Celebrating Two Decades of Growth
The 2026 FIBA European Women’s Basketball Summit celebrated its 20th edition in the historic town of Postojna, Slovenia, from July 7 to July 11. The gathering brought together 46 professionals from across the continent, including 21 coaches and 25 referees, to mark two decades of collaborative development in the sport.
Organised by FIBA in partnership with the Czech Basketball Federation, the summit featured a packed programme of workshops, intensive clinics and hands‑on exercises. Participants worked closely with the Slovenian U16 women’s national team, applying theoretical insights to real‑world game scenarios.
Instructors Stella Katsidou, Camille Aubert and Milena Moulisova led the coaching sessions, focusing on rules interpretation, tactical analysis and modern officiating techniques. Meanwhile, Chantal Julien and Sonia Teixeira guided the referees through advanced assessment drills and video‑review exercises.
The event’s practical component culminated in a series of on‑court simulations that allowed coaches and referees to test new methodologies alongside emerging talent. This direct engagement with the U16 squad highlighted the summit’s commitment to bridging theory and practice.
Five coaches — Tereza Vyoralova, Lisa‑Marie Gewald, Vanja Mudresa, Elaine Scally and Josipa Silov — and three referees — Jennifer Schuster, Dalma Sellei and Oliwia Tobola — were selected for the FIBA Europe Mentoring Program. The cohort will benefit from a year‑long curriculum that blends virtual webinars with individualized mentorship from senior officials.
Throughout the coming months, the mentees will attend regular online seminars, receive personalized feedback and apply newly acquired skills in domestic competitions. This structured support aims to accelerate the professional growth of the next generation of European basketball leaders.
Beyond the technical sessions, the summit served as a networking hub, fostering connections among federations, clubs and institutions. Its 20‑year legacy underscores FIBA’s ongoing dedication to elevating the standards of women’s basketball across Europe.