SANTIAGO (Chile) – The wait is almost over, and the excitement is overflowing ahead of the start of the FIBA Women’s AmeriCup 2025. Media Day was the perfect occasion to try to put those emotions into words mere hours away from the competition’s tip-off. As the hosts, the occasion is extra special for the Chilean squad. Bárbara Cousiño is one of Chile's most experienced players and is also a good shooter. This will be her third AmeriCup (2013, 2015).
It’s exciting,” said Cousiño. “We’re just waiting for Saturday to get here. We’re ready for the first game and we are ready to see our families cheering for us.”
22-year-old Valentina Ojeda is also a part of the Chilean team and is eager to play for her country at the AmeriCup this year. In an interview with FIBA Americas, she emphasized the importance of having family in the stands and giving the younger generations a chance to watch them play up close.
Feels good to be home on our court and having the people watching us,” said Ojeda in an interview. “We don’t have many big events here, so we’re very excited.”
The fans at Centro de Deportes Colectivos will also bear witness to some of the best players in the continent. Puerto Rican shooting guard, Arella Guirantes, is one of them. “We learned that we could compete with almost everybody in the world,” Guirantes said regarding her Paris 2024 Olympic experience. "This team, when we’re at our best— together and unified, we’re really strong. I hope to bring that energy here and really compete to win and get a medal.”
Canada is another strong candidate to earn a medal in Chile. The team arrives motivated and hungry after their disappointing showing at the 2024 Paris Olympics. “I was thankful to be there and to compete against the best of the best, but also disappointed because with the roster we had, I feel like we underperformed,” said Canadian center Kayla Alexander. “I wanted so much better than what we actually did. It really forces you to look in the mirror and ask— where can we do better? Where can we improve? That’s what I’ve been trying to do.” Canadian Guard Shay Colley, who’s coming off of a breakout performance last summer (12.3 points per game at the Paris 2024 Olympics), knows the expectations are higher now, but feels ready regardless.
I am always confident going into any game, but I also get nervous before every game,” Colley said. “That’s just respect of the game and respect of the opponent. I don’t overlook any opponent. I respect them and the work they put in.”
The United States arrives at the tournament with plenty of young talent and a strong desire to reclaim the continental crown it lost in 2023. Madison Booker, a standout forward who averaged 16.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.8 assists with the University of Texas in the NCAA, is thrilled to be in Chile. This marks her first experience with the senior national team after previously representing her country at the youth level.
It’s my first time in Chile. It’s a great opportunity to look at other countries and see what they do and compare it back to the States,” said Booker. “It’s fun. It’s pretty here!” she added.
Her teammate, Flau’jae Johnson, is a star player at LSU and is on her first AmeriCup after missing out two years ago. In an interview with FIBA Americas, Johnson joked about the cold weather in Chile, but made it clear she’s ready to help lead the U.S. to the top.
“It’s chilly in Chile for sure. I thought I was going to be in a bikini on the beach,” said the guard, who averaged 14.8 points last season. It’s a dope experience to see all the teams from different countries, but I’m keeping the main thing the main thing. It’s a business trip, so I just came here to work. I’m ready.”
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