Inga Ruppe Nominated for the 2026 National Youth Camp

Photo, from left: Jona Weber, Constanze Wegner, Heiko Czach, Inga Ruppe

From September 30 to October 4, the state’s top young talents gathered at the Rhein-Neckar Olympic Training Center in Heidelberg. The National Youth Camp is the DBB’s major talent identification tournament, often referred to as a showcase for young talent. The state associations send select teams, and the program in Heidelberg included training, a tournament, athletic and skill tests, and workshops. For the girls, the focus was on the 2011 age group. Those who impress are invited to participate in further training sessions. Inga played for the Central German selection team from Thuringia, Saxony, and Saxony-Anhalt.

Inga had already participated in the National Youth Camp last year, though she wasn’t nominated at the time. A year later, her name is on the list. In between lies a season in which she made the leap to our second-division roster. She scored her first points in the 2nd DBBL on the opening day of the season in an 86–72 win over KuSG Leimen—at age 14 and to a rousing ovation from the crowd. Her greatest strength is her defense, and she’s working specifically on her shooting, ball-handling, and finishing. Her motto fits perfectly: “Work so hard that your idols become your rivals.” She was also nominated for Young Athlete of the Year 2025 at Jena’s Night of Sports.

A journey like this doesn’t happen on its own. We thank the coaching staff, her teammates, her parents, and everyone in her circle who has accompanied, driven, cheered on, and supported Inga. A special highlight: Sandra Rosanke, who also coaches from the sidelines for the VIMODROM Baskets, served as head coach of the Central German girls’ select team. We’re very proud of that as a team.

Now it’s time to take the next steps with a clear head. We look forward to continuing to support Inga on the court and wish her much joy and success in everything that lies ahead.

Inga, we’re incredibly proud of you.