Kristina Santiago made an impact as a rookie for Dunav 8806 in the Bulgarian League, winning regular season and post-season MVP honors. Photo courtesy of Dunav 8806 Facebook page.

“Call me T.”

It was the first thing Kristina Santiago ever said to me when I introduced myself to her a few years ago following a Cal Poly women’s basketball game.

While I didn’t call her T throughout the podcast, the former two-time Big West Conference MVP sat down with Luke and I to discuss her first professional season, living in Bulgaria, and what the future holds. We definitely hope Kristina becomes a regular guest on our podcast and if you listen, I think you’ll see why.

At a recent Cal Poly men’s game, a familiar face was making the rounds. Two-time Big West Conference Women’s Basketball Player of the Year, Kristina Santiago was hard to miss. The 6’2″ Santiago was back in San Luis Obispo during a break in her first professional season in Bulgaria. Much like I did with former Mustang Will Taylor, I emailed Santiago a series of questions that she was gracious enough to answer.

So far this season Santiago has played about 18 games, averaging a league-leading 22 points per game. She also pulls down nine rebounds per contest, good for second on the team and fifth in the league. She is also fifth in the league in steals and third in blocked shots. In four Eurocup games, she has averaged 16 points and 7 rebounds. Her team, Dunav8806, is currently in second place in their league. Dunav8806 is located in Ruse, a city on the Danube River on the border of Bulgaria and Romania.

Kristina Santiago has made an impact as a rookie for Dunav 8806 in the Bulgarian League. Photo courtesy of Dunav 8806 Facebook page.

Fansmanship: Why Bulgaria?

Kristina Santiago: When trying to decide where I wanted to play my first season of basketball as a professional, there were so many different aspects to look at. The Country, team, coach, money, and league were just a few of the things I had to analyze and sort out. For me, it was about making myself better, and choosing a team that could help me get noticed and get my name out there. My agent contacted me (this being my third offer from a European team) and told me that this Bulgarian team was accepted into Eurocup league. This means not only do they play in the Bulgarian league, but also the best teams from other countries in a separate league. I found this offer intriguing, and also a way for me to get the exposure and experience I wanted in my first year. This offer is extremely rare for a first year player, and after sorting out my contract, everything just fell into place and I knew this was the right place for me to be.

Fansmanship: How is the game of women’s basketball perceived differently here than in the United States?

KS: The first thing I noticed when I came to Ruse was that the whole city is invested in our team, Dunav8806. Playing this game of basketball means so much more here than it does anywhere I have played. We play for the pride of Ruse and all the people in it. In the US, women’s basketball is unrecognized and underappreciated. I have even had a lady in the States ask me if there is a professional league for girls. Here in Bulgaria, and every country we have traveled to play, basketball is everything. Sponsors and fans devote anything from time, money, food, and housing. fans have also supported us in every game including away.

Santiago is averaging 22 points and 8 rebounds per game in the Bulgarian League. Photo courtesy of Dunav 8806 Facebook page.

Fansmanship: Describe the differences between playing in college and professionally.

KS: The biggest difference by far is that in college I always thought of my team as a family. We had each others’ backs and played as one on the court, and were still always together off the court. We were always doing team bonding activities and things to build chemistry. Being a professional now, it is much more cut-throat and individually based. We are still close as a team, don’t get me wrong, but here we are not all under the same scholarship as we were in college. We are battling everyday to keep our position, earn more money, not get cut, and still form a chemistry to win games. It is an interesting concept to balance.

Fansmanship: Have you learned to speak Bulgarian?

KS: Malko! This means a little. My roommate and I picked up the basics rather quickly. We can wander off without our Bulgarian friends and get by. It also helps that most people are willing, or at least try, to speak English to us. I am pleased with what I know so far, but do hope that by the time I leave I will be able to communicate even better in Bulgarian. It is such a unique, fun language to learn.

Fansmanship: What is the hardest part about living and playing in Europe?

KS: By far the hardest part is being away from my family and my pup. When I was living back home during my limbo stage after college, I got so used to seeing my family everyday and having our bbq’s and gatherings all the time. Not to mention my dog Teyga does everything with me, so it is sad not coming home to her getting excited to see me everyday.

Other than that I miss the beach, Starbucks, Papa Napolis, my dad’s baby back ribs, elevators, toilet seats/toilet paper in public restrooms, candy, beef, and a dryer for my clothes.

Fansmanship: What do you miss most about college?

KS: Being able to utilize my coaches, the court, my athletic trainer, and ice bath, the weight room, and other facilities whenever I wanted to. We don’t have access to these things here, which is hard because I utilized those resources so much in College. I also miss being around athletes all day, and hanging out in the office with my team and coaches playing games, talking, or studying. It was quality time and nice to be around all day.

Fansmanship: What is the best part of experience so far?

KS: I honestly can’t pick out just one part. This experience as a whole is something I could have only dreamed of. Experiencing the Bulgarian culture, learning their language and history, has truly been an honor to me. The people in this town are so friendly and helpful, and made my time here really special so far.

Fansmanship: What are some staple Bulgarian foods and what is your favorite so far?

KS: The first thing I noticed about the food was that they are big on yogurt and cheese, whether its in soup form, on the food, or in the food. Almost every meal is served with Shopska salad, usually containing cucumbers tomatoes pepper and olives. For meat they eat pork and chicken, no beef. My favorite meals so far are stuffed peppers and cabbage rolls, which my grandpa also makes back home!

Fansmanship: I noticed the uniforms are a little different than the uniforms we’re used to seeing for women’s basketball in the US.

KS: My uniform, as you can see, is a lot smaller than it was in college. This was very hard at first to get used to, and even made me a little uncomfortable on the court at first. But like anything, I got used to the tight uniform and no longer have a problem wearing it. The purpose of them was to look more feminine, and exploit our figure more, possibly drawing more fans? I’m not exactly sure, but our games sell out.

Anything for fans…

If anyone would like to keep updated on stats, games, pictures and more, there is a Facebook fan page at www.facebook.com/dunav8806. Or a website that can be translated to English from Google Chrome, dunav8806.com