EUSA Insider:
Sigrid Koizar
Age: 23
Place of Birth: Vienna, Austria
University: University of Vienna (Austria)
Sport: Basketball Published 12 July 2019
How and why did you get involved in Basketball?
My cousin played for a local team, so my dad took my little cousin and I to one of his games. I was nine years old then, and it was my first introduction to basketball. We tried to shoot on the baskets during the breaks, and even during dead ball situations, which got us in trouble with the referees a few times. Since we really enjoyed it, my dad took us to a practice the following week, and I instantly fell in love with the game.
What do you study, and how do you balance your study, training and competition?
I am currently studying Bioinformatics. I try to get my studying done in between practices, and when we travel to away games, I usually bring papers/books/lecture slides to get some reading done on the road.
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?
Last year was my first year at the Games, and I really enjoyed the atmosphere and having athletes from different sports, as well as different countries, come together.
Why do you think taking part in university sport is important?
I think sport teaches us a lot of lessons about team work, discipline, attitude and mental toughness. Competing in university sports is not only about those teaching moments, but it is also a fun experience. For me, after long hours spent in front of the computer screen, practice time is a welcome change of pace, and it gives me the chance to relax my mind.
"I really enjoyed the atmosphere and having athletes from different sports, as well as different countries, come together."
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?
I hope I can be there again this year, and our goal is to defend last year's title.
What is your favourite university sport moment?
Winning the final game in Coimbra last year and being able to share that moment with all the other athletes from our University who were there to support us.
What is your message to European student-athletes like yourself?
Enjoy competing with your teammates and appreciate the opportunities you get through sports.
EUSA would like to congratulate Sigrid for her success at the EUSA European Universities Games and we hope to see her again very soon, at the European Universities Championships 2019!