“Players Must Justify Their Place,” Says Coach Tal Natan Ahead of U19 Girls’ Tournament in Riga
Historic Mileststart for U19 National Team
The U19 girls’ basketball team made history last summer by qualifying for the World Championship for the first time in its history, set to take place this summer in the Czech Republic. Today, under the guidance of coaches Tal Natan and Roi Eisenberg, the team will kick off its preparations with a practstart match against Lithuania in the Baltic tournament.
Notable Players on the Roster
Among the standout players participating in the tournament are Neta Mishar from Hapoel Lev Jerusalem, Aya Oren and Mayan Cohen, who recently extended their contracts with Elitzur Holon. Also joining them is Gal Raviv, who was selected for the all-tournament team at last summer’s European Championship, where the team achieved its best-ever finish at fourth place.
This summer marks a significant turning point for 18-year-old guard Gal Raviv, who had a remarkable debut season at Quinnipiac University, where she was named the conference’s first-ever rookie to receive the MVP award from the MAAC. She has since made a prestigious transfer to the University of Miami.
Full Squad for the Tournament
The complete roster for the tournament includes:
- Mika Beitan
- Hodaya Kabda from the U20 team
- Gal Raviv
- Aya Oren
- Mayan Cohen
- Neta Mishar
- Ariel Solomon (A.S. Ramat Hasharon)
- Ofir Winterov
- Amit Arieli
- Tehila Cohen (Maccabi Ra’anana)
- Two players from the cadet team: Savyon Kamar (Worthington Academy) and Michal Abudraham (Hertzliya ‘Hayovel’ from the previous season).
The young team will play three matches during the tournament, facing Latvia and Estonia as well.
Coach’s Expectations and Humble Approach
“These girls are extremely eager to continue achieving success,” Coach Tal Natan stated. “From the outset, we will maintain humility and aim to play the style of basketball that has characterized us in recent years. We have an excellent staff showing great commitment, and talented players who must justify their place on the team.”
Natan also expressed gratitude to the Israeli Basketball Association for the opportunity to participate in significant moments in women’s basketball. He stressed, “The most important thing-not to be forgotten at any moment-is to bring back the captives and fallen. Everything is in proportion, and that is the most critical matter.