The clock is ticking down to the EuroBasket 2025 women’s tournament, and for Joana Soeiro, this is a dream come true. As the team prepares to take on the best of Europe, Soeiro reflects on the journey that brought her here. “It’s amazing to be part of this group,” she says. “We’ve worked so hard, and it’s incredible to think that we’ll be on the same court as the top teams in Europe.”
Soeiro’s passion for the sport is evident, and she’s not afraid to show it. She’s been part of the national team for years, and her experience has taught her the value of perseverance. “As my career progressed, I started to believe that we could make it to the EuroBasket,” she explains. “We’ve been preparing better, and we’ve shown that we can compete with the best teams in Europe.” The team’s qualification is a testament to their dedication and teamwork.
But what sets this team apart is the lack of a single star player. Soeiro believes this is a strength, not a weakness. “We don’t rely on one player to score 20 or 30 points per game,” she says. “Instead, we have a team where everyone contributes, and that’s what makes us strong.” This approach has paid off, and the team is ready to take on the challenge of the EuroBasket.
Soeiro’s own journey to the EuroBasket has not been easy. She’s played in the 3×3 European Championship, but this is a different beast altogether. “The qualification process for 5×5 is much harder,” she admits. “We need to be consistent, and that’s what we’ve been working on.” Her experience playing in Spain has also been invaluable, teaching her to adapt to different styles of basketball and to overcome the challenges of playing abroad.
As the team prepares to face off against Belgium, the Czech Republic, and Montenegro in Group C, Soeiro is focused on the task at hand. “We need to be cohesive and consistent on defense,” she says. “We can’t rely on one player to score all our points, so we need to work together as a team.” The team’s identity is built on this foundation, and Soeiro is confident that they can make a statement in the tournament.
When asked about the celebrations after qualifying for the EuroBasket, Soeiro smiles. “That was a different feeling,” she says. “We’d worked so hard, and we’d achieved our goal. But now, we need to focus on the tournament itself. We need to enjoy the experience, but we also need to be professional and apply what we’ve learned.”
Soeiro’s advice to young players is to experience different types of basketball, just as she has. “Playing in different countries and leagues has broadened my understanding of the game,” she says. “It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it. If I can pass on any advice, it’s to take the opportunity to play abroad and learn from it.”
Playing in Spain has not been without its challenges, however. Soeiro has faced difficulties as a Portuguese player in a country where basketball is a way of life. “It’s not easy being a foreigner in a country that loves basketball,” she admits. “You need to deal with the discomfort, the feeling of inferiority, and turn it into motivation. It’s a challenge, but it’s one that’s made me a better player and a better person.”
As the tournament approaches, Soeiro is ready to put everything on the line. “We’re going to give it our all,” she says. “We’re going to enjoy the experience, but we’re also going to be professional and do everything we can to make Portugal proud.” With her team behind her, Soeiro is ready to take on the best of Europe and make her mark on the EuroBasket 2025.