23-year-old Alva Stark ended her own playing career at the age of 19 after a serious knee injury.
She immediately changed her saddle and became a leader and coach instead.
Last year she got the chance to become head coach in Östersund basketball in division 1.
- It was a chance for me to do it myself as head coach, which was my dream and ambition so it was a given choice, says Alva Stark.
Get female coaches in elite clubs
It is an unusual sight in many sports, so even in basketball.
That a woman and also a young one bears the main responsibility over an elite club.
- There are many women coaches who have ambitions and who want to.
I do not think it is about a choice, they do not get the chance simply and it starts with clubs having to take their responsibility to protect the female coaches that exist, says Alva Stark.
Have you always been treated with respect?
-
No, absolutely not.
As a woman, you always see with critical eyes towards us that you criticize our knowledge, says Alva Stark.
Strong support from home
The support around has been and is very important for Alva.
She grew up in the small basketball town Ockelbo where the whole Stark family has or is active in basketball.
Father Johan Stark is general secretary of the hockey association and previously had the same role in the basketball association.
- Dad has been a way to this in a way, he has helped me a lot with both my leadership of course but also networks and contacts, says Alva Stark.
The only female coach in the top league
Östersund basketball was offered a place in the women's league next year when it will be expanded from 12 to 14 teams.
A chance they took, with that Alva will be the only female head coach next year.
- I hope this can show a step in the right direction and that we are heading in the right direction.
It always starts somewhere, says Alva Stark.
See the full report in the player below