EUSA Insider:
Julia Pocksteiner
Age: 25
Place of Birth: Vienna, Austria
University: University of Vienna (AUT)
Sport: Basketball Published 3 May 2019
How and why did you get involved in Basketball?
My dad used to play and also coached successfully for several years, therefore my brother and I got introduced to basketball at an early age. When I was little, I always went with my brother to his basketball practices. It was so much fun that I started to play with a boys’ team when I was nine years old and instantly fell in love with the sport.
What do you study, and how do you balance your study, training and competition?
I am currently studying teacher education in Psychology and Philosophy and Sports and Physical Education. I try to use my time between practices to study and to write my papers. Especially after practices, my mind is fresh and free and I can focus better and study. However, I am lucky because I am part of KADA, which helps athletes manage their academics with athletics. They support me in every aspect and help me talk to the University if I have to miss classes.
Tell us about your experiences at the European Universities Games 2018. Was it your first time at a EUSA event, and what did you enjoy the most?
It was my first time in Coimbra that I took part in the European University Games. I really enjoyed being at such a big event. I love when people from different countries come together and share the same hobbies. You get to know so many open-minded people who all love sports and also are ambitious and manage to study at the same time.
"I love when people from different countries come together and share the same hobbies."
Why do you think taking part in university sport is important?
Sports brings people together and balances your life. Sports teaches us to be disciplined, work hard, set goals, pursue them and most importantly, that you can achieve anything when you put in the work. Applying this into our university life helps us be successful students. Of course, all the memories and the experiences you make with your teammates will last a lifetime as well as you create a community at your university.
In 2019 the European Universities Basketball Championships will take place in Poznan, Poland. Do you hope to be there, and if so, how have your preparations been, and what do you hope to achieve?
Yes, I will be taking part at the European University Basketball Games in Poland this summer. Since we won last year, our goal this summer is to win again and bring back the title to the University of Vienna again.
What is your favourite university sport moment?
My favourite university sport moment was winning the Championship last year. Being able to share this moment with my teammates and especially our fans from our university, who supported us throughout the tournament and celebrated our win as if it was their own, made this experience unforgettable.
What is your message to European student-athletes like yourself?
With a good time management, ambition, work ethic and support, it is possible to pursue your dreams in your academics and sports at the same time!
EUSA would like to congratulate Julia and her team for their success last year and we hope to see her very soon, at the European Universities Championships 2019!