Indiana Welcomes Valentyna Kadlecova: A New Chapter in Hoosier Basketball

Photo byJack Ankony

ROSEMONT, Ill. – In a landscape where international talent is reshaping basketball, Indiana Women’s Basketball coach Teri Moren is embracing this evolution with open arms. The Hoosiers' 2024-25 roster shines with the addition of Valentyna Kadlecova, a promising 6-foot guard from Kadan, Czech Republic, continuing a tradition of recruiting global talent that has been a hallmark of Moren’s coaching since the 2018-19 season.

At the recent Big Ten Media Days, Moren highlighted the pivotal role of associate head coach Rhet Wierzba in this recruitment journey, playfully suggesting his title should include “international recruiter.” Kadlecova's story is one of determination and aspiration. Initially uncertain about her future, she found clarity through the recruiting process, driven by a desire for education and athletic growth.

“Valentyna really wanted to come over and get an education,” Moren explained. “It was just a few phone and Zoom calls, and we quickly made it happen.”

Kadlecova arrives in Bloomington with a commendable resume, having spent the previous season with DSK Levhartice Chomutov in the Czech Republic, where she averaged 11.6 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game, showcasing her skills with a shooting percentage of 43.9% from the field and 74.7% from the free throw line. Her prowess on the court has not gone unnoticed, as she represented the Czech Republic in prestigious tournaments, including the 2024 U20 European Championships and the FIBA U19 World Cup.

Transitioning to a new culture and competitive landscape is never easy, particularly for an international freshman. Moren acknowledged the challenges Kadlecova faces: “It’s like drinking water from a firehose right now for her. There’s a language barrier, and she’s adapting to our terminology. The speed of the game is much faster, and she’s learning while making mistakes. But she’s so excited about being here; she tells me every day how amazing it is to be in Bloomington.”

Kadlecova’s journey may be steep, especially with seasoned players like senior guards Chloe Moore-McNeil and Sydney Parrish, as well as junior Yarden Garzon, also on the roster. With the recent addition of Penn State transfer Shay Ciezki, the competition for playing time is fierce. However, Moren emphasizes the importance of nurturing talent for the future, noting Kadlecova’s potential.

“She possesses natural instincts,” Moren said. “When she’s on the court, she can adapt quickly, make the right reads, and show a knack for scoring. She’s another shooter we can add to our lineup. It’s all about helping her grasp our language and style of play.”

As Indiana’s basketball program continues to evolve, Kadlecova's arrival marks not just a new chapter for her but also for the Hoosiers, embodying a commitment to diversity, growth, and the pursuit of excellence. The community is eager to support this journey, watching as Kadlecova, alongside her teammates, takes to the court to showcase her talents and the spirit of Hoosier basketball.