Jana El Alfy’s parents undertook a long journey from Cairo to Poland to New York, finally arriving in Tampa to witness their daughter play with UConn for the first time. This trip was even more rewarding as they watched her celebrate a championship with the Huskies.
At 19, El Alfy, who stands at 6 feet 5 inches, plays as a starting center. Despite facing foul trouble that limited her performance to just two points and two rebounds, she contributed significantly in a previous semifinal against UCLA. It is clear that she will play an instrumental role in Geno Auriemma’s program in the coming seasons.
Her father, Ehab El Alfy, expressed immense pride in seeing his daughter achieve such a milestone. Experiencing this moment with her, he described it as an extraordinary feeling filled with happiness and pride in his daughter’s success.
After the victory, Jana’s parents joined her on the court to celebrate, capturing moments like cutting down a piece of the net. The presence of her uncle and cousin made the experience even more special. El Alfy was deeply touched, expressing how important it was to her that her family could be present for this momentous occasion, their pride being the greatest reward.
Ehab and his wife, Dina Gouda, committed to a 25-hour journey specifically for the opportunity to watch Jana play in the Final Four, optimistically anticipating UConn’s progression to allow them to watch two games. Their patience paid off as Jana’s impressive performance against UCLA included six points, eight rebounds, and four blocks, securing a spot for UConn in the finals.
UConn supporters treated Ehab and Dina remarkably during their time at Amalie Arena, often recognized and asked for selfies with eager fans. Gouda expressed her gratitude and admiration for the team, likening them to a family that shows a profound love for Jana, reinforcing her pride in their daughter.
Jana’s passion for basketball was inherited from her father, who coaches the Egyptian women’s national team. Her journey has been marked by exceptional performances in international competitions, such as leading the 2023 FIBA U19 World Cup with the highest score average and securing significant placements in past FIBA championships. Ehab recalled Jana’s early enthusiasm for basketball, acknowledging her potential and feeling overjoyed to see her fulfill it at UConn.
Despite an Achilles tendon injury that delayed her collegiate debut, El Alfy demonstrated resilience, making a notable comeback and contributing to UConn’s successful season. Her journey saw a standout moment with a double-double in her inaugural game against Boston University, cementing her role in the team’s triumph in securing their 12th national championship title.
Reflecting on her journey, Jana expressed deep pride in her personal growth and her achievements, finding herself in a position she never imagined possible. She credited the UConn coaching staff for their support and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to pursue her passion far from home, in a setting she cherishes greatly.