Svenja Brunckhorst has experienced a transformative year, winning a gold medal in 3×3 basketball in Paris and transitioning into a managerial role at Alba Berlin. As she prepares for the ‘Athlete of the Year’ awards, she reflects on her journey from Wasserburg, where her basketball career began, to her Olympic triumph. Committed to nurturing future talent, Brunckhorst aims to leverage her leadership skills and sports management knowledge while processing her recent experiences with the help of a sports psychologist.
Svenja Brunckhorst: A Year of Triumph and Transition
In Paris, Svenja Brunckhorst made headlines by clinching the gold medal in 3×3 basketball. Following this remarkable achievement, she has taken on a new role as the manager of Alba Berlin. As the year draws to a close, the 33-year-old reflects on a whirlwind of events that could culminate in yet another accolade.
This year has been a rollercoaster of emotions for Svenja Brunckhorst, filled with significant milestones and challenges. As she embarks on her new journey with Alba Berlin, the accolades continue to pour in. One of the most anticipated events is the ‘Athlete of the Year’ awards on December 15, where Brunckhorst and her Olympic champion teammates are strong contenders in the team category.
Returning to Her Roots
Amidst her busy schedule, Brunckhorst is eagerly looking forward to returning home to her family for Christmas. “I haven’t been there since summer,” she shares. “It will be nice to unwind a bit.” Wasserburg, Bavaria, is where her basketball journey began, and it holds a special place in her heart.
At just ten years old, she moved from Lower Saxony to Upper Bavaria, where she honed her skills with TSV Wasserburg. “I spent countless hours in the gym, and when we were kicked out, we would simply head to the outdoor court,” she reminisces. Throughout her career, she celebrated six championship titles and four cup victories with her beloved hometown club. Seeking new challenges, she ventured into 3×3 basketball, significantly contributing to its growth in Germany alongside her longtime friend Sonja Greinacher. Their hard work culminated this summer in Paris, marking the pinnacle of her career.
Brunckhorst’s Olympic journey was nothing short of extraordinary. The German team triumphed over Spain in a nail-biting final, securing the gold medal. “It’s incredible what happened there. I still can’t put it into words,” she reflects months after the event, which served as a fitting conclusion to her varied career.
Despite facing challenges with the national team, including coaching changes and near misses in crucial games, Brunckhorst’s determination never wavered. Her ambition, described by friends as both a strength and a source of stress, propelled her to achieve her long-held dream of participating in the Olympics.
Now, as she transitions into her managerial role at Alba Berlin, Brunckhorst is keen to apply her sports management degree and extensive experience in women’s basketball. “I’m continuing where I left off,” she laughs, eager to support the next generation of players.
Brunckhorst’s leadership skills, honed over years of being a team captain, will be invaluable in her new position. “I wanted to be a ‘safe place’ for the players,” she emphasizes, highlighting her commitment to fostering a supportive environment.
While she remains busy acclimating to her new responsibilities, Brunckhorst acknowledges the importance of processing her experiences over the past few years. She plans to discuss her feelings and transition with her sports psychologist, recognizing that moving on from her playing days is a significant step.
As she passes on her jersey number 21, Brunckhorst reflects on her lasting impact on German women’s basketball. “Svenja has elevated 3×3 to a new level and left her mark in the national team and league,” says women’s co-coach Sidney Parsons. With a passionate commitment to her new role, Brunckhorst is poised to continue influencing the sport she loves.