Natalia Hejkova and Marina Maljkovic unite for Proudly Woman roundtable

MUNICH (Germany) - As part of the Proudly Woman initiative, FIBA caught up with revered EuroLeague Women coaches Natalia Hejkova and Marina Maljkovic for what proved a fascinating roundtable discussion.

The successful Proudly Woman campaign has already made a significant and positive impact promoting females in the sport since its inception in October, 2021.

Prior to the spotlight falling onto the playcallers, there was a player-focused series which included the likes of Jelena Brooks, Alba Torrens, Valeriane Vukosavljevic, Chelsea Gray and Satou Sabally this season.

"I THINK WE SHARE THE SAME BELIEF THAT WHAT FIBA IS DOING NOW WITH WOMEN COACHES IN EUROPE IS VERY GOOD." - Marina Maljkovic

FIBA Hall of Famer Hejkova is a five-time EuroLeague Women champion, while the highly respected Serbian playcaller Maljkovic recently delivered a long-awaited maiden success in the competition for Fenerbahce Alagoz Holding.

Hosted by former French national team winger Diandra Tchatchouang at the recent Final Four in Prague, the duo spoke about a wide range of topics. It includes reflections on their own respective journeys in the sport, what it is like being a female coach, as well as FIBA's coaching mentor program and the value of sharing knowledge.  

Intriguingly despite both achieving so much in the sport, they each admitted they had never initially dreamed of being basketball coaches.

"I never wanted to become a coach, that's for sure and it started for me all of a sudden and out of nowhere" stated Maljkovic

Hejkova also explained: "It's the same story for me. I never wanted to be a coach and never imagined I would be a coach. I am a lawyer and studied it."

However, the change in recent years towards more and more females wanting to coach and aspiring to become elite basketball coaches is palpable. This has been helped in part by both Hejkova and Maljkovic engaging passionately with initiatives to try and improve the talent pool of female playcallers.

Hejkova has been inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame in recognition of her coaching  accomplishments

"I think we share the same belief that what FIBA is doing now with women coaches in Europe is very good. We are both a part of it together." enthused Maljkovic.

"I definitely didn't have it in my time. These situations where someone wants you, is pushing you and is giving you ideas and a programme on how to become a coach."

To find out more and watch Maljkovic and Hejkova discuss many other topics, watch the full episode:

FIBA