Jacquie Fernandes is in her senior year as a Guard for the UConn Huskies. She started playing basketball at a young age because it’s her dad’s favorite sport. “Growing up in Connecticut, you see UConn basketball everywhere so I guess I just fell in love with it, being around it all the time.”

Jacquie said, “Winning the National Championship, of course,” has been her most memorable experience so far at UConn. “That’s why we all come to UConn, to win a championship, a special moment that not a lot of people get to experience.” In addition to the championship, Jacquie has enjoyed her teammate friendships and the special people she has had the pleasure of playing basketball with. “In ten years I’ll remember the people, not a specific foul that was called in a game.”

Jacquie wasn’t highly recruited by Division I schools, and had already committed to a Division III school before being offered the opportunity to play at UConn. “Once I was asked to play for UConn the decision was a ‘no brainer’”. The tradition and family environment at UConn is something Jacquie wanted to be a part of.

Playing basketball at the college level is a lot different from high school basketball, specifically the strength and speed of the players. “I’m learning from the best, so I can’t ask for anything more.”

Final Four Bound: To get to the Final Four again, “We need to keep working hard, remember that there is always room for improvement, and just take it one day at a time.”