Sevgi “The Shark” Uzun inspired students at Medipol

At an event organized by the Sports Unit of the Health, Culture, and Sports Department at Istanbul Medipol University, Sevgi Uzun, a prominent figure in Turkish women's basketball and a national athlete, met with students. Selected as the “Most Successful and Valuable Female Athlete of 2024-2025” by the university sports teams, Uzun shared with the participants the requirements of professional sports, mental resilience, and her experiences in the international arena. The talk, which was also attended by Istanbul Medipol University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Yasemin Yüksel Durmaz, attracted great interest from the students.

Moderated by Mustafa Çitacı, Head of the Press and Publications Office at Istanbul Medipol University, the talk titled “Sports with Sevgi Uzun” highlighted the successful basketball player's career story, competitive experience, and views on sports culture.

UZUN: I WAS MY SISTER’S BIGGEST FAN, THAT’S HOW I STARTED BASKETBALL
Emphasizing the foundational role of her family in her athletic journey, Uzun shared how her sports career began:
“My first contact with sports was actually because of my family. My father was a former football player, and football was always on at home. Wanting us to socialize and learn teamwork, my family encouraged us to engage in sports.”

Explaining that she turned to basketball after her older sister began playing, Uzun continued: “I adored my sister I wanted to do whatever she did. When we went to her practice, the coach saw me and said, ‘You are very tall, would you like to try?’ I started just to be near my sister, but later I fell in love with basketball.”

Uzun added that throughout the difficulties of her professional career, her greatest support came from her family: “Even though my father was not my coach, he guided me immensely outside the court. In stressful and exhausting moments, he always motivated me.” 

“I STILL KEEP THE SHOES I BOUGHT WITH MY FIRST PAYCHECK” 
Touching on the turning points in her career, Uzun shared the excitement she felt when she turned professional at Beşiktaş at the age of 16. Recalling that she had to get her family's approval to sign the contract because she was underage, the successful athlete expressed the sentimental value of her first earnings with these words: “I cried to my parents to spend half of my first paycheck on a pair of pink sneakers. I'm glad I did, I still keep them. They have a very special sentimental value.” 

“BASKETBALL IS ABOUT CONFIDENCE; I LEARNED TO BE MY OWN THERAPIST” 
Emphasizing that sports are not only a physical but also a mental process, Sevgi Uzun shared her pre-game routines and sources of motivation with the students. Uzun, who stated that she used to be afraid of making mistakes but learned to be her own therapist over time, continued: "I set aside 30 minutes for myself before the game. Sometimes I write in my journal, sometimes I just stay silent, and sometimes I meditate. I tell myself, ‘You're a good player, you've done this before.’ Basketball is about confidence; how you carry yourself on the court affects your game."

Uzun also stated that her nickname “The Shark” came from her childhood admiration for the Jaws series, which she watched with her father, and from comparing her gaming intelligence to the strategies of sharks. 

THE STORY BEHIND HER JERSEY NUMBER
The event also highlighted the unique story behind Uzun’s jersey number. Discussing how team hierarchy influenced her choices, she stated: 

“At the beginning of my professional career, my sister Selin wanted me to wear number 5. My dad wore 5 as well. I never liked it, it didn’t represent me. Since I grew up watching football, I thought, ‘Should I wear 10 instead?’ One night, I told them, ‘You’re 5, you’re 5; if I combine you both, I become 10.’ But because I was young and always played with older teammates, I couldn’t wear the numbers I wanted for a long time. Eventually, I settled on number 2, my sister’s birthday. That’s what I wear today.”

Moderator Çitacı added:
“What truly matters is not the number on the jersey but the struggle that number represents on the court. And from what we have seen, you embody that more than enough.”

SPORT AND HEALTH: ALCOHOL AND CIGARETTES ARE THE BIGGEST ENEMIES
Emphasizing healthy living, Uzun called alcohol and cigarettes the greatest enemies of athletes and individuals seeking wellness: “These substances not only increase the risk of injury but also make recovery much more difficult. They are the worst harm you can give yourself. I don’t use them, and thankfully I have never had a serious injury. But I have personally seen how challenging the recovery process is for friends who d sometimes they stay off the court for months. So I definitely do not recommend it.”

Uzun underlined that sports should be a lifestyle and said: “Whether it’s basketball, pilates, or yoga, the discipline doesn’t matter. Sports have been scientifically proven to extend life and improve overall health. Some people see it as therapy, others as a health practice but ultimately, the value and investment you give to your body lift you to another level.”

A MESSAGE OF MOTIVATION TO STUDENTS
Uzun concluded her talk with a message for students:
“It may sound cliché, but never give up on your dreams or who you are. Take good care of yourselves. You don’t need anyone’s extra help to succeed the strength you need is already within you. Everything starts with you.”

At the end of the talk, Prof. Dr. Yasemin Yüksel Durmaz presented Uzun with a plaque in recognition of her being selected as “The Most Successful and Valuable Female Athlete of 2024–2025.” The event concluded with a group photo.