Everything Is Possible: How a 24-Year-Old from Talsi Never Let Go of the Ball

Photos: Bad Homburg

The 24-year-old wing player is the latest addition to the VIMODROM Baskets Jena roster for the 2026–27 season. Her jersey number is still to be determined, but her playing style has long been established: Elsa, as everyone calls her, is known as a player who really comes into her own in tight situations.

Her story doesn’t begin on the court, but simply with a ball in her hand—almost always, even as a child. Because it came so naturally to her, basketball wasn’t a conscious decision but rather the most obvious path of all. She was born on April 15, 2002, in Talsi, Latvia, where she still holds citizenship today.

What has become of her can be seen in her career milestones, which are remarkable even for a 24-year-old. At RSU, Rīgas Stradiņš University, she led her team to third place in the Baltic Women’s League and second place in the Latvian First League. She also played for the Latvian U23 national team in 3x3 basketball. After a stint with the Bad Homburg Falcons in Germany, her path has now led her to Jena, where she will continue to play in the 2nd DBBL.

Standing 1.80 meters tall, the right-hander covers a wide range of positions: she’s comfortable playing positions 2, 3, and 4, but feels most at home at the 3, the small forward. When asked about her greatest strength, she describes herself in three words: relentless, passionate, loving. These are words that fit her style of play—she actively seeks out clutch moments, never gives up hope in any situation, and manages to have an amazing amount of fun while doing it. For the upcoming season, she has set out to take on more of a leadership role and play with greater individual aggression.

Off the court, Elza explores new cafés, keeps a journal, and reads a lot—a reflection of someone who is constantly working on herself. When it comes to music, she lets her mood guide her; when it comes to food, she stays true to two classics: a good Smash Burger and sushi. Her athletic role model is Luka Dončić.

The VIMODROM Baskets Jena are looking forward to a player who takes the initiative rather than waiting on the sidelines—and to the 2026–27 season together.