How to Host a Game Day with Latin Flair While Latinas Rise in the NCAA Women's Basketball
The NCAA Women’s Basketball tournament winner will be decided on Sunday, April 7th, and fans all across the US will be watching it unfold. Ratings leading up to the final four are breaking records, with audiences peaking at 16.1 million viewers according to ESPN during the Iowa-LSU game. And while Women's History Month may be over, our fight for equality in many fields continues. We celebrate the women taking to the court, sinking for epic three-pointers, and also moving the ball forward for the next generation.
With the stakes continuing to rise in this weekend’s games - the Final Four and then the Final - it’s the perfect reason to gather a group of friends and watch elite athletes shine.
Like Lady Gaga says “I live for the applause,” and these teams —including a key Latina player— are ready to make you clap, clap, clap.
Get to know Kamilla Cardoso: this South Carolina senior is a center for her team. Hailing from Montes Claros, Brazil, Cardoso isn’t just a force on defense, but a clutch performer. Her buzzer-beating three-pointer against Tennessee solidified her place as a fan favorite and a testament to her ever-evolving skillset. She also announced this month that she is declaring for the WNBA draft!
And while freshman guard Hannah Hidalgo’s team Notre Dame didn’t make it to the Final Four. This incredible athlete, of Puerto Rican descent, showed up in a big way throughout the tournament for the Fighting Irish. Hidalgo's performance created a buzz, with many calling her a “player to watch” with future star potential.
We here at COCINA celebrate these incredible talents in the way we know best—with some delicious recipes and an invitation for you to stream those games this Friday and Sunday!
3 Recipes to Celebrate Sports Women
Here are 3 fresh, colorful, and delicious recipes for you to invite your friends over and support this groundbreaking tournament. Ready??
- Chayote & Blistered Tomato Salad
- Zucchini con Queso
- Summer Lemon Mousse
Discover a refreshing spring salad where crisp chayote squash meets juicy blistered tomatoes, their contrasting textures a delightful surprise on your tongue. Savor a vibrant chimichurri dressing, alive with the flavors of parsley, cilantro, garlic, and a hint of spice, completes the dish. Every bite is an explosion of taste and color, perfect for a light lunch or a delightful side dish. Sounds great, doesn't it? Perfect for getting you through the tension of a key match-up.
Picture melty mozzarella cheese blanketing tender zucchini halves, their contrasting textures a delightful combination. Each bite bursts with savory goodness, thanks to a flavorful filling of sautéed garlic, onion, and fresh parsley. Crispy breadcrumbs add a touch of texture, while the aroma of toasted cheese fills the air. This simple yet satisfying dish is perfect for a weeknight meal or a casual get-together. The perfect recipe to go along with the “Chayote & Blistered Tomato Salad” while cheering for your favorite NCAA Women’s Basketball team.
Whoever wins this final, one thing is for sure. Dessert is ALWAYS a great idea. And what better way to embrace the final (win or lose) than with a bitter but sugary lemon mousse? Let us invite you to indulge in a light and airy dream with this spring lemon mousse. Lusciously smooth and bursting with bright lemon flavor, it's the perfect way to end a warm summer meal. The tangy citrus cuts through the richness of the creamy base, creating a delightful balance. Topped with a fresh raspberry or a sprig of mint, this refreshing dessert is as beautiful as it is delicious.
You’ve already forgotten who was playing, right? With these three amazing dishes, is understandable… but let us remind you of the importance of representation on the court.
The impact goes beyond individual inspiration. A diverse playing field enriches the sport itself. Bringing together athletes from various backgrounds and playing styles makes the game more dynamic and exciting.
These two Latinas, Cardoso and Hidalgo, and countless others competing at all levels are shattering stereotypes. When young Latinas see themselves succeeding on the court, they know their dreams are within reach. And to that, we say, “Salud!”