UTSA's women's basketball team has quietly become a conduit for Puerto Rican talent, forging a partnership with the Puerto Rican Basketball Federation that sends the island's rising stars to San Antonio.
A Shared Journey
Nina De Leon Negron, a former point guard for UTSA, has already left a measurable imprint on the program. In the 2024‑25 season she helped the team to a record‑breaking run, earning American Conference Newcomer of the Year and a spot on the second‑team all‑conference roster.
Her international résumé includes appearances with Puerto Rico at the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifiers and the FIBA Women’s AmeriCup Centrobasket Qualifiers, giving her a platform that she now shares with younger teammates.
Adriana Robles, a sophomore, has taken a different but complementary path. As a freshman she logged 17 starts in 34 appearances, averaging 5.0 points and 2.5 rebounds per game, and earned a spot on the U20 national squad that will compete at the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games.
The two athletes have cultivated a mentorship that benefits both. De Leon Negron offers guidance on navigating collegiate competition and international selection, while Robles brings fresh energy and a willingness to learn that enriches the team dynamic.
Together they embody a broader vision: to use their platform to inspire the next generation of Puerto Rican basketball players and to give back to the communities that shaped them.
Looking Ahead
The pipeline between UTSA and Puerto Rico is more than a recruitment strategy; it is a cultural exchange that blends collegiate rigor with island passion. As both players continue to develop, their stories signal a new era for the sport on the island and in San Antonio.