Basketball star Paulina Hersler has played professionally across multiple countries. She has played in basketball leagues from Sweden to the United States, Spain, Egypt, and beyond. Her journey has just brought her to Iceland. She signed with the major basketball team Njarðvík at the beginning of this year. Paulina is known for her versatility and skill on the court. She is no stranger to adapting to new teams, cultures, and play styles. She not only dominates the basketball court. Paulina runs a highly successful Instagram account and founded the clothing line Pauher Design.

Paulina Hersler enters the Lion’s Den in Njarðvík

The town of Njarðvík on the Reykjanes peninsula is now part of the municipality Reykjanesbær (the town of Reykjanes). The Njarðvík basketball team is a powerhouse; it secured the Icelandic championship titles in 2012 and 2022. The team clinched the Icelandic Basketball Cup in 2012. To give you an idea of the fierceness of their supporters, their arena is known as the Lion’s Den. The current roster features a mix of Icelandic and international talent. These include players like Brittanny Dinkins, Emilie Hesseldal, and our very own Paulina Hersler.

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A woman with long blonde hair, wearing a black hat, sunglasses, a black coat, and a cream-colored scarf, smiles while taking a selfie in front of Hallgrímskirkja, the iconic concrete church in Reykjavik, Iceland. The sky is bright blue with a few wispy clouds, and sunlight casts a warm glow on her face. The towering church, with its distinct stepped design, stands prominently in the background, with a few people walking near its entrance.
Paulina Hershler outside of Hallgrímskirkja Cathredal on a sunny and cold day.

Hey Paulina, thank you for taking the time to do this interview. What drew you to Icelandic basketball, and how does the basketball scene compare to other places you have played?

I’m really enjoying playing here in Iceland! Before coming, I had heard so many great things from other players about the basketball scene, and now I completely understand why. There’s a strong sense of community within the league with very nice people. The teams are located close to each other, which is a big advantage. Unlike in many other countries where long 8-10 hour road trips for games are common, here you can travel short distances and still play competitive games. Plus, having the chance to watch other games so easily adds to the fun and makes the experience even more exciting!

Exploring the geysers and hot pots in Haukadalur.
Paulina Hersler is exploring the geysers and hot pots in Haukadalur.

What were your first impressions of Iceland on and off the court?

I’ve had a really great first impression of Iceland! The people here are so friendly, and I’ve felt so welcomed by the club from day one. It’s easy to get around, and the surroundings are absolutely beautiful. I also really enjoy the league, it’s both competitive and unpredictable, which makes every game exciting. I have only played three games so far, but I am excited for what’s coming and play a lot more tough games now the closer to playoffs we come.

A woman wearing a long beige puffer coat, blue jeans, and brown boots stands on the edge of a crater, gazing at a frozen lake below. Her blonde hair is blowing in the wind, and a cream-colored scarf flutters behind her. The crater walls are reddish-brown with patches of snow, contrasting with the icy blue surface of the lake. The sky is cloudy with a warm glow near the horizon, and small silhouettes of people can be seen walking along the crater’s rim in the distance.
Basketball star Paulina Hershler at Kerid.

How does Icelandic basketball compare to the leagues you’ve played in before?

I’ve been fortunate to play all over Europe, and one thing that stands out about this league is the number of younger players compared to what I’m used to. I’ve only played one game so far, so it’s still early to make a full assessment, but I know it’s going to be a different experience from playing in leagues like Spain or Turkey. That being said, I really appreciate how competitive the league is. Good teams here aren’t just about individual talent; it’s crucial to build strong chemistry between the foreign players and the Icelandic players. I think that is the biggest difference between teams here and that is what really can elevate a team.

A vibrant street scene in Reykjavik, Iceland, featuring the famous rainbow-painted pavement of Skólavörðustígur leading towards the city center. The street is lined with colorful buildings, including a green and red house with large windows displaying warm lighting. Leafless trees and benches line the sidewalk, and people are strolling along the street, enjoying the shops and cafes. The sky is clear blue with a few soft clouds, and the setting sun casts a gentle glow on the scene.
Rainbow Street, Skólavörðustígur, in Reykjavik.

What do you enjoy most about playing with Njarðvík and your new teammates?

I really enjoy my team, coaches, and teammates; everyone has been so kind and welcoming. I have only been here for about 3 weeks. However, I’ve felt genuinely supported, and that means a lot, especially coming in late during the season. I really appreciate how everyone comes with positive energy every day and wants to get better. We can push each other while we are still having fun on the court together. Life gets so much easier and fun when you are surrounded