Catching up with Elīna Babkina: Life After Basketball
elīna Babkina, the former head coach of the Latvian women’s basketball team, shocked fans a year and a half ago with her sudden retirement declaration. In the first Pass broadcast of 2025, we sit down with Babkina to see how she’s navigating life beyond the court and discover what keeps her busy these days.
Latvian Sports Roundup: A Week in Review
This week in Latvian sports saw a mix of triumphs and setbacks.
The Latvian junior hockey team made history, achieving their best-ever finish at the world championship, despite falling short in the quarterfinals.
NBA star Kristaps Porzingis’ ankle injury continues to plague him, forcing him to miss more games than anticipated.
* Controversy erupted in the Latvian football scene as the Latvian Football Federation implemented a fee increase for attracting foreign players without consulting the local super league, its clubs, or stakeholders.
Catching Up with Elīna Babkina: A Deeper Dive
(Joining us today is legendary Latvian basketball coach Elīna Babkina. Welcome, Elīna! It’s great to have you with us.)
Elīna Babkina: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be back and reconnect with the Latvian sports community.
(Let’s jump right in. It’s been a year and a half since your retirement proclamation, which surprised many. What have you been up to, and how are you adjusting to life beyond the court?)
Elīna: It’s been a period of reflection and exploration for me. I’ve always been a person who thrives on challenges and new experiences. Retirement has allowed me to pursue some personal interests that I didn’t have time for while coaching. I’ve taken up pottery, joined a local book club, and even started volunteering at a youth basketball program. It’s been fulfilling to connect with the game in a different way, mentoring young players and sharing my experience.
(That’s fantastic! it sounds like you’re truly embracing this new chapter. Speaking of basketball, what are your thoughts on the recent Latvian sports roundup? The junior hockey team’s achievement at the world championship was undoubtedly a high point. Did you follow their journey?)
Elīna: Absolutely! I followed their progress closely. It was inspiring to witness their dedication and the culmination of their hard work.This achievement speaks volumes about the talent and potential of our young athletes and the future of Latvian hockey.
(Agreed. It was a remarkable feat. Now, unfortunately, we also saw Kristaps Porzingis’ ankle injury continue to be a problem, forcing him to miss more games. As someone who coached at the highest level, how tough is it to see a player’s career potentially impacted by injury?)
Elīna: It’s heartbreaking, truly. As a coach, your greatest concern is the well-being of your athletes. Injuries are an unfortunate reality in sports, and they can be incredibly frustrating and demoralizing. I hope Kristaps can make a full recovery and return to the court stronger than ever. He’s a true talent and an inspiration to many young Latvian basketball players.
(Switching gears to a different topic, the controversy surrounding the Latvian Football Federation’s decision to increase fees for attracting foreign players without consulting the local super league, clubs, or stakeholders – that has certainly stirred up debate. What are your thoughts on this?)
Elīna: Openness and inclusivity are crucial when making decisions that impact the future of a sport. I understand the intent behind attracting foreign talent, but bypassing key stakeholders in the decision-making process raises concerns.
There needs to be open dialog and collaboration between the Federation, the super league, clubs, and players’ associations to ensure decisions are made in the best interest of Latvian football as a whole.
(I agree, Elīna. It’s vital to have all voices heard in these matters. We’ve covered a lot of ground today. Anything else you’d like to add or share with our readers?)
Elīna: Just that I’m incredibly proud to be part of the Latvian sports community. Whether we’re celebrating triumphs or navigating challenges, it’s the passion, dedication, and unwavering support that make us unique.
We have a bright future ahead, and I’m excited to see what the next generation of Latvian athletes achieves.
(Thank you so much for your time and insights, Elīna. It’s been a pleasure speaking with you. I’m sure our readers have gained valuable outlook from your experience and analysis.)
Elīna: My pleasure! I wish you and your readers all the best.
Now, let’s open the conversation up to you, our readers! What are your thoughts on the issues discussed today? Share your opinions and comments below. Let’s keep the dialogue going!**
