The first thing you will notice with Eglė Kisarauskaitė is her mix of humility, resilience, and a burning passion for basketball. At just 20 years old, the Lithuanian guard has already built an impressive career across traditional 5x5 basketball and the fast-paced, emotional world of 3x3. Today, she wears the jersey of Kauno Aistės-LSMU, but her journey is one of overcoming setbacks, leaning on family, and rediscovering her love for the game through 3x3.

A story that started with Mantas Kalnietis

Basketball did not arrive in Eglė’s life in a conventional way. At nine years old, she was swimming to help with back problems. Then, one evening, while watching the Lithuanian national team play, everything changed. “I couldn’t take my eyes off Lithuania’s point guard, Mantas Kalnietis, the entire game,” she remembers. “Not only did he play really well, but I also thought he was a very handsome man. I told my parents I wanted to try basketball. After my very first practice with my coach, Lina Dambrauskaitė, I no longer wanted to return to swimming. That’s how my journey in the world of basketball began.”

As she grew older, basketball began to consume her. She recalls the moment she realized it was more than just fun. “I realized basketball was my passion, not just a hobby, when I started sacrificing my free time for it. I lost quite a few friends because I no longer had time to meet up, I missed birthdays due to a tight schedule, but I don’t regret it at all, because my true friends supported me throughout this journey and still support me now.”

First steps with Žalgiris and club lessons

Eglė’s first big breakthrough came in 2020, when she joined Kauno KM Žalgiris. The opportunity was thrilling but intimidating. “I was very excited because I knew I would have the chance to play with women, from whom I could gain a lot of experience and learn so much. At the same time, I was a little bit scared and worried that I might not succeed. But it motivated me to improve even more.”

Her path through different clubs has been full of contrasting lessons. At Aistės-LSMU in her first stint, she barely saw playing time. “It was mentally challenging, but I found the strength within myself not to give up.”

At LSU-Kaunas, she thrived in Division B. “I felt needed because both the coach and my teammates trusted and believed in me. We might didn’t achieve impressive results, but I was happy to play with such humble, friendly, and sincere girls. Panevėžys also gave me the best conditions to finish school in Kaunas, something other clubs usually don’t adjust to.”

Returning to Aistės-LSMU later was transformative. “I improved not only physically, but also mentally, because the coach believed in me and gave me playing time. That season gave me the best friendships and memories.”

The sister bond: Miglė as her inspiration

One cannot tell Eglė’s story without her twin sister, Miglė Kisarauskaitė, also a basketball player. Their bond is extraordinary. “She’s my rock, my support, and my motivation. She believed in me more than I believed in myself. We have a very strong twin connection, sometimes it feels like we can sense each other’s emotions. On the court, I can pass the ball without looking because I know Miglė will be exactly where she needs to be. If it weren’t for her, I probably wouldn’t be playing basketball today.”

Wearing Lietuva on her chest

Few things mean more to Eglė than representing Lithuania. Her under 18 debut in 2023 was emotional. “Singing the Lithuanian national anthem before each game gave me chills all over my body, and tears would well up in my eyes. The results weren’t the best, but I gained a lot of valuable experience.”

A year later, she stood on the podium with the under 20 national team with a silver medal around her neck, after an incredible run that shocked Europe. “No one in Lithuania was talking about us. We simply had to avoid relegation to Division B. But when a team has such chemistry, even impossible things become possible. When the coaching staff believes in the team, players grow their wings. I’ve never experienced emotions like those after the final. My hands were shaking, my body was trembling, and tears of joy were overflowing. It was the first time I felt a sense of completeness inside.”

Finding herself because of 3x3

When she struggled with confidence and playing time in 5x5, 3x3 basketball came as a lifeline. “In May 2024, I thought it would be my last season playing basketball. But I was invited to the 3x3 under 21 youth national team, which saved me. Playing 3x3, I discover my true self. The speed, the emotions, the adrenaline; every possession is important. Every time I take the blue-and-yellow ball in my hands, a spark lights up in my heart, and my love for basketball returns.”

The results speak for themselves: dozens of tournaments across Europe, stage victories in the FIBA 3x3 Nations League, and a 4th place finish at the under 18 World Cup. Her favorite memories? “At the under 18 World Cup, we finished 4th in the world, which was my greatest achievement at the time. With the under 21 national team, we won one Nations League stage each summer. Holding the card that says ‘Winners’ is truly an amazing feeling.”

From international tournaments to street-style competitions, 3x3 has sharpened her game: “3x3 taught me boxing out, something many coaches don’t emphasize in 5x5. It taught me not to stop shooting after missing, because hesitation can cost you the game. You must play 1-on-1, try moves, and take risks, which later help in 5x5 basketball.”

Eglė’s dreams shine brightly in both formats. “My ultimate dream is to participate in the Olympic Games in the 3x3 basketball event. I also want to play for the Lithuanian women’s 3x3 national team and a professional 3x3 club, like my friend Martyna Petrėnaitė is doing. I would also like to play for a strong EuroLeague Women team and represent the Lithuanian women’s national team.”

In five years, she envisions herself abroad, hopefully alongside Miglė. “I hope no injuries stop me. I want to become a player my team can always rely on, both offensively and defensively. Wins and titles are secondary, because they only come through hard work.”

Her family has been there every step of the way “When things go well, they are there; when things don’t go well, they are still there. My parents sacrificed everything, driving me to practice, paying for camps, always supporting me. My little sister Liepa takes my losses harder than I do, and my grandparents never miss a game. With such strong support, nothing feels scary or impossible.”

The meaning of success

At this stage of her career, success is not defined by medals. “Success means giving my best effort every day, improving myself, and staying dedicated to my goals. It’s about working hard, learning from every experience, and never giving up, even in difficult times. Every fall is a chance to rise. I hope to inspire younger girls in Lithuania by showing them that hard work, dedication, and passion can help achieve their dreams. Even when things get tough, never giving up and believing in yourself can lead to impressive results.”

From winning the silver medal of a European Championship, from doubt to rediscovering joy through 3x3, Eglė’s journey is still unfolding, but she has already proven herself a beacon of strength and inspiration for Lithuanian basketball, and beyond.