Carlos Cantero will return to the bench of the Casademont Zaragoza women’s basketball team on Monday, August 24, resuming his duties after a period of paternity leave that began in late April, according to regional reports. Cantero missed the team’s playoff run last season due to the birth of his son, but he is set to be back at the helm as the squad kicks off its preseason training routine.
According to club announcements detailed by regional media, Cantero’s immediate focus will be integrating a revamped coaching staff and a roster that begins working at half-capacity due to various international and preseason commitments.
A Restructured Coaching Staff for the New Campaign
Alongside Cantero, Marie-Pierre Uriarte remains with the club as assistant coach, providing continuity on the bench. The technical staff also welcomes Glòria Estopà to daily duties following her appointment in June.
Pablo Jiménez takes over as the club’s new physical preparer, replacing Alejandro Arza. Jiménez arrives in Zaragoza after spending the last two seasons with Innova-TSN Leganés, contributing to the Madrid-based side’s ascent to the Liga Femenina Endesa. The club formally thanked Arza for his service during his tenure.
The remaining support structure features Bea González continuing as team delegate. Medical responsibilities remain under Alfredo Rodríguez and Carlos Agius, while Juan Carlos Palacio continues to head the physiotherapy department. Palacio will be joined this season by Cristina Moreno, as Alicia Calvo steps back from day-to-day team operations. Carlos Martín stays on as podologist, Raúl Luzón directs nutrition, and Daniel Losilla retains his role as kit manager.
Preseason Schedule and Immediate Challenges
Following the resumption of training on August 24, Cantero’s squad will hold a training camp in Benasque from August 31 to September 3 before transitioning to friendly matches. The team’s exhibition schedule features several notable tests:
- September 10: Versus Inversus Gernika Bizkaia in Olite, Navarre, at 20:00 local time (18:00 UTC).
- September 18: Versus Greek side Athinaikos WBC in Ejea de los Caballeros at 20:30 local time (18:30 UTC). Athinaikos shares a group with Zaragoza in the first phase of the EuroLeague.
- September 20: The second fixture against Athinaikos at the Príncipe Felipe Arena during the Trofeo Ibercaja Ciudad de Zaragoza at 17:30 local time (15:30 UTC).
- September 23: A final tune-up against Azul Marino New Travel in Torres de Berrellén at 21:00 local time (19:00 UTC).
These preparation matches serve as the final runway before Casademont Zaragoza travels to Torrejón de Ardoz to defend its Supercopa title in the official season opener.
