Raina Tomasicka, a young and promising basketball player from Latvia, is gearing up for her next big challenge: playing for the University of South Florida. With a strong background as a youth international for Latvia, Raina’s journey to this point has been one marked by passion, hard work, and an unyielding love for the game. Photo: FIBA Europe

Early beginnings inspired by family

Basketball wasn’t just a sport that Raina stumbled upon. Her mom played and she was the one that introduced her to the game. From the sidelines of her mom's practices and games, Raina’s interest in basketball blossomed. “Eventually, I wanted to start playing as well,” she says, emphasizing how her mother’s influence and the environment she grew up in sparked her own desire to play. Without a local girls’ team available, Raina didn’t hesitate to join a boys’ team, a decision that laid the foundation for her competitive spirit.

The drive behind the game

For Raina, basketball is more than just a sport; it's a source of emotions and an outlet for her competitive nature. “I guess it’s the emotions that basketball gives me. You can’t really get those emotions anywhere else,” she reflects. The adrenaline, the thrill of competition, and the satisfaction of pushing her limits are what keep her coming back to the court. “I’m just a competitive person. I love to compete,” she admits, showcasing the fierce determination that has propelled her to the level she’s at today.

Learning from the best

Raina’s journey has also been shaped by the players she admires. She speaks with admiration about Kobe Bryant, who served as a significant source of inspiration for her. “I watched a lot of Kobe Bryant’s style of playing. He definitely inspired me,” she shares. Currently, she finds herself drawn to players like Devin Booker, whose style and skill she enjoys watching. Although she doesn’t model her game directly after them, the influence of these basketball greats is undeniable.

Photo: FIBA Europe

Growing through challenges in France

Before making her move to the United States, Raina spent time playing in France for Tarbes, an experience that was both challenging and rewarding. “It’s a competitive league. It’s fast and aggressive basketball,” she notes. Though she didn’t get as much playing time as she might have hoped, the experience still contributed to her growth as a player. “Even though I didn’t play a lot, I think we had a great team and I could develop as a player in practice,” she explains. The season may not have been her best personally, but it was a valuable learning experience that has only strengthened her resolve.

Representing Latvia on the international stage

Raina’s talents have also been showcased on the international stage, where she has represented Latvia in youth competitions. “It’s a different feeling to play for a national team in comparison to playing for a club,” she says, reflecting on her time with the under 18 and under 20 national teams. Despite facing some setbacks, such as a loss in the quarterfinals against Italy, Raina remains optimistic about her contributions. “I’m more of a scorer...that’s what they needed me to do,” she explains. Her ability to impact the game through scoring, as well as her efforts to improve in other areas like rebounding and defense, have made her a key player for Latvia’s youth teams.

A new challenge in the United States

Now, Raina is preparing for her debut season with the South Florida Bulls, a new chapter in her basketball career that she approaches with cautious optimism. “It’s something new to me because the style of the game is definitely a little bit different, comparing to Europe,” she says, acknowledging the adjustment she’ll need to make. However, she’s not one to set lofty expectations from the start. “I just take it day by day,” she states, demonstrating a grounded mindset as she embarks on this new journey.