Andorra Women's Basketball Team Gears Up for FIBA Small Countries Championship in Kosovo

Andorra's senior women's basketball team, coached by Jose Rodríguez, is preparing for the 19th FIBA Small Countries Europe Women's Championship, set for 23-28 June in Peja, Kosovo. The squad will face Albania, Armenia, Georgia, Kosovo and Malta in the biennial event for Europe's smallest national federations.

Rodríguez, entering his third year at the helm, described his approach as fresh each time. He said he remains "super content and super excited" to return to Kosovo, the site of Andorra's last appearance two years ago.

The team features a younger lineup following the departure of two or three veterans, bringing the average age to about 24, with players ranging from 18 to 30. The most experienced member plans to retire from international play after the tournament. Rodríguez selected all registered Andorran women currently active in the sport, drawing from local leagues, Catalan teams, and players studying or working abroad. "I call up all Andorran women who are playing and have a federation card," he explained.

Preparation has been hampered by the players' spread across locations. Training started three weeks ago with weekday sessions for locals and intensive weekends when others return, though the full group has yet to assemble due to work and travel. To build cohesion, the team played its first preseason friendly under Rodríguez on Sunday, edging Mollerussa 49-48. "It's the first time I've scheduled a friendly match," he noted.

Rodríguez set measured goals, citing Andorra's penultimate finish in the prior edition with eight teams. He pointed to the quality gap, as many opponents field semi-professionals, professionals or naturalized athletes at higher levels, while Andorran players compete in leagues such as Primera Catalana, Segona Catalana or Copa Catalunya simply for their passion for the game. The focus remains on gaining experience against strong small-nation sides while representing Andorra.