Fenerbahçe Crowned EuroLeague Women Champions: Ivana Raca’s Key Role
Fenerbahçe Alagöz Holding has etched their name in European basketball history, securing their first-ever EuroLeague Women title in a dominant championship performance. The Istanbul-based powerhouse showcased their prowess in Prague, Czech Republic, defeating Ç.B.K. Mersin convincingly with a final score of 99-60. This victory marks a monumental achievement for the club and Turkish basketball on the European stage.
Among the celebrated champions is Wake Forest University alumna Ivana Raca, who played a crucial role in Fenerbahçe’s EuroLeague triumph. In her debut season with the team, Raca’s contributions throughout the EuroLeague campaign proved invaluable. Her international experience and versatile skillset added depth and dynamism to Fenerbahçe’s roster, culminating in this prestigious EuroLeague victory. Raca’s journey from Wake Forest to EuroLeague champion highlights her consistent growth and impact in women’s basketball.
The EuroLeague Women Final Four in Prague also featured another Wake Forest standout, Elisa Penna, representing Beretta Famila Schio. Penna and her Italian club secured a commendable third-place finish, further showcasing the strong representation of Wake Forest alumni in elite European basketball competitions. The presence of both Raca and Penna in the Final Four underscores the quality of the Wake Forest women’s basketball program and its influence on the international basketball landscape.
Ivana Raca’s path to the EuroLeague championship with Fenerbahçe is paved with impressive performances and accolades. Prior to joining Fenerbahçe, Raca represented Serbia in the 2022 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, demonstrating her capability on the global stage. Her contributions to the Serbian national team, including a quarterfinal appearance, solidified her reputation as a player capable of competing at the highest levels of international basketball.
Raca’s collegiate career at Wake Forest was equally distinguished. She achieved the honor of becoming a WNBA draftee in 2021, joining a select group of Demon Deacons to enter the professional ranks. Her selection by the Los Angeles Sparks underscored her talent and potential, recognized both domestically and internationally. Furthermore, Raca’s place in WNBA draft history as the first player born in Cyprus adds a unique dimension to her already remarkable career trajectory.
Throughout her time at Wake Forest, Raca consistently showcased her talent, earning two All-Atlantic Coast Conference selections. Her senior season in 2020-21 was particularly noteworthy, as she propelled the Demon Deacons to their second NCAA Tournament appearance in program history. Averaging a near double-double with 16.7 points and 9.0 rebounds per game, Raca established herself as a dominant force in the ACC and a leader for Wake Forest. Her exceptional performance against Virginia Tech, where she grabbed 19 rebounds, nearly breaking the program record, exemplifies her tenacity and impact on the court.
Ivana Raca’s legacy at Wake Forest is firmly cemented. She ranks among the program’s elite, holding positions in the top ten for both scoring and rebounding. Her consistent double-double performances and First Team All-ACC honors place her alongside Wake Forest legends. Now, adding a EuroLeague Women Championship with Fenerbahçe to her list of achievements, Ivana Raca continues to elevate her career and inspire aspiring basketball players worldwide. The EuroLeague title not only signifies a personal triumph for Raca but also a historic moment for Fenerbahçe and Turkish women’s basketball, solidifying “Euro Lig Fenerbahçe” as a force to be reckoned with in European basketball.