fact that they were recruited here already says a lot about their talent, and they’ve already proven themselves to be excellent players in Europe.
What are Coach Auriemma’s goals for next season? Is this a rebuilding year, or are you aiming high right away?
We’re aiming for the Final Four—and, of course, to win it all. We’re carrying the disappointment of the way last season ended with us, and that’ll make us even more aggressive and even hungrier to bring home the championship. After saying goodbye to our veteran leaders, we’ll see how everything comes together once I’m back at one hundred percent.
The last time your interview came out, UConn fans flooded us with requests for an English version. Are you aware of how popular you are with the fanbase?
Yeah, I’ve definitely started to realize it, especially because there are so many Latino fans, and it really means a lot to receive that kind of support. It’s honestly crazy, especially when we’re here on campus. You can never take something like that for granted, and the love from the fans truly makes me happy.
