Former Women’s Basketball: Anna Petrakova Update – From Russia With Love

In recent correspondence with Anna Petrakova, I asked her how things were going back in her native country, Russia. Some of her response is included below.

After an interesting summer as a member of the Russian Women’s Olympic Basketball team, here are some photos and information on some of her other recent activities.

Anna Petrakova (right) and here 2013 Russian Cup champion team.

Famous basketball players L-R: Candace Parker, Ewelina Cobryn (Poland), Sandrine Gruda(France), Maria Stepanova, Quanitra Hollingsworth. Other great players on her team include Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi (not pictured).

They won their first title for this season, the Russian Cup and are looking to win the Euroleague and Russian League Championships. They are currently ranked #1 in all of the above.

Please visit her team’s website at http://basket.ugmk.com/en/

Anna writes, "The Epiphany is celebrated in Russia and the Ukraine on January 19

and marks the baptism of Jesus in the Orthodox Church.

Participants in the ritual dip themselves three times under water –
honoring the Holy Trinity – to symbolically wash away their sins from the last year.

It was my first time taking the dip, and I did it mostly to challenge myself. I have not

heard of anyone getting sick after this. The water in the lake was extremely cold and

my thoughts were: "just dont stop". I dipped three times and got out. My skin was

burning and I was in shock, but I was so happy I did it! Not to mention my body felt

increadibly light the rest of the day. A very pleasant feeling."

Anna on January 19,2013, Russian Epiphany – one of three dips into freezing water.

Click here for more news and photos on the Russian Epiphany and how thousands
plunge into freezing rivers and lakes throughout the country.

February 3rd, it was a "legends match" CSKA-Zalgiris (Lithuania) before
a regular seasonCSKA-Zalgiris game. Two teams have been competing since the
Soviet times. The " legends match " featured "veterans"
(alumni) who had experience in the NBA, like Lithuanian pride Arvidas Sabonis.

My dad participated in a match, since he played for CSKA for 12 years and holds
a team record of 10 USSR Championship tropheys.

The legends match ended in a tie, 28:28, they only played 2 quarters of 12 minites.

Anna Petrakova and her dad, Victor Petrakova, Feb. 3, 2013 at "Legends Match"

Anyone remember Anna’s number when she played for UL and was named to the 30-year all-Sun Belt Conference team?

Anna’s father and other family members attended her UL graduation in May, 2006. She has
returned to the area several times since graduation and always enjoys a meal at Prejean’s Restaurant.

Please click here for Anna’s profile and Facebook information.

Peace, Ed Dugas