QNOPY’s Isalys Quinones Heads to the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris!
We are thrilled to announce that one of our own, Isalys Quinones, is set to represent Puerto Rico at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris! Isalys is not only a dedicated environmental engineer at QNOPY but also a remarkable athlete who continues to excel both on and off the court.
A Balancing Act
Isalys has managed to balance her professional aspirations with her passion for basketball in a way that not many can. Seeing her growth has been nothing short of inspiring. She’s been a valuable team player here at QNOPY while maintaining an Olympian degree of training and dedication towards her sport.
“The reality is that most of the athletes, especially with team Puerto Rico, they do have jobs, but they end up having to quit them,” Quinones’ mother, Frances, said. “Isalys has had so much pressure on her and she has been able to just balance it and come out to be at the Olympic level, I don’t think many people have that kind of stress and survive it.”
From Dartmouth to Olympic Heights
Isalys’ origin story is motivating. A Dartmouth graduate, she navigated the rigors of academics while honing her basketball skills. She found her passion for engineering after a class project involved designing a cardboard chair that could support a person. Her college years demonstrated significant growth both on and off the court.
When she began her professional sports debut, she had signed a contract to play professionally in Greece. Three weeks later, the pandemic shut down her league. In the face of this uncertainty, she never lost sight of her goals or passions, and decided to return home to Chula Vista to continue working on her career while training at the same time.
Relentlessness
The pandemic presented unique challenges. However, while Isalys worked remote for QNOPY, she turned her home into a training ground, using water jugs for strength training and setting up a basketball hoop in her backyard. Her creativity and resilience during these tough times illustrate the kind of determination we value deeply at QNOPY.
Support from the QNOPY Family
As our founder and CEO, Saurabh Gogate said, “Whenever we hire athletes, I’m blown away by the work ethic.” Isalys exemplifies this ethic, balancing her work projects with her athletic commitments seamlessly.
Looking Ahead to Paris
As Isalys heads to Paris, she carries the hopes and support of her QNOPY family. Her journey to the Olympics is a testament to her hard work. Join us in cheering for Isalys Quinones as she competes at the 2024 Summer Olympics! We are incredibly proud of her and can’t wait to see her in action!
Read more about Isalys in this LA Times article!