The memory of a player from Tucumán about Leona Pando

The departure of Gabriela Pando It generated sadness, yes, but also good memories of the player who defended the Lomas Athletic and the National Team shirt. As in any sport, she had rivals, teammates, technicians, and journalists who interviewed her. In all areas she left her mark, always positive.

On social networks, in the press, at the ceremony to say goodbye to her, the affection she had for her was evident. Valeria Garcia, a former “Uni” player, was her rival in her time. “I was not a friend of hers, but I always admired her when we played against her and in her tremendous career with the National Team,” she said before sending a revealing document via WhatsApp. García recalled that she had a clipping of a note from LA GACETA from 1994 in which she responded that one of her references was the historical Leona. “Through a mutual friend, Mariana, I had contact with Gabriela again when she found out that my daughter was Leoncita,” she described her relationship with Pando. The mother of Paula Santamarina It came to the player thanks to her daughter’s entry into the orbit of the national team, a universe of which Pando was a part after being a player. “His words will remain with me forever,” he said about the 2019 meeting. “He told me that he wanted Paula to enjoy the journey, the process. That at times it was very hard, but when it came to having her Argentina shirt, it lasted.” “Whatever her time with the National Team lasts, it will be something for life. ‘Paulita’ has already played in two Junior World Cups,” added the player who served as a defender. “‘Gaby’ was an exquisite player. From her game, to her posture. A sweet person,” praised the former “Uni” player.