Luisa "Lucha" Fuentes, Peruvian sports legend and captain of the national volleyball team in the 1970s, passed away at the age of 76 on Wednesday, the
Peruvian Volleyball Federation (FPV) announced.
"The Peruvian Volleyball Federation is saddened to announce the passing of Luisa Fuentes Quijandria, our exceptional and beloved captain, who brought so much joy to fans and helped shape new generations of national volleyball talent," the federation stated on social media.
"Dear Lucha Fuentes, you became a legend and will live forever in the hearts of all Peruvians who cherished your strength, leadership, and love for the country," the sports organization expressed.
Born in Ica in 1948, Lucha Fuentes was discovered by Akira Kato at the age of 14.
She went on to wear Peru's iconic red and white jersey in seven South American Championships, three Bolivarian Games, four Pan American Games, two Olympic Games, and four World Championships, winning 10 gold medals and five silver.
As a coach, the outstanding athlete also brought success to the country in youth categories at Bolivarian and South American Games.
"Thus, in brief, is the great career of the ‘Cañonera’ of Peruvian volleyball summed up. As a Federation, we also extend our heartfelt condolences to her family during this time of deep sorrow. THANK YOU, LUCHA FUENTES, WORLD VOLLEYBALL LEGEND!" the FPV statement concluded.
Similarly, the government agency expressed its condolences to her family, friends, and the sports community.
"From the highest heavens, eternal glory to you, Luchita! She leaves an unforgettable legacy that will live on in every court, every serve, every celebrated point, and in the hearts of all Peruvians," the IPD statement emphasized.
"From the PCM, we mourn the passing of Luisa Estela Fuentes Quijandria, better known as Lucha Fuentes. We recognize each of her achievements in Peruvian volleyball and her work promoting inclusion and cultural diversity through sport," the PCM expressed.
Lucha Fuentes was a multiple-time South American champion and Pan American silver medalist in volleyball during the 1960s and 1970s.
The top-performing athlete competed in the 1968 Mexico City Olympic Games and in the first Volleyball World Cup in 1973, where Peru finished fourth in both tournaments under the guidance of Akira Kato.
She remained on the national team until the 1978 World Championship in the USSR.
In 2000, Lucha Fuentes was nominated by the international federation as one of the candidates for the best player of the 20th century.
Since 2012, she has been a member of the Peruvian Sports Hall of Fame, an honor awarded by the Peruvian Olympic Committee, alongside other greats of Peruvian sport such as Lolo Fernandez, Rosario de Vivanco, Edwin Vasquez Cam, and Cecilia Tait.
In 2019, Lucha Fuentes was the final torchbearer for the Pan American flame at the Lima Pan American Games.
According to information released by America Noticias, Lucha Fuentes's wake will be held on Thursday, May 29, starting at 11:00 a.m. (local time), at the Santuario Arquidiocesano del Sagrado Corazon de Jesus (Archdiocesan Sanctuary of the Sacred Heart of Jesus). It is located at 258 Santorin Street in Lima's Santiago de Surco district.
(END) LIT/MVB
Published: 5/28/2025