Sophia Dignadice, Sumayah Sugapong, and Sarah Heyn join Gilas Women ahead of FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifiers

A mix of experience and youthful promise defines the Gilas Pilipinas Women as they set off for Lyon, France on Sunday evening, ready to tackle the challenges of the FIBA Women’s World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournament.

Leading the Philippine delegation is Erika Dy, alongside head coach Patrick Aquino, who have meticulously prepared the squad for a tournament that will test their mettle against some of the world’s top-ranked teams.

Fil-Am stars Sumayah Sugapong, and teen talents Sophia Dignadice and Sarah Heyn, flew directly from the United States to join the squad.

Sugapong, who previously played at Arizona and committed to UC San Diego early in her career, has been on Aquino’s radar since the pandemic as he recruited US-based talent. 

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The inclusion of teenagers Dignadice and Heyn brings fresh energy to the roster. Dignadice, daughter of former PBA star Yves Dignadice, was a key member of the gold-medal-winning squad at the 33rd SEA Games who is also attending California State University, Northridge. 

Heyn, a 5-foot-9 Fil-Nation Select standout and sister of Gilas Girls’ Sydney Heyn, recently committed to UC Santa Barbara and also contributed to the SEA Games victory.

The tournament will test the Philippines against some of the world’s elite, starting with No. 3 France on Thursday, followed by No. 12 Germany, No. 8 Nigeria, No. 15 Korea, and No. 19 Colombia. 

The Gilas Pilipinas Women are currently ranked No. 39 globally, face a steep challenge as only the top two teams from Tournament D will advance to the World Cup in Berlin this September.

For Gilas, the trip is more than just competition—it’s a reunion of sorts. Many of the players, including Bernardino, Pontejos, Surada, Ozar, Dignadice, Pingol, Guytingco, Dela Rosa, and Heyn, were part of the squad that captured gold in last year’s SEA Games. This mix of veteran leadership and young talent could prove vital as they aim to punch their ticket to the World Cup and make a statement on the international stage.

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