Cristina Fernandez '25 turned an incredible senior season at The Valley into an opportunity of a lifetime as the Women's Basketball standout prepares to begin her professional basketball career in the Baloncesto Superior Nacional Femenino (BSNF), which is the top professional women's basketball league in Puerto Rico.

The Early Childhood Education major was getting ready for her career as a teacher following graduation when the BSNF invited her to participate in their combine in Puerto Rico. Fernadez and players from around the world completed difficult drills that covered all aspects of the game.

"There was indeed a language barrier," said Fernandez, who earned All-Region honors and was named the Middle Atlantic Conference Defensive Player of the Year as a senior. "All drills were explained in Spanish, so in every drill, I had to be the last person in line. Which in my head, I automatically assumed I would never get noticed or seen because I did not take initiative."

A few days after the combine, Fernandez was selected with the sixth pick of the third round by the Criollas de Caguas.

"I never in a million years would think I would be in the position to be playing professionally," said Fernandez. "This opportunity was made possible because of my time as a student-athlete at Lebanon Valley, through the hard work and dedication of my coaches and teammates who made me better as a person and an athlete on the court."

The Caguas are one of 10 teams in the BSNF and are returning to the league after an 18-year absence. The roster is filled with international players, including players with WNBA and NCAA Division I experience. The team's first game is on Wednesday, August 27, against the Explosivas de Moca at the Dr. Juan Sánchez Acevedo Coliseum. Their first content as the home team will be on Monday, September 1, against the Ganaderas de Hatillo at the Roger Mendoza Coliseum.

"The one thing I hope to gain as I embark on my professional basketball career is to fully immerse myself in my Puerto Rican heritage," said Fernandez, the MAC Women's Basketball Senior Scholar-Athlete last year. "I want to learn the language, build relationships, and hopefully bring home more knowledge and wisdom so I can continue to make a positive impact on my community."

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