In this STAY! interview, we meet Tjaša, a passionate coach who works with the youngest age group in her basketball club — a role that brings joy, purpose, and responsibility. Through her involvement in the STAY project via Sport Union of Slovenia (SUS), Tjaša shares how powerful those early steps in sport can be when guided by care, inclusion, and encouragement.
How are you involved in the STAY project?
I’m involved in the STAY project as a coach for the youngest girls in our basketball club. My role is to introduce them to the basics of basketball in a fun, playful, and safe way, and to encourage them to feel welcome and confident in sport.
By focusing on positivity and comfort, I help create a foundation that keeps girls in sport — and helps them enjoy every moment of it.
What does working with the youngest age group mean to you?
It means a lot to me. When I work with the youngest, I see pure excitement, genuine joy, and contagious energy. Every training session reminds me why I fell in love with the sport in the first place. I also feel a great sense of responsibility, because we as coaches shape how these girls will experience sport in the future.
What have you learned?
Coaching young girls in basketball has taught me patience and tolerance. I’ve learned just how much dedication, energy, and heart it takes to become a good coach. It’s a journey of constant growth, for them and for me.
What does being part of a sports community mean to you?
For me, it feels like a second home. The club has given me so much — basketball knowledge, friendships, a sense of belonging, and values that I now want to pass on to others. I’m truly happy that I can give back as a coach and help young girls feel accepted and safe.
What message would you give to other girls considering becoming a coach?
Go for it. Being a coach isn’t always easy, but it’s incredibly rewarding. Stay authentic, learn how to listen, and give every player the space to grow at her own pace.
Why Tjaša’s story matters
Tjaša’s journey is a reminder that the first steps in sport matter most, and the people guiding them play a vital role. Through STAY, she has become the coach and role model she once looked up to. By creating a joyful and supportive environment, she is shaping confident young athletes and nurturing a new generation of girls who feel safe, strong, and inspired to stay in sport.
