The first prestigious Blue Star 30 Europe camp this month will see a famous and familiar face from the past as Latvia and USF standout , prepares to get onto the court to coach the next generation of rising stars. (Photo: FIBA)
The sharp-shooting winger had hoped to be with her compatriots preparing for the FIBA Women’s EuroBasket later this month, but her dreams were broken after a serious injury while in the NCAA with USF last year.
Now she is turning her attention to successfully completing her rehab and also giving something back to Blue Star Europe and the camp that played its part in helping her launch her career.
“To have Kitija come to coach is amazing and especially as she was a participant at the Blue Star Europe London camp back in 2011,” stated BSE30 Europe Camp Director, Dan Bowmaker.
“Kitija is a well-known face on both sides of the Atlantic because of her accomplishments both in the NCAA and also with Latvia in major FIBA competitions.
“The bonus is that she understands and appreciates the purpose. the quality and ethos of a Blue Star Europe camp, what opportunities it offers the attendees and why it is a hugely important and enjoyable chance to shine for those involved.”
Laksa is just one member of an impressive line-up of play-callers that will be led by Camp Head Coach, Quim Gomez. The Barcelona native holds the highest degree of coaching from the Spanish Federation and is well known for his stellar work in Catalunya and at CN Sabadell.
For the last thirty years, Luis Lopez Hernandez has had a very successful coaching career in different countries, such as Spain, the United States, Mexico, and Mozambique. He is currently Basketball Director at the Canterbury Academy.
Pedro Garcia Rosado brings coaching experience from both Spain and England, including play-calling spots at the likes of Al-Qazeres, Picken Claret and Reading Rockets – as well as working at the CBA Canarias and Unicaja Malaga Academy.
Meanwhile Krisztian Tursics has helped bring tremendous success in Budapest with Csata DSE – a Hungarian club whose reputation continue to grow for the work they are doing at all levels.
Former Great Britain national team player, Renee Johnson-Allen, will lead coaching Development. A graduate of Drexel, she graduated with a Masters Degree and as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) with the NSCA. She is now located in Singapore and has extended the BlueStar Basketball brand (BlueStar Basketball Asia) to identify and develop talents, who want to improve their athletic and basketball skill set.
The event will also be supported by local Sporting Director, Santi Lopez, who brings extensive technical experience to the table.
The three-day BS30 Europe camp takes place at the Canterbury School of Gran Canaria between June 21-23.
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