Spectacular start: Fisu World University Games start in Duisburg!

Spectacular start: Fisu World University Games start in Duisburg!

Essen, Deutschland - On July 18, 2025 the time has finally come: The fisu world university games , also known as the universia, begin with a ceremony opening ceremony in Duisburg. The athletes from all over the world can look forward to exciting competitions that the talents of the university athletes at the highest level of showcase. Just one day after the opening, the first decisions in basketball, one of the most expected sports of the event.

Germany will start with a total of four basketball teams, including the women's team, which will play their games in the Grugahalle in Essen. In their first game, they will meet the USA on July 18 at 8:00 p.m. - a real challenge for the German players. The duel against Poland will follow on July 19 at 2:30 p.m., and on July 20, also at 2:30 p.m., the women are faced with another strong team from Chinese Taipei.

The squad of German women

The squad for the women 5-5 of the women consists of talented players who study at various universities or are active in renowned clubs:

• Skye Belker (Princeton University/USA)
• Merit Brennecke (Norrkoping Dolphins)
• Nicole Brochlitz (Syntainics MBC)
• Emma Eichmeyer (Saarlouis Royals)
• Lina Falk (Pepperdine University/USA)
• ELEA GABA (kingfish of kingdoms)
• Greta Kröger (Eiscgel USC Freiburg)
• Martha Pietsch (UC Santa Barbara/USA)
• Nina Rosemeyer (Alba Berlin)
• Jessika Schiffer (Saarlouis Royals)
• Paula Wenemoser (Qool Sharks Würzburg)
• Franka Wittenberg (Canisius University/USA)

The care team is made up of experienced experts. Under the direction of delegation manager Marlies Askamp, Head Coach Stefan Möller, together with Assistant Coach Centa Bockhorst, ensures that the players are optimally prepared. They are supported by athletics trainer Julian Morche, physiotherapist Victoria Sauter and team supervisor Alessa Schwarting.

basketball at the universities: a piece of history

basketball has a long tradition with the Fisu World University Games . As early as 1959, at the first games in Turin, basketball was part of the program. Over the years, the tournament has developed into one of the main attraction of the university, which is not least due to the strong competition and the large amount of spectators. The first women's competitions started in Sofia, Bulgaria, and since then the popularity of basketball has only increased. Historically, the United States dominates the event, and your participation in Duisburg is also awaited in the upcoming games.

The variety of sports and the internationality of the participants make the FISU World University Games a great platform for young talents. With the impressive line-up and the exciting games that await us, not only basketball fans should get their money's worth. So let's take a look at what the German basketball players can do in Duisburg - and let's be surprised by their team spirit!

For everyone who does not want to miss a game, the action live on fisu.tv and Sportschau.de , partly also on the WDR television. An exciting sporting event awaits us - so have ready!