The epilogue to a journey of 21 years with the coat of arms he decided to write n Katerina Sotiriou. Her presence in Eurobasket she was the last one, since she is now hanging up the blue and white jersey, at the age of 39 and having competed with it from 2002 until today.
Her first appearance in preparation for the Women’s National Team was in 1999, her first match three years later and after 21 consecutive years her appearance in the game against the Czech Republic was her last in… blue. It counts in total 161 entries and 669 points with the… big ones and another 54 with the “small” national teams. She is still the 16th scorer in the history of the Women’s National Team with 669 points, but also in a… elite group as seventh in appearances with the national team with her 161 appearances, behind Maltsi, Kligopoulou, Saregou, Kalentzou, Kosmas and Lymoura.
Sotiriou sends her own message at the end of her blue and white route: “Our life is full of cycles. Perhaps for me the most important and full circle in my life is closing. I started in the National Team in 1999 as “Benjamin”, as they called me then, I arrived today in 2023 to have the honor of being its captain and with the end of the European tournament I am a veteran.
I feel blessed to have grown up in the arms of Ethniki’s family, I felt safe through it and through all the experiences I lived, I formed my identity.
I’ll try to list a few of what I’ve picked up over the years. I won’t talk about people because I have to mention so many names that I’m afraid I’ll forget or do someone wrong, after all, anyone who knows me knows that I’m not good at statements and goodbyes. I’m sure these people know. I thank them for everything. I want them to know that they and my faith in God helped me pass all the difficult trials that happened to me. There were times when I questioned all of this, but now I am sure that they have brought me to where I am today and filled me with pride and gratitude.
With the National Team I traveled all over the world, opened my mind, reached places I had not imagined and filled with images and experiences that changed my life.
I learned not to give up, to fight, to respect the team and the opponents, to be fair, to make choices, to sacrifice things and to be the Katerina I want.
Even now as I write I can’t hold back my tears, like every time I hear the National Anthem and wear the coat of arms.
In closing, I will say thank you once again, that I am glad to have become part of this family, I will continue to be by their side and offer in any way I can and I am asked, because with the right support, women’s basketball has a bright future and it deserves it. We will not say goodbye, but see you again».
Source: Sport Fm
I am currently a news writer for News Bulletin247 where I mostly cover sports news. I have always been interested in writing and it is something I am very passionate about. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and spending time with my family and friends.
