SPRINGFIELD, MA – The basketball community mourns the passing of Lidia Alexeeva, 2012 Hall of Fame inductee and one of the most successful coaches in International basketball history. “Lidia was one of the pioneers in International basketball and is a symbol of the sport’s popularity all over the world,” said John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. “We are very saddened by the news of her passing and send our condolences to her friends, family and all who were blessed to be coached by her.” Alexeeva led the Soviet Union National Team as head coach to gold medals in the 1976 and 1980 Olympic Games and had four FIBA World Championship titles (1967, 1971, 1975, 1983), four World University games gold medals, 10 European Championships and 17 USSR National Championships. As a player, she won four European Championships (1950, 1952, 1954, 1956). She remained undefeated in International play as a coach for more than 17 years.
