The Colorado State women’s basketball team benefits from a diverse international presence, enhancing the team’s strength and unity. With only 12.8% of NCAA Division I student-athletes coming from abroad, the perspectives these international players bring are highly valuable.
Marta Leimane, from Ventspils, Latvia, is one of those international players. She has gained extensive basketball experience through her time in the Baltic Basketball League. At just 12 years old, Leimane left her family to chase her dreams, an experience she says helped her grow both as a player and as a person.
“It was a big growth experience for me,” Leimane said. “You learn to take care of yourself and develop both as a player and a person — even in life.”
Leimane credits the European style of basketball, which emphasizes teamwork and ball movement, for shaping her understanding of the game. Transitioning from various international leagues to American collegiate basketball has offered her the opportunity to adapt and grow even further.
“The defensive strategies and coaching styles here are different,” Leimane said. “But I’ve been fortunate to have amazing coaches both here and back home who push me to be my best. They really care for you, and they’re tough.”
Sanna Ström, from Luleå, Sweden, is another key player on the team. With an impressive youth career that includes being named MVP in the European Girls Basketball League, Ström has finely tuned her skills in both individual play and teamwork.
“In Europe, basketball feels more free and team-oriented,” Ström said. “Coming here, the detailed focus on strategy and individual skills has been an adjustment, but it’s also helped me grow.”
Ström faced challenges adjusting to college life, especially with the language barrier and demanding schedule.
“In the beginning, it was hard to be myself in another language,” Ström said. “But the team and the staff have been so welcoming. They’ve really created a second family here.”
Ström now shares a home with two other international players, Leimane and Joseana Vaz. Together, they support each other, especially when they miss home.
“We definitely share the same things in a way that you miss home,” Leimane said. “Sometimes food is a little different or you just want to have that home feeling, so we definitely give that to each other and just support each other no matter what.”
Assistant coach Annie Brady also brings an international perspective to the team. A CSU alumna, Brady’s basketball career has taken her to Taiwan and Switzerland, experiences that broadened her understanding of the game and life.
“Playing overseas gave me a broader perspective on the game and life,” Brady said. “It’s amazing how basketball can connect people from different cultures.”
Brady’s experiences help her relate to international players like Leimane and Ström, offering them guidance and understanding.
“It’s kind of fun to talk with them about their experiences and bond over shared perspectives,” Brady said. “That connection carries over onto the court.”
Brady has also embraced these relationships off the court, even sharing cultural experiences.
“(Ström’s) mom came from Sweden for Christmas, and they spent time together, and I asked her to bring some black licorice,” Brady said. “It’s kind of fun to just love things that they love, and kind of have experienced that, and I think it’s just a fun way to bond with them outside of basketball — that kind of helps carry over onto the court.”
Together, these international influences bring rich diversity to the Rams. Leimane and Ström’s experiences highlight the challenges and successes of adapting to a new culture, while Brady’s background bridges the gap between international and domestic perspectives.
“We all live together as a team,” Leimane said. “It’s like having a family away from home.”
This sense of unity is reflected in the team’s playing style, which blends international teamwork and American strategy.
The global reach of basketball continues to shape Colorado State’s program, offering opportunities for growth and connection.
“If anybody has desires to play overseas, I encourage it 100% because it’s a really cool opportunity,” Brady said. “It’s fun. You get to continue playing the game you love, and you get a cool cultural experience and kind of opens your eyes to different opportunities for you down the road.”
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