Her determination, dedication and pursuit of improvement have helped the Romanian basketball player Ana Ivan to become a great talent. Let’s ask her some questions as she shares her personal journey, the challenges she has overcome and her future plans in the sport she loves! Photo: FIBA Europe

1.  What inspired you to pursue basketball as a career?

“When I first started playing basketball, it already became my biggest passion. After that, I fall in love with this sport. I want to do this for the rest of my life!”

2.  What kind of player are you?

“I am a player that pushes herself to be better, and to find out how to get better every day.”

3.  What are some of the challenges you've faced as a professional basketball player?

“I can say that everything is a challenge, but the biggest of them was to leave my family behind to realize my basketball dream.”

4.  Is there someone who inspires you?

“Absolutely, my dad. He was also a professional football player, but he didn't what he wanted to. He is supporting me so that I am able to live my dream.”

5.  How do you balance your basketball career with other aspects of your life?

“This was a problem for me at the starting of my career. Now I know that I need to prioritize things that are helping me to go on.”

6.  What kind of advice would you give to young talented basketball players?

“My advice is to never give up, because it's going to be hard when it gets bigger and more serious.”

7. What has been your most memorable moment as a basketball player so far?

“The most memorable moment was when I was playing the final basketball game with the under 18 team. It was a hard game, and we did everything we could. However, we lost because of a buzzer beater. I played a good game, but it wasn’t enough.”

8. How do you handle the pressure of representing your country on the international stage?

“It was a very emotional moment for me, but I was honored for all the trust that was given to me, and I still do.”

9.  How does it feel to represent Romania on the national basketball youth team?

“It feels like a dream actually. I love playing for my country.”

10.  What role do you think the teamwork plays in the success of a basketball team?

“I think it's the most important thing of you want to get better.”

11.  Can you describe a typical day in your life during the basketball season?

“I usually have two practices. I wake up, go to practice and then go to eat lunch. When I am back home, I sometimes get some sleep for two of three hours, and then I’ll go to practice again.”

12.  What do you do to unwind and relax when you're not on the court?

“I just go for some walks and talk to people that help me to relax a bit.”

13.  What are your goals for your basketball career?

“Honestly, the sky is the limit. I want to go as up as possible.”

14.  What massage would you like to convey to your fans and supporters?