In her case, being linked to sports was almost a destiny. Rather, a family theme. “My dad was a professional soccer player and so was my grandfather, and my brother plays soccer. My mother played basketball and I left when I was nine years old, although she had been on the field the same way since before, accompanying her, ”said Sonya Cifuentes, one of the main figures of the UCSC basketball team.
His career includes steps through various clubs and regional teams, where he achieved important achievements. “I started at a club called Juventud, then I was at Cielo Tronador and then I went to Lord Cochrane, where I started playing Under 13, federated, national tournaments. In 2013 I played the national school that was held in Concepción, for a school in Arauco, and we came out eighth. That tournament was won by Kingston College, and they classified a South American school boy. The teacher I was with took me to Kingston when I was in eighth grade, and he took me to the South American one in Argentina, where we finished fourth. From there I stayed at Kingston and finished high school, we always did well and won school championships. In addition, I participated in the Araucanía Games with the Biobío team, and in 2017 we were champions in Chubut ”, he said.
Later, he entered UCSC, where he studied Medicine. “I entered with a sports scholarship. Last year we did very well, we managed to qualify for the Fenaude national, where we finished fourth. It was a great achievement, because years ago it was not possible to classify a national”.
On how to reconcile such a demanding career with sport, Sonya assured that “it is very difficult, but one has to choose. What fills me up the most is studying, performing and playing sports, and other things are left out, like friends, other hobbies and even a bit of family. But sport always gives peace of mind, you share with colleagues. I have been able to fulfill my academic obligations well, although I must admit that at first it was a bit difficult for me”.
In addition, last year she added another important step in her career: she played in the National Women’s League, with Infinito. “It was a very good experience. The dream of all of us who play basketball in Chile is to get there, to the highest level that one can aspire to here. We were able to support ourselves with very good players, with a lot of experience, and they helped us grow a lot… We became more united as a team and since the level was higher, we had to work harder. We were able to organize the training well, thanks to the fact that the coach at UCSC was the same as the club, ”she said.
what’s coming
The point guard and forward also defined herself as a player, highlighting her positive aspects and what she feels is difficult for her or should be improved.
“One of my strengths is that I really like teamwork, I worry regarding improving myself but that this goes hand in hand with the group as well. And that relationships are good, both on and off the pitch. And something that has always cost me is one on one, when you go to the hoop once morest a rival. If I can, I brake before and throw, but I don’t go to the crash, ”she explained.
On the other hand, he reviewed the 2022 season with UCSC, where they were able to reach a national following a long time. “It was too cool. When I entered the university, our branch was growing, with few girls, and being able to reach an instance like this now was a tremendous experience. Also, it was our goal for the year and we prepared ourselves. The university behaved an equal seven, with accommodation, food ”.
By 2023, Cifuentes indicated that they will seek to continue improving, although in his case issues of his career might limit his contribution. “For me it will be more difficult, because my career is moving to Chillán. I will keep training there and I will come here when I can. The idea is to continue with the work we have been doing, ”he said, adding that he has three years of study left.
Although he assures that he does not have much free time left, when he has some space he likes to play the guitar, read and hang out with his friends. In addition, he said that in his family they always try to go to support others in their sports activities. “In the end we split up, although we like to support each other, so we try to go see each other. They still understand me in the event that sometimes I can’t be in an activity, or when they pick me up because I train late”.
Regarding her projection in sports, beyond her current university days, Sonya stated that she wants to continue for a long time, regardless of whether it may be at a not-so-competitive level later on.
“For me, sport is part of my lifestyle, and I think I will always be connected, perhaps later in a more relaxed way. I always want to keep practicing.”
