Dominican Republic's Sugeiry Monsac: ''The legacy I want to leave behind is to always defend the flag with pride''

EDMONTON (Canada) – There are few athletes that can say that they've come back after serious injuries in both limbs. But what happens when these are two ACL injuries while in college, in back to back years? Dominican player Sugeiry Monsac is a living example of this experience. More than a decade after these hurdles, she's still active and powerfully performing in every duel she represents her country.

With 38 springs in her calendar, Monsac is undoubtedly the most experienced figure of the Dominican Republic's national basketball team, who are trying to elevate the level until they please the gods of Mt. Olympus and they let them pass to Tokyo. In Monsac's case, this process began in 2003, when she was called for the first time to represent the Dominican Republic, and that continues until this day.

Up to this point in the FIBA Women's Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament 2020, Monsac, who was born in Villa María, has already shown that her artillery is as efficient as ever. In an important clash against Cuba, the Dominican player was pure poison for the other side, with 25 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists, although her team fell at the end. This is concrete evidence of her ability to resist, to be resilient, and to persist in the face of so many challenges.

“It's been a very long, very tough career,” said Monsac on the telephone from Canada. “I've had to overcome a lot of injuries, surgeries and all of that but, with the help of the technical staff and the federation, I've been able to stay ahead.”

“I'm physically well. Always with a little bit of hassle, but that's part of the sport, of being an athlete. I never stop training and I know I have a lot of injuries and I make a living with my body, so I keep training throughout the entire year, getting ready, strengthening, and working with my doctors to stay active whenever they need me,” she added.

And she's always said yes to her national team, even when she’s asked to play in a 3x3 tournament which, in all truth, is perfectly in tune with her physical and aggressive game style close to the paint. Monsac was part of the team of this modality in the Pan American Games in Lima, Peru, where she won the bronze medal.

With a lot of international experience in her favor and with the addition of other young players to the roster, the veteran center recognizes that her role now, besides contributing in all aspects of the game, is to also support the Dominican structure that is developing and whose average age is 27.

“My main role is to support the team,” said Monsac. “That they use my experience as an example; to give them my efforts; my defense, which is my strength; and to make the shots I have to make; while helping my team whenever I have to. I'm also the strongest woman in this team.”

There’s no room for doubt that the number 15 of the national team will leave her mark on Dominican sports. She's done everything and everything she's done well. She’s a role model not only for future basketball players but for any athletes that seek a story of perseverance to be inspired to continue forward. The Robert Morris University hall of famer is certain on how she wants to be remembered when her time comes to leave the court.

“The legacy I want to leave behind is to always defend the flag with pride,” Monsac affirmed. “We should never fear any opponent, nobody is better than us, and although we may be behind, we must always fight until the end and never give up. Giving up is for cowards and there are no cowards in the Dominican Republic.”

Emmanuel Márquez
FIBA