Career: Radnik Zagreb (Croatia-A1, 1990-93), Hrvatski Dragovoljac Zagreb (Croatia-A1, 1993-95), KK Montmontaza Zagreb (Croatia-A1, 1995-1999), Izmir (Turkey-A1, 1999-2001), Botaş Adana (Turkey-D1, 2001-02), Celta Vigo (Spain-Liga Feminina, 2002-03), ASPTT Aix-en-Provence (France-LFB, 2003-04), Ros Caceres Valencia (Spain-Liga Feminina, 2004-05), US Valenciennes Olympic (France-LFB, 2005-06), Cercle Jean Macé Bourges (France-LFB, 2006-07)
After a four year break, she's wearing again a national team shirt. Last time she played in a EuroBasket Qualifying Round was in 2003. Linda Antic Mrdalj did not have to take too much time to persuade her to come back.
"She convinced me in a second", said Sonja Kireta in a laugh.
Great news, there are not many tall players that posses such quality. On defense, she "welcomes" her opponents under the rim with her 1.98 meters, while on offense, she will put every ball in the hoop, if you give her a inch of space inside the paint.
The starting position, at center, is surely hers, and her comeback gives Linda Antic a few more interesting options in the frontcourt. Just check it out: take a look at what other teams which will be playing in Chieti, and you won't see many centers better than Sonja Kireta.
Last time she played for Croatia, it was at the beginning of her international career, as – like many tall player – it took her more time than other to reach her maturity point. Now, she is four years older and has become for sure a better player.
After she gained some experience in clubs like Radnik, Lokomotiva and Montmontaza back home, her career blossomed internationally as she played in three of the top European leagues: Turkey, Spain and France. From Izmir and Botas, Celta Vigo and Valencia, to Aix-en-Provence, Valenciennes and Bourges, she was always highly appreciated by coaches and teammates.
In the meanwhile, she collected experience at the highest European level, playing 70 Euroleague games (playoffs included), averaging 10.8 points and 6.2 rebounds in her career. Twice, with Valenciennes in the spring of 2006, and Bourges, in 2007, she even reached the Final Four of the most prestigious club competition.
About the countries in which she played, Sonja would say: "Maybe living in Spain is the most enjoyable, but the best basketball in Europe is played in France".
About the teammates she said: "I loved to play with Chamique Holdsclaw in Valencia", and pointed another player: "Christie Harrower is a best playmaker I have seen in my life", she added about Australian teammate in US Valenciennes Olympic.
For the Croatian national team, she started in 1994. In next nine years, while most Croatian national team potential players kept refusing to play for the selection, she collected 48 appearances (friendly games included). Although at that time, she got only limited minutes, gaining experience while playing behind stars like Korana Longin Zanze or Zana Lelas. Sonja played on both EuroBasket (1995 and 1999) for which Croatia qualified. With this upcoming tournament in Italy, she will become the first Croatian female player to take part in all three possible EuroBaskets. Only, her role will be greatly different from the one she had in the past.
