Sonja Kireta
(procitajte ovaj intervju na hrvatskom jeziku)

It wasn't very easy to get an interview from Sonja Kireta because she has very full program and playing many games in Turkish league and Euroleague. Therefore, we had to wait for the right moment to ask her for an interview and inform all the basketball fans in Turkey , Croatia and Europe where she is and how are her days in BC Botas from farway Adana in Turkey .

ISM: Shortly, who is Sonja and how did she start playing basketball?

Sonja: I was born and raised in Zagreb, Croatia, and started playing basketball acciddentally. Since Iwas always much taller then all my other friends, I met a basketball coach on the street who ask me if I'm playing something and if I would like to come to practice. After a few days I went and started practicing.

ISM: Did you have any idea when you started playing basketball, that is gonna be the job you gonna be successful at?

Sonja: I never thought that basketball will be my life, that I will live for it and from it, because I started thanks to the persistence of the earlier mentioned coach.

ISM: You probably had like all other athletes some wýshes and goals concerning your career and did you have any basketball role model?

Sonja: I belive that every athlete wants to be better and more successful, and so I have big ambitions. I didnt realy have a particular role model.

ISM: Are you satisfied with your career this far?

Sonja: Yes, for now. Last year was the first year out of Croatia and I had a good season. This year I'm playing for the Turkish champion, and Euroleague, and I hope that every year will be step up (better league, WNBA...).

ISM: How did you decide for Turkey and what are you thoughts about it, since this is your second year there?

Sonja: Euroleagu was the main reason. Turkey is a new experience, people with different mentality and habits, but that is the beauty of playing in different countries.

ISM: Like last year this year you are one of the best players on position 5 in Turkey . On that position there are lots of players who play for WNBA. Do you think you could be successful ther one day, too?

Sonja: I believe that I have enough knowledge and experience to play in WNBA, but my career there partly depens on other factors and circumstances too, and luck.

ISM: You are successful in Euroleague also, and lots of teams would like to have you with them.

Sonja: I play good, I'm satisfied and I don't think about other teams now. After this season, I'll think about the right possibility.

ISM: You are not on Croatian national team,hy?

Sonja: Until this year, I was the constant member of the national team. Unfortunatelly, I couldn't accept an invitation because of the injury.

ISM: What are the chances of your team to win the championship of Turkey?

Sonja: I think we are a good team and that everything depends on us. I believe we can win the Cup and Championship and I hope we will.

ISM: You play on the team with Tihana Abrlic, who's also playing the second year in Turkey , how do you spend time when you are not flying and practicing?

Sonja: We are happy we're together because it's easier for both of us in a foreign country. The short time we have free,we use for resting and shopping.

ISM: We have to end this up because you have practice coming. Is there anything you would like to say to women basketball fans in Turkey and Croatia?

Sonja: I wish them to continue loving women's basketball, recognize good players, continue being faitfull fans and a big support at the basketball games.

ISM: Tell us something about "Intenational Sports Management" - the agency that is representing you and that you are the member of?

Sonja: I'm very pleased and satisfied with the agency and my menagers Mira and Vesko who are taking their job very proffessionally. They made it possible for me just to play and think about playing basketball, and I hope that our good cooperation will continue in the future.

Thanks for your time and a lot of luck and health with the rest of your sports career.

International Sports management