Interview with Blanca Quiñonez by an Italian journalist (February 17, 2026)

[From Canada]

Attached is an interview Blanca gave to Italian journalist Isabella Agostinelli on February 17. Unfortunately, the article is in Italian. I have translated a few passages below to give you an idea.

Author: Isabella Agostinelli - Date: February 17, 2026

In this interview, she tells us how the trust of the staff and the role she has been given are allowing her to grow game after game, with ever-increasing confidence and awareness of her talent, in one of the most prestigious college basketball programs.

In fact, from the very first games, Coach Auriemma immediately gave you a lot of playing time.

What is your relationship with him like?

When he spoke to me for the first time, he was very clear: he wanted me on the team. That alone was a great show of trust for me. From then on, I tried to repay that trust every day in training, earning the space he gave me from the start. Our relationship is based on trust and responsibility: he always asks me for more because he knows I can give it.

Which formations did you find easiest to play in, and which did you find most difficult?

The plays themselves weren't difficult; they're similar to the ones we do in Italy. Plus, I learn quickly by watching and memorizing situations. The real difference was the freedom we have here, especially in one-on-one situations: you have to be very agile and ready at all times. Then there's the intensity and physicality, which are much higher than in Italy.

Who have you bonded with most in the team?

If I had to say who I'm closest to, I'd say Jana El Alfy, Sarah Strong, and Azzi Fudd, but I actually talk and feel comfortable with the others too.

And at the team level, who is the real leader who pulls you through in difficult times?

In my opinion, Sarah (Strong) is the main leader. She has a very high basketball IQ and great self-confidence, which allows her to take on a leadership role on the court. With her, I think everyone is more present when someone is needed to guide the team. Azzi (Fudd), on the other hand, doesn't talk much, but when she does, she is clear and knows what we need to do.

What is your typical day like when you have a game?

It depends a lot on whether we're playing at home or away. What doesn't change are the weight sessions after every game. It doesn't matter what time we finish or what time we get back. For example, after the game against USC in Los Angeles, after more than five hours of travel, we went to the gym to lift weights. There's no escaping it.

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

Dentro UConn con Blanca Quiñonez, di corsa verso le Final Four - BasketballNcaa

Blanca Quiñonez racconta la sua esperienza a UConn con Geno Auriemma tra allenamenti, squadra e sogni di Final Four.

basketballncaa.com

 

[RoadWarrior]

Attached is an interview Blanca gave to Italian journalist Isabella Agostinelli on February 17. Unfortunately, the article is in Italian. I have translated a few passages below to give you an idea.

Author: Isabella Agostinelli - Date: February 17, 2026

In this interview, she tells us how the trust of the staff and the role she has been given are allowing her to grow game after game, with ever-increasing confidence and awareness of her talent, in one of the most prestigious college basketball programs.

In fact, from the very first games, Coach Auriemma immediately gave you a lot of playing time.

What is your relationship with him like?

When he spoke to me for the first time, he was very clear: he wanted me on the team. That alone was a great show of trust for me. From then on, I tried to repay that trust every day in training, earning the space he gave me from the start. Our relationship is based on trust and responsibility: he always asks me for more because he knows I can give it.

Which formations did you find easiest to play in, and which did you find most difficult?

The plays themselves weren't difficult; they're similar to the ones we do in Italy. Plus, I learn quickly by watching and memorizing situations. The real difference was the freedom we have here, especially in one-on-one situations: you have to be very agile and ready at all times. Then there's the intensity and physicality, which are much higher than in Italy.

Who have you bonded with most in the team?

If I had to say who I'm closest to, I'd say Jana El Alfy, Sarah Strong, and Azzi Fudd, but I actually talk and feel comfortable with the others too.

And at the team level, who is the real leader who pulls you through in difficult times?

In my opinion, Sarah (Strong) is the main leader. She has a very high basketball IQ and great self-confidence, which allows her to take on a leadership role on the court. With her, I think everyone is more present when someone is needed to guide the team. Azzi (Fudd), on the other hand, doesn't talk much, but when she does, she is clear and knows what we need to do.

What is your typical day like when you have a game?

It depends a lot on whether we're playing at home or away. What doesn't change are the weight sessions after every game. It doesn't matter what time we finish or what time we get back. For example, after the game against USC in Los Angeles, after more than five hours of travel, we went to the gym to lift weights. There's no escaping it.

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

Dentro UConn con Blanca Quiñonez, di corsa verso le Final Four - BasketballNcaa

Blanca Quiñonez racconta la sua esperienza a UConn con Geno Auriemma tra allenamenti, squadra e sogni di Final Four.

basketballncaa.com

@From Canada, Thanks for translating and posting this extract from the interview. Always love hearing new insights from players about the program. Blanca has quickly become my favorite Husky!

