Theresa Simon, born in Wolfenbüttel (Germany) has become a great professional basketball player. The input she has given to ALBA Berlin is amazing. Last season she had a great season, winning the championship with ALBA Berlin. As the years went by, Theresa has become a better and stronger player as she is today. Photo: FIBA Europe

Her love for basketball

Theresa started playing basketball about 15 years ago. When she talks about it, she recalls it with a nostalgic smile. “I’m 25 now, and I’ve been playing professionally for eight years. It all began in my hometown.” She reminisces about her early days, playing in the first division. Basketball wasn’t Theresa’s first love, though. She initially juggled tennis and basketball. “I used to play tennis and basketball at the same time, but it was too much with school and everything. So, I decided to focus on basketball, and I’m really happy with that decision.”

Transition to professional basketball

Her journey into professional basketball started in earnest after she graduated from high school and began studying in Marburg. “Playing with others was so different from tennis,” she explains. “It was fun being in the gym, and my coach saw a lot of talent in me. My family was always there for me, supporting me.” Theresa credits her family and her coach for their unwavering support. “They were really the backbone of my career, always having my back and pushing me forward.”

When asked about her inspirations, Simon lights up. “On the women’s side, I look up to players who always support me. On the men’s side, I’d say Jimmy Butler because he’s a hustler. I really like his style of play and how he always works hard.” Describing her playing style, Simon says: “I’m pretty energetic. I’m a guard, so I love driving to the basket and creating opportunities for myself and others, but I focus more on defense because I believe that putting in a lot of effort and energy on defense can really lift the team.”

Memorable moments with Wolfpack Wolfenbüttel

The time at Wolfpack in the second Bundesliga is filled with cherished memories for Theresa. “We had great chemistry and really connected well with each other. My parents helped build up the club, and our coach pushed us to our limits. The fans were always there, supporting us at home and away games. Moving up to the first division was a day I’ll never forget. Wolfpack really helped me to improve for the next step.”

Championship with Wolfpack

Reflecting on the championship win, that is something Theresa would never forget. “Winning the championship was a special day. It was in Osnabrück, not at home, but having all the fans, my family, and friends there made it really special. The season had its ups and downs, but we had great chemistry, and at the end, we won the championship.”

After five years with Wolfpack, Simon moved to the highest league in Germany, joining Göttingen. “It was tough to leave Wolfpack, but it was the right decision. I joined the highest league of Germany, which was a big step in my career, something that had to happen. I worked hard for my minutes, because I was still young and I had no experience in the first division. That didn’t make it quite easy for me, but I'm a hard worker. I had a bigger role in the team at the end of the season.”

Theresa then spent four seasons in Marburg, balancing basketball with school. “My agent looked for the best option where I could play first division basketball and study at the same time. Marburg was perfect, because the university cooperated with the club. The coach, who was also the national team coach, saw a lot of talent in me and wanted to help me improve.”

Joining Alba Berlin, and become a champion

Last season, Theresa joined Alba Berlin, one of the biggest basketball clubs in Germany. She made it all the way to winning the championship. “After four years in Marburg, I was looking for a new experience. Alba Berlin was pretty attractive, and they had a good offer for me. We always stuck together as a team, along with the coach and the assistant coaches. They have done a really good job by always doing extra work when we needed to or when we want to do it individually. So we always worked hard with each other. We won the championship, which was pretty cool. It was a great feeling. When the game was over, I couldn't really realize it. I mean, of course, it was a championship, but at first I was like ‘okay, we won the game’, you know. I needed some hours and I think some days to actually realize what happened.”

Playing for the national team of Germany

Playing for the national team has been a significant part of Theresa’s career. Playing for the national team is a big honor, as she conforms. “It was a great feeling to be part of the journey and to qualify for the Olympics. It’s also a big step for women’s basketball in Germany. Being a role model for young girls is something I cherish. Even though I was still young, I have always realized how big it is and how much I wanted to be on the national team. Having those players around you and just knowing that you're one of the best players in your age at the national team, that is such a great feeling! It's kind of like the same as the German championship, because at first I couldn't really realize what I was actually doing. Later on I started to realize what actually happened, also at the Olympic qualifiers: being in Brazil qualified for Olympics that never happened in so many years. It's such a big step, also for women's basketball and just being a role model for all the little girls out there. They are also looking up to us and it's so great. It was just such a nice feeling to be with this team and be part of this journey.”