Ecuador governor honors Blanca Quiñonez for her inaugural UConn basketball season

Blanca Quiñonez received the Portido de Oro award from Guayas province governor Josè Arèvalo in August for her achievements with the UConn women's basketball program. The recognition marks her status as the first South American-born player to join the Huskies. During her freshman season, Quiñonez played as a reserve and averaged 10.7 points per game while shooting 60 percent from the field. She arrived at the Storrs-based program following a youth career that included signing with the Italian club Magnolia Campobasso at age 14. The Ecuadorian forward identified the award as a significant accomplishment following her first year of NCAA competition. UConn women's basketball social media confirmed her return to the team for the upcoming season.

• 2:53 PMYahoo Sports — Blanca Quiñonez celebrates award from Ecuador governor honoring UConn success