FIBA Women’s AmeriCup 2025 – Team Profile: El Salvador

MIAMI (United States) – El Salvador turned heads at the 2024 Centrobasket Championship by defeating Cuba, one of the traditional powerhouses of the Americas region. The underdog victory propelled the team into the tournament’s top four, earning a historic qualification to the FIBA Women’s AmeriCup 2025.

The Central American squad began showing signs of major progression in 2023 after winning the first international tournament in its history: the Women’s COCABA Championship, which they hosted. Those two milestones have lifted the team’s morale as they prepare to take on the top teams in the continent’s premier competition. El Salvador is currently ranked No. 56 in the FIBA Women’s World Ranking presented by Nike, and No. 12 in the Americas.

Tournament history

This will be El Salvador’s second appearance at the FIBA Women’s AmeriCup. The team debuted in 2021, finishing in 9th place and going winless.

Players to watch

This team will once again rely on its three key pillars, which are the same trio that powered the recent Centrobasket success: point guard Hillary Martínez, forward Destiny Campbell, and wing Emily Tevez. Together, they averaged a combined 51.8 points per game in the tournament.

Martínez, 28, is a versatile teammate capable of doing a bit of everything. At the Centrobasket, she averaged 20.8 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 6.8 assists, leading the team and earning a spot on the All-Tournament Team. Campbell contributed 17.0 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game, while Tevez added 14.0 points and 4.2 rebounds.

Head coach: José Santana

Spanish coach José Santana has been instrumental in El Salvador’s recent resurgence over the past two years. Under his leadership, the team celebrated major successes in 2023 and 2024. He has emphasized teamwork, tactical discipline, and the gradual integration of young talent.

Santana also oversees the Salvadoreñas club, which has competed in both editions of the Women’s Basketball League Americas (WBLA). The tournament has given national team players valuable international exposure.

Outlook

El Salvador’s main goal will be to gain experience and compete against some of the continent’s elite squads. They’ll be looking to secure at least one win to give themselves a chance of advancing beyond the Group Phase. However, the road ahead will be challenging. They will face tough opponents in Group A, including Canada, the Dominican Republic, Argentina, and the defending champions— Brazil.

Regardless of the outcome, this will ultimately be a valuable opportunity for growth for a team that aims to establish itself within the women’s basketball landscape of the Americas.

Last 10 FIBA events

Also read

FIBA Women's AmeriCup 2025 – Team Profile: Puerto Rico

FIBA