A New Era for South Florida Women's Basketball
The University of South Florida's women's basketball program announced the addition of Estonian forward Lisandra Vetesina, a 6‑foot‑2 guard whose international résumé includes standout performances at the FIBA U18 Women's EuroBasket and the FIBA U16 Women's European Championship.
Vetesina joins the Bulls after a two‑year stint with Estonia's senior national team, where she has been praised for her versatility on both ends of the floor. Her size and skill set allow her to operate as a forward, a guard, and a defensive anchor, giving the coaching staff multiple lineup options.
During the 2025 FIBA U18 Women's EuroBasket tournament, Vetesina averaged 7.3 points, 7.1 rebounds, 2.9 blocks, 1.9 assists and 1.6 steals per game, showcasing a rare combination of scoring and shot‑blocking ability for a player of her age.
One of her most memorable outings came against the Netherlands, where she posted a double‑double with 10 points and 12 rebounds, and she continued to impact the game with multiple blocks in every contest.
Her defensive contributions were highlighted by a five‑block performance across two games and a consistent presence in the steal column, while her offensive output included three steals in two matches during the same tournament.
Vetesina's earlier experience at the 2023 FIBA U16 Women's European Championship further underscores her development, where she averaged 4.3 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.7 steals per game, and delivered a nine‑point, 12‑rebound effort against Ukraine.
The Bulls' leadership, headed by head coach Kristy Curry, expressed confidence that Vetesina's international background will elevate the team's competitiveness as they aim for deeper runs in the American Athletic Conference.
Fans can expect to see a player who not only brings statistical depth but also a global perspective, as she transitions from Estonia's basketball circuit to the collegiate stage in Tampa, Florida.