 

[Zanzman]

He always ask for more cause he knows I can give it Love that answer

 

[Next 12]

Mature way beyond her years. Blanca will leave a high profile with Uconn and will be an AA in the future. " All she needed to know was Geno wanted her " and she joined the most successful team in recorded history. GO BLANCA!!!!! GO HUSKIES!!!!!!

 

[Tonyc]

What a terrific article. Thanks Canada

 

[Jackcatscal]

Attached is an interview Blanca gave to Italian journalist Isabella Agostinelli on February 17. Unfortunately, the article is in Italian. I have translated a few passages below to give you an idea.

Author: Isabella Agostinelli - Date: February 17, 2026

In this interview, she tells us how the trust of the staff and the role she has been given are allowing her to grow game after game, with ever-increasing confidence and awareness of her talent, in one of the most prestigious college basketball programs.

In fact, from the very first games, Coach Auriemma immediately gave you a lot of playing time.

What is your relationship with him like?

When he spoke to me for the first time, he was very clear: he wanted me on the team. That alone was a great show of trust for me. From then on, I tried to repay that trust every day in training, earning the space he gave me from the start. Our relationship is based on trust and responsibility: he always asks me for more because he knows I can give it.

Which formations did you find easiest to play in, and which did you find most difficult?

The plays themselves weren't difficult; they're similar to the ones we do in Italy. Plus, I learn quickly by watching and memorizing situations. The real difference was the freedom we have here, especially in one-on-one situations: you have to be very agile and ready at all times. Then there's the intensity and physicality, which are much higher than in Italy.

Who have you bonded with most in the team?

If I had to say who I'm closest to, I'd say Jana El Alfy, Sarah Strong, and Azzi Fudd, but I actually talk and feel comfortable with the others too.

And at the team level, who is the real leader who pulls you through in difficult times?

In my opinion, Sarah (Strong) is the main leader. She has a very high basketball IQ and great self-confidence, which allows her to take on a leadership role on the court. With her, I think everyone is more present when someone is needed to guide the team. Azzi (Fudd), on the other hand, doesn't talk much, but when she does, she is clear and knows what we need to do.

What is your typical day like when you have a game?

It depends a lot on whether we're playing at home or away. What doesn't change are the weight sessions after every game. It doesn't matter what time we finish or what time we get back. For example, after the game against USC in Los Angeles, after more than five hours of travel, we went to the gym to lift weights. There's no escaping it.

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

Dentro UConn con Blanca Quiñonez, di corsa verso le Final Four - BasketballNcaa

Blanca Quiñonez racconta la sua esperienza a UConn con Geno Auriemma tra allenamenti, squadra e sogni di Final Four.

basketballncaa.com

I use Google Chrome. When I open the article, Chrome gives me the option of translating the entire article from Italian to English.

I had to laugh at one point. The article talks about UCONN practices that focus on court awareness at "midfield." I don't know whether this is the Google translation or Blanca, but I think that's a soccer term rather than a basketball term.

 

[rubymae4]

I use Google Chrome. When I open the article, Chrome gives me the option of translating the entire article from Italian to English.

I had to laugh at one point. The article talks about UCONN practices that focus on court awareness at "midfield." I don't know whether this is the Google translation or Blanca, but I think that's a soccer term rather than a basketball term.

Safari translated to middle of field. (Is definitely a soccer term)

 

[rubymae4]

Read the whole (translated) article. Blanca is a kid who gets the process of building individuals and the team from the beginning of the season to the end. She seems like she would be a joy to coach.

She’s so fun to watch!

 

[From Canada]

I use Google Chrome. When I open the article, Chrome gives me the option of translating the entire article from Italian to English.

I had to laugh at one point. The article talks about UCONN practices that focus on court awareness at "midfield." I don't know whether this is the Google translation or Blanca, but I think that's a soccer term rather than a basketball term.

Personally, I use DeepL translator, because although Google Chrome is faster to use, it does not offer the American English version that DeepL does. The paragraph you are referring to is at the bottom of this text. I think Blanca is mainly referring to defensive pressure when there is double teaming on the opposing player with the ball, and the responsibility of the other three players to cover the passing angles.

Technically, our game always starts with defense. Geno is very demanding in this regard: we train with “non-stop action” to improve recovery, defend with intensity, and turn every action into an opportunity to score. The offense starts from there. We also work hard in the midcourt to understand spaces, movements, and get to know each other better. It's a fundamental aspect of being ready for March, always knowing what to do and creating that chemistry that makes the difference on the court.

 

[FanSince17]

Personally, I use DeepL translator, because although Google Chrome is faster to use, it does not offer the American English version that DeepL does. The paragraph you are referring to is at the bottom of this text. I think Blanca is mainly referring to defensive pressure when there is double teaming on the opposing player with the ball, and the responsibility of the other three players to cover the passing angles.

Technically, our game always starts with defense. Geno is very demanding in this regard: we train with “non-stop action” to improve recovery, defend with intensity, and turn every action into an opportunity to score. The offense starts from there. We also work hard in the midcourt to understand spaces, movements, and get to know each other better. It's a fundamental aspect of being ready for March, always knowing what to do and creating that chemistry that makes the difference on the court.

Thanks for bringing this article to the attention of this board. I listen and read pretty much everything, as a way to better understand what goes on “behind closed doors”. I can make my own judgements regarding what happens on the court. From Blanca’s perspective, I learned a lot about how things are done. She has a perfect attitude and I can’t wait to see her when everything clicks. She’s already so impactful. As Geno described in a presser, he coaches her hard day after day and she remains positive and respectful.
PS why didn’t you help us with the English translation in your original post. Everyone should read this. I hope people weren’t turned away because of the Italian text. I copied and pasted and used Google Translate.

 

[oldude]

I will repeat Geno’s mantra which applies to Blanca as much as anyone. “Right now she’s the worst she’ll ever be……”. 😎

 

[IndyMark]

Thanks so much for posting this article. Blanca is adapting very quickly to this team and she is extremely talented. I love watching her play. She is a nightmare for the opposition.

 

[Zarathustra]

Attached is an interview Blanca gave to Italian journalist Isabella Agostinelli on February 17. Unfortunately, the article is in Italian. I have translated a few passages below to give you an idea.

Author: Isabella Agostinelli - Date: February 17, 2026

In this interview, she tells us how the trust of the staff and the role she has been given are allowing her to grow game after game, with ever-increasing confidence and awareness of her talent, in one of the most prestigious college basketball programs.

In fact, from the very first games, Coach Auriemma immediately gave you a lot of playing time.

What is your relationship with him like?

When he spoke to me for the first time, he was very clear: he wanted me on the team. That alone was a great show of trust for me. From then on, I tried to repay that trust every day in training, earning the space he gave me from the start. Our relationship is based on trust and responsibility: he always asks me for more because he knows I can give it.

Which formations did you find easiest to play in, and which did you find most difficult?

The plays themselves weren't difficult; they're similar to the ones we do in Italy. Plus, I learn quickly by watching and memorizing situations. The real difference was the freedom we have here, especially in one-on-one situations: you have to be very agile and ready at all times. Then there's the intensity and physicality, which are much higher than in Italy.

Who have you bonded with most in the team?

If I had to say who I'm closest to, I'd say Jana El Alfy, Sarah Strong, and Azzi Fudd, but I actually talk and feel comfortable with the others too.

And at the team level, who is the real leader who pulls you through in difficult times?

In my opinion, Sarah (Strong) is the main leader. She has a very high basketball IQ and great self-confidence, which allows her to take on a leadership role on the court. With her, I think everyone is more present when someone is needed to guide the team. Azzi (Fudd), on the other hand, doesn't talk much, but when she does, she is clear and knows what we need to do.

What is your typical day like when you have a game?

It depends a lot on whether we're playing at home or away. What doesn't change are the weight sessions after every game. It doesn't matter what time we finish or what time we get back. For example, after the game against USC in Los Angeles, after more than five hours of travel, we went to the gym to lift weights. There's no escaping it.

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

Dentro UConn con Blanca Quiñonez, di corsa verso le Final Four - BasketballNcaa

Blanca Quiñonez racconta la sua esperienza a UConn con Geno Auriemma tra allenamenti, squadra e sogni di Final Four.

basketballncaa.com

Not a bad advertisement for UCONN for, of course, ITALIAN players, but for
the larger European player audience. Is there another European
future "phenom" in the wings?? Go UCONN!

 

[From Canada]

Thanks for bringing this article to the attention of this board. I listen and read pretty much everything, as a way to better understand what goes on “behind closed doors”. I can make my own judgements regarding what happens on the court. From Blanca’s perspective, I learned a lot about how things are done. She has a perfect attitude and I can’t wait to see her when everything clicks. She’s already so impactful. As Geno described in a presser, he coaches her hard day after day and she remains positive and respectful.
PS why didn’t you help us with the English translation in your original post. Everyone should read this. I hope people weren’t turned away because of the Italian text. I copied and pasted and used Google Translate.

There are two reasons why I did not translate the entire text into English. The first is that I wanted to respect copyright. By attaching the original Italian text, I figured that if the sample I provided sparked the reader's interest, they would do as you did and use a translator to read the entire interview. As a French speaker, I am used to using translators frequently, but I understand that this may not be the case for many people.

If, unlike Jackcatscal, you don't have the Google Chrome browser, which offers the option of translating into English as soon as the text is in another language, you can, if you are using a PC, right-click on the text or on the edge of it, which will bring up a menu offering the translation option. All you have to do is click on the option to get the translation. The translation option is also available on smartphones and tablets. On my old iPhone 8, the option is in the upper left corner, but it is not always available. The second reason is that there were 19 questions from the journalist in the interview with Blanca, which would have made the post much too long.

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)