In this episode, we cover…
(00:00) Helena’s athletic beginnings in Barcelona, playing soccer and training in judo
(01:31) Early struggles and commitment: a clumsy start and the moment she decided to fully commit and improve
(02:02) Joining a top Spanish club and beginning to compete at a national level
(02:34) Helena’s five years with Spain’s national team, including European titles and international competition
(03:01) Playing Division I in the U.S. and the challenges of balancing sports and academics
(03:31) Transferring to Division II, helping her fall back in love with the game
(04:03) Impact of multi-sport training shaping her competitiveness and body awareness.
(07:20) Sports as a pathway and how basketball became a vehicle for bigger life goals beyond the sport
(11:39) Mindset training being central to her coaching philosophy today
(29:06) Emphasizing compassion, joy, and separating self-worth from performance.
From Soccer Recess to Basketball Beginnings in Spain
In this conversation with Athletes Untapped, we are joined by Helena Orts, a former Spain National Team player, Youth Olympian, four-time European Champion, former Division I athlete, and current Athletes Untapped basketball coach. Helena, who now resides in Los Angeles, takes us back to her athletic origin story growing up in Barcelona. From playing soccer at recess and training judo, to being pushed into basketball at eight years old, her story is a powerful one. She shares how a clumsy start turned into a five-year run with Spain’s national team, including a bronze medal finish at the 2014 Youth Olympic Games and multiple European titles. Like many young athletes, her entry into basketball wasn’t fueled by dreams of playing professionally, but rather, peer influence and curiosity. Her older sister played basketball, but as Helena followed suit, she found herself struggling with coordination, clumsy, and unsure of her abilities. She eventually made the decision to commit fully and put in the work, marking her turning point.
Taking Basketball Seriously: The Commitment That Changed Everything
Helena spent her early basketball years participating in neighborhood clubs in Barcelona, focusing on improvement and being present with her teammates. She didn’t set rigid goals for herself, such as playing professionally; instead, she approached practice with curiosity, intention, and determination. By the age of 15, her skills had caught the attention of more competitive programs, and she soon joined one of Spain’s top clubs. She was then recruited to the Spanish National Team, spending five years with them and winning four European Championships and a bronze medal.
College Basketball in the U.S. and Choosing Balance
Helena’s basketball journey eventually led her to the United States, where she played Division I basketball at Fairfield University in Connecticut. The competition was intense, and the pressure and business-driven environment led her to begin to lose her love for the game. She found herself longing to pursue acting and theater alongside basketball, making the decision to transfer to the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. She chose to play Division II basketball in California instead, and this shift changed everything for her. She rediscovered her joy for the game. She developed as a point guard and played in an environment that not only supported her athletic development but also her personal development. She was looking forward to practice again, and basketball returned to what it had always been at the core: a game.
Why Mindset Is the Difference Between Good and Great Athletes
Mindset is at the foundation of Helena’s coaching philosophy. She noticed throughout her playing career that while skill development was emphasized, she lacked mindset training. She now prioritizes identifying negative self-talk during games and practices, building supportive thought patterns, staying composed under pressure, and learning how to reset mentally after mistakes. She believes that missed shots aren’t usually due to mechanics, but rather about where an athlete’s mind is in the moment. Great players aren’t just skilled; they’re adaptable and mentally trained.
Helping Tall Athletes Develop Guard Skills
As a taller athlete, Helena deeply understands the frustration faced by young players who are pigeonholed into positions they don’t feel right in. Many tall youth athletes are forced to play center early, limiting their development. Her approach for these kids focuses on: ball handling and shooting development, using speed, skill, and IQ to create opportunities, and teaching players how to showcase guard skills within any role. She is sure to encourage her athletes to build complete skill sets, regardless of where their coach positions them.
Redefining Success Beyond Achievements
One of Helena’s most powerful messages in this episode is about identity. From a young age, many athletes hear that their value lies in wins, rankings, and accomplishments. Undoing that belief later in life is difficult, so Helena emphasizes that athletes are more than their sport. They are teammates, leaders, students, and people with passions beyond the court. If Helena could speak to her eight-year-old self, her message would be simple: Be kinder to yourself. She encourages young players to pursue growth with discipline and compassion. Work hard without losing joy, and remember that sports are meant to be both challenging and fun.
Final Takeaway for Parents and Athletes
Helena’s journey shows that success in sports is not always linear. Athletes should not be defined by labels like DI or DIII, but rather, by what matters most: mindset, environment, balance, and joy. When athletes learn to value the process, train their minds, and see sports as a tool for growth, they build skills that last far beyond the game.
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