Career: Dorna Godella (Spain-1ª División, 1992-94), Halcón Viajes (Spain-1ª División, 1994-96), Pool Getafe (Spain-1ª División, 1996-97), Pool Getafe (Spain-LF, 1997-98), Houston Comets (USA-WNBA, 1998), Halcón Viajes (Spain-LF, 1998-2001), , Houston Comets (USA-WNBA, 1999, 2000), Ros Casares (Spain-LF, 2001-04), Unimed Americana (Brasil-Liga Paulista, 2004), Ros Casares (Spain-LF, 2004-05), CSKA Samara (Russia-Superleague, 2005-08), Ros Casares (2008-10), Rivas Ecopolis (Spain-LF, 2010-11)
There are few more instantly recognisable faces than veteran star Amaya Valdemoro who judging by her displays at the FIBA World Championship Women last year when she helped her team to claim bronze has absolutely no intention of slowing down. She had a terrific tournament and continues to be the heartbeat of the team with her all-around skill set. With nerves of steel, she wants the ball at the crucial times and her desire to win is always evident in everything she does. There are no half measures with this all-action small forward who has been one of the best in Europe for as long as we can all remember. Inside, outside, assists, steals, rebounds, she really can contribute in all areas. Valdemoro is a former EuroBasket Women MVP, having won the accolade in 2007 when Spain just missed out on gold. She then made a belated return in 2009 to help the team get back on the podium and secure bronze. At club level, she made up for her disappointment at losing out in the Euroleague Women final of 2010 and then subsequently exiting Ros Casares by returning to her former home-court to win the Copa De La Reina with new club Rivas Ecopolis. That perhaps sums up all you need to know about this classy champion. If Valdemoro brings her ‘A' game and usual intensity then expect Spain to shift through the gears and obtain a medal once again. She remains the driving force.
