Sports Declaration continues its interview series without slowing down… We had this interview with London Lions head coach Stella Kaltsidou. We thank him for this nice interview.
1- Winning the Eurocup Championship with London Lions was a historic achievement for both you and your team. What was the secret of this success?
Well there is never a secret for success. We have all worked really hard all the season from the first till the last day. It wasn’t easy, we have a lot of ups n downs, a lot of difficult moments but we committed to push ourselves over the limits. We always supported each other n the hard moments made us connected even more. Work, commitment and discipline is always the secret.
2- How did your years as a professional player contribute to your coaching career? How do you apply the experiences you gained as a player as a coach?
I believe it’s a big advantage for me and I’m always trying to use it for the benefit of my team. I have been in the place of the players, I know how they feel and what they need n I’m always trying to remember how it felt to be in their position. It’s all about the players always n our job as a staff to do our best so they can be always in the best place they can be.
3- You have achieved many successes and won countless awards throughout your career. Which of these achievements was most meaningful to you and why?
I was blessed to win a lot of titles n each one was special. Every time the conditions are different. However if I would have to highlight something it would be the success with the greek National team because it’s always a special feeling to play for your country. And of course the Eurocup this season as it was my first ever European trophy.
4- You won the Molten Betty Codona Coach of the Year award. What is the importance of this award to you and your team?
It’s definitely a very important award as it comes from the votes of my colleagues in the British league n the players. So it’s really important to get the recognition of our colleagues. However this is an award that belongs not only to me but to the whole staff as they all have worked really hard to achieve our goal. And of course to my players because as I said before it’s always about the players.
5- What are your future goals and plans? How do you plan to achieve greater success with London Lions?
Unfortunately due to financial issues the organization decided to not keep the team on European competition next season. Because of that I have decided to not continue in London n try to find a new challenge for next season. For the moment I’m still looking.
6- What is the most important advice you would like to give to young players and coaches? What do you think they should pay attention to in order to be successful in their careers?
I believe that the most important is to really love what you do n love also the people in your environment. Teams, coaches, players, are all about human relationships. You have to set high goals, work hard, work together n don’t give up because the failures will be many more than successes. So enjoy every day and always try to get better.