Christabel Osarobo He is the latest Navarrese talent that has landed in the NCAA. He does it in a prestigious university such as Gonzagaone of the most powerful programs in the entire United States. From the Genesis factory in Tudela, like Great OsoborOsarobo also finished forming in Great Britain before making the move to the North American university league. A forward who is defined as a “total player” for her versatility in playing both facing and facing away. But without a doubt his specialty is defense, where he has won several awards during his training. Her impressive size with her height of over 1.80 and her athletic abilities make her a very intimidating player with a lot of rebounding and ball stealing ability. The 2005 player has already snuck into the rotation for Gonzaga’s first nine games despite it being her first year there. He has already accumulated almost 100 minutes and is working so that this baggage increases over time. The future? In addition to coming to Tudelano in the summer, Osarobo does not close doors to developing a professional career and, why not, at Osés Construction Ardoi if the opportunity arises. Of course, initially his goal is to finish his four years at Gonzaga and finish his career in law.
How is it at Gonzaga?
Very good! It is an incredible program, with many opportunities to improve both as a player and as a person so I am learning a lot.
What is your plan there? The first year is usually the most difficult…
The plan is to be here until my fourth year and be able to win some championships. It is true that it has not been easy, especially at the beginning because everything is new: the country, the community, the educational system, the way of playing… but thanks to the support of my teammates and coaches, the transition was better than I expected. I expected.
How did you experience when they called you to sign for a university as prestigious as Gonzaga?
It was an almost surreal moment, I was verbally offered to sign on a Zoom call with my parents and my coach at Ipswich, Nick Drane, but I wasn’t expecting it at all. Once I heard it, I was super happy because I didn’t imagine having an opportunity like that.
Do you intend to be a professional after finishing university or is it too early to think about that at the moment?
I would like to play professionally once I finish university. Where exactly I’m not entirely sure yet because I want to study law so it depends on where I go to continue my studies.
How do you remember your years in Genesis?
I remember them with great affection, I spent most of my childhood at Genesis so I had the opportunity to meet many good people, coaches, players and parents who helped me a lot and to whom I will be eternally grateful.
What does that club have? You, Robinson Idehem (currently in Second FEB) and Great Osobor have left the Tudela club.
The way in which they are able to instill good habits and values, and also the fundamentals that are needed to then continue developing you as a player. They do it very well.
Do you know either of them?
When I was little we went to the same school but we have never been close. My parents know who Robinson is but because of the age difference I don’t know him.
Have you returned to Tudela since you left? Do you intend to do it this next year?
Yeah! I try to go in the summer. I went two summers ago, I couldn’t do it this summer because I had to come here soon but I will certainly return next summer to Tudela.
Right now there is a team in the Women’s League, Osés Construction Ardoi, would you like to play there one day?
I don’t rule it out at all, I would like to play with the best team when I decide to return, if it is to Spain, once I have finished university here.
What is your goal in basketball?
I think as I get more exposure I would like to be a role model for other African girls and boys who may not have the self-confidence to believe that they can achieve great things. If you work hard and keep dreaming, by the grace of God you will be able to do anything, especially in the world of sports.