The anniversary was celebrated in November by the head coach of the women's team of the Volga Academy of basketball Natalia Kuleshova. We talked to her the other day about what energizes the coach?
- Natalia, what was the most unexpected birthday gift?
- Chairman of the society "Burevestnik"gave a day at the Spa. But still can not go, spinning like a squirrel in a wheel. Recently plus submitted the team to the championship of Russia streetball (3x3). As part of our students are young and another experienced girl, master of sports. At some point it became interesting for me to work in this format, after all, the Olympic sport. Inexpensive. The budget for the season some 500 thousand. And if that is won, and the leadership of the Academy will be pleased.
- In General, about the anniversary is no time to think?
- I don't think about it at all. I am absolutely non-public person. I'm not comfortable in public.
- Nevertheless, you have something to be proud of. In particular, pupils. 
- Yeah. Especially considering that to educate someone is very difficult. Can life faithfully to work and no one talented will come across. Although, to be honest, we have to work with the children know how many. But it also happens that just unlucky, the star did not fall from the sky. And I have two European Champions, one participant of Olympic games, one champion of Asia. At the moment the student Sabina Abaidullina two - time bronze medalist of Europe. And candidates in national teams of the USSR and Russia was about 20.
- How did it happen?
- I was lucky with the first place of work. It was a great school of Olympic reserve in the city of Frunze. She was quoted then, 5 honored coaches SSSSR it worked. I came in 20 years and told them that in three years all beat. Now she, too, would have laughed. But young people are characterized by maximalism. And I'm still so – ambitions over the edge. The first set was good, but there were no growth. Then 1973-the year star, the smallest of 172 centimeter. We became bronze prize-winners of the Union League, at a more advanced age he took another bronze. Then the whole team moved to the team of masters, and in the competition of reserve teams took eighth place. And the USSR championship is 42 teams from all the republics, the competition is fierce. Then began the collapse of the Union. I first then departed on two years in Penza "Spartak", where worked Zinovy Shvam – legend! From Penza briefly moved to Kazakhstan, and six months later received offers from five cities. Chose Naberezhnye Chelny. First, the name was pleasant, secondly the team was sponsored by "KAMAZ", and besides I was promised if I bring girls to the highest League, will give the apartment. Two years later celebrated a housewarming. I worked for five years, everything was fine, two girls were candidates for the Russian national team. But there was no fire at the factory. Finances ran out, and the whole team had to be disbanded. Take everything. And I got married, gave birth, so refused all offers - including those from Moscow - and stayed in Chelny in the hospital. I had four sets, and with each we played in the final of Russia. The girls volunteered for the Russian national team, went to UMMC, to Homel school... and the next stage was "Kazanochka": its youth team – a joint project of the Academy and the club. Got the children with whom I worked, hooked up friends, coaches, make a good team. And now three years have passed quickly, but six of our students are playing in the super League.
- Why, as you say, today do not know how to work with children?
- Now not those conditions. When I started, I could live on 95 rubles and feel confident. And qualification is necessary corresponding. Personally, the longer I work, the less I think I know. Therefore, all the time engaged in self-eating and, as a result, self-education. I see who's working. Including the young. Do not hesitate to learn.
- What is important for you in the athlete?
- Character. Physical data is also important, but without them you can still come up with something, change tactics. And without nature, nothing man will not do. It's a waste of time. Sometimes, you see, the girl is not running, but due to persistently takes its toll.
- Have you tried coaching the boys?
- Tried. But quickly realized-this is not mine. The boys are too mobile, can not do one thing for a long time. They need to quickly change the job. And girls are capable of 15 minutes one exercise to do until you do it right. Girls me through year already as family. Human relationship is everything to me, I can tolerate, except meanness and treachery.
- Why don't you start educating not players, but coaches?
- No!  I generally think that it is impossible to become a coach only after studying at University. As in many creative professions. If a person has a vocation, if he wants, he will find someone to learn from. I after graduation three years attended other people's training. Every day. Never missed one. You have to educate yourself. Especially now there is the Internet. And among my students there are those who can become a coach. Girls with rod. I am pleased that there are still such.
- What's the fun of being a coach?
- This is, of course, ungrateful work. If the clubs still pay, to the school for it to not count. And the fun part is, you take kids who can't do anything, and two years later, they turn into athletes. Now I work with students so that they have a chance to realize themselves in sports. Not to bite then elbows life.