ATHENS (Greece) – It’s going to have to be something sensational to trump a famous and unforgettable night in the British capital when Holly Winterburn inspired London Lions to a historic EuroCup Women title. <\/p>\n
It was just two years ago when the guard signed off the season clutching silverware, and now she’s one step away from collecting a second winners’ medal.<\/p>\n
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I can\u2019t really put into words how special winning the EuroCup Women title with London was – Winterburn<\/p>\n
Preparing to step into the EuroCup Women Finals with Athinaikos Qualco, the Greek side are gearing up to face CIMSA CBK Mersin in a battle to take the 2026 crown.<\/p>\n
And, with silverware on the line once again, the chance to repeat her success of being crowned champion in 2024 is an alluring one for Winterburn. <\/p>\n
She explained: “I can\u2019t really put into words how special winning the EuroCup Women title with London was. <\/p>\n
“We went through so much as a group, from losing the EuroLeague Women Qualifiers at the start of that season, to getting told the women\u2019s team would no longer exist after the season ended.<\/p>\n
“Yet every hit we took just made us stronger and to win the way we did, in a sold out Copper Box Arena full of the British Basketball community, will forever make me emotional.”<\/p>\n
“The experience taught me exactly what it takes to win titles and that\u2019s something I try to live by everyday.”<\/p>\n
It’s not only Winterburn looking to complete a London-Athinaikos double. The 25-year-old has been reunited with Greek playcaller Stella Kaltsidou, who was at the helm of the Lions during their glorious run.<\/p>\n
“I think it\u2019s quite remarkable what Stella has been able to do so early in her coaching career,” claimed Winterburn.<\/p>\n
“To win a EuroCup Women title in her first year as a head coach and to now be on the verge of another so quickly afterwards, speaks for itself really.”<\/p>\n
“I feel very grateful to have been able to learn from her. I have no doubt that she is going to have us 100 percent prepared for the Finals against Mersin.”<\/p>\n
While the journey with Kaltsidou has given this season’s ride a familiar feel in some ways, Winterburn was quick to point out that the stakes have been even higher this time around.<\/p>\n
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It’s been another electric season in the competition for Winterburn<\/p>\n
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It’s been another electric season in the competition for Winterburn<\/p>\n
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It’s been another electric season in the competition for Winterburn<\/p>\n
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It’s been another electric season in the competition for Winterburn<\/p>\n
She explained: “I think that whilst I take experience from the title with London, this time around is different. I think in general, EuroCup Women has been very competitive this season and both teams arrive to the Finals battle tested. <\/p>\n
“It\u2019s no secret that the goal for Athinaikos this season is to win every title possible. With that comes pressure, but it\u2019s a privilege to be on a team with such high expectations. <\/p>\n
“We have been building for this moment since day one and we are fully focused on achieving our goals,” insisted Winterburn.<\/p>\n
Leading her team in assists and averaging 27 minutes per game, the Brit continues to be a major influence in their charge towards the top podium step this season.<\/p>\n
However, Winterburn was also quick to point out just how much of a challenge it will be to overcome their opponents – a team yet to lose in the competition. But, she is ready to thrive in the task of trying to change that fact.<\/p>\n
Read more on the title clash<\/p>\n