Our "TeamMATe" Kinga Piędel, after seasons in Latvia and France, is back to "burning down the nets" on Italian courts. She'll spend the upcoming season in Sardinia with Centro Universitario Sportivo Cagliari.

We decided to take this opportunity to chat a bit about her basketball future.

TeamMATe: Hello MATe!

Kinga: Hejo :-)

TeamMATe: How was your offseason? We know you're addicted to working on yourself.

Besides rest and recovery after the demanding season in France, what else have you incorporated into your preparations to help you face the challenges ahead?

Kinga: Offseason is one of my favorite times when I can really work on myself and "build" myself up for the next season.

Unfortunately, this summer required me to do a lot of body repair after last season to be ready for new challenges, so I spent most of my time with physiotherapists.

What new things have I implemented?

My dad's new hobby – sailing – has definitely helped me find some peace and patience, and I also spent a lot of time with him by the lake :)

TeamMATe: The 2025/2026 season is fast approaching, and you're already preparing for its start. After two seasons playing in Latvia and France, you're returning to Italy. You'll spend the next season in Sardinia at CUS Cagliari. The team is a newcomer to the A2 level. How do you assess the club as an organization and what are the team's goals for this season?

How is the preseason going? Have you settled in yet?

Kinga: I always say that Italy is my second home, and I haven't had any problems settling in here. I feel very comfortable and simply good in every aspect. I think everything happens for a reason, and I think at this point in my life, I needed this return. The team isn't a complete newcomer; it's simply back at the A2 level. Three years ago, playing for Pallacanestro Vigarano, I had the pleasure of playing against them. The club and the organization are at a high level, the president, and the entire staff are incredible, I can always count on help and a smile from everyone. The team's goals are, of course, as high as possible; we'll see how far our health allows. The thing about the Italian league is that anything can happen and there can be many surprises. After Latvia and France, preparations are certainly more difficult due to the temperatures, although I'm not going to complain about that at all ;)

TeamMATe: Let's go back for a moment to the season you played in France with Feytiat Basket 87. What experiences did you gain last season, and what elements of your basketball craft evolved in your game, as we know it was a challenging period full of learning for you.

Kinga: I think last season was a season full of growth for me. I had to leave all my comfort zones and face all my weaknesses. I believe this was necessary to rediscover myself a bit, and now it's time to show a different side of myself. I'm very happy to be back in Italy because I can see for myself how I've changed as a basketball player over the past three years and what I can now bring to the team. Last season, I worked primarily on defense, one-on-one play, and better reading the game, so we'll see how it plays out on the court.

TeamMATe: So let's look ahead and back to the upcoming season. What will your role be on the new team and what do you expect from yourself?

Kinga: My role this season is to pass on my experience from the last few seasons to the girls. I want each of us to improve through the sythematic work, and so that we can win games together. For me, I'll definitely do everything I can to help the team as much as possible, contribute points, and snatch some points. Self-expectations are a difficult topic for me because I expect more than anyone else, but maybe that's why I'm always looking for solutions that will lead to my development.

TeamMATe: What can we wish you, besides health and fulfillment in your sports career?

Kinga: I don't need anything besides health, and I'll work for the rest ;)

TeamMATe: In that case, let's wish you a successful season, self-fulfillment, and the achievement of your ambitious basketball and life goals.

Kinga: Thank you so much!

As a reminder, check out Kinga's best performances from last season: