The Importance of the Rise of International Talent in NCAA Women’s Basketball
In recent years, NCAA women’s basketball has experienced a significant transformation, driven by the influx of international athletes. Once dominated by primarily American players, the sport now boasts a diverse roster of talent from around the world. This reflects a global shift that is set to redefine the future of college basketball. The trend of finding international athletes began in the early 2010s, as scouting networks expanded and international leagues gained prominence. Today, top NCAA programs actively recruit players from countries such as Australia, Canada, France, Nigeria, the Philippines, and more. These athletes bring unique playing styles, diverse skill sets, and increased competitiveness, elevating the level of college basketball nationwide.
Currently, in March 2025, the NCAA has reported that there were 130 international players. These players represented 45 nations in the women’s Division I tournament. Overall, the international athletes made up about 15% of the field. Currently, two international players that teams should watch out for would be Blanca Quiñonez from Ecuador, who plays at UConn, and Syla Swords, who plays for Michigan and is from Canada. Quiñonez is known as a competitive individual who demonstrates skills when it comes to defending. Swords, on the other hand, is dominant in scoring points, getting rebounds, and assists.
Future
Focusing on Quiñonez, she will be a strong contender for UConn and could be the face of international athletes when it comes to them wanting to look up to someone. Quiñonez is a six-foot-two freshman forward with a great amount of experience. During her Ecuador Basketball career, she competed for the Senior National Team at the 2022 South American Women’s Championship. While competing, she averaged 10.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game. With that being said, if Quiñonez demonstrates the consistency that she had during her time in Ecuador, she will be a big threat against other teams. Not only does she have the experience of playing nationally and in other countries, but now she is experiencing U.S. basketball. With all her experience, she will be one of the athletes to watch for, unless the coach decides not to play her. That is why the sport of basketball is great, you won’t ever know what a coach will decide until it’s game day.
Not only is Quiñonez an athlete to watch out for, but also Swords. Swords is a six-foot sophomore guard with impeccable experience, from before college ball to just last year. Being named to the ESPN All-Freshman Team, Big Ten All-Tournament Team, Big Ten All-Freshman Team, and many more awards, Swords demonstrates the type of player she is. By knowing that the Michigan guard played last year, there is a high probability that she will play this year as well. Knowing this, teams should be worried and watch out for her abilities, as she has the talent and experience to boost Michigan up to the Final Four. Swords is not only an athlete for others to look up to, but an international athlete that international athletes can also look up to. With both Quiñonez and Swords being a part of NCAA women’s basketball, there will definitely be more international athletes competing on Division I teams, which will change the way basketball is played.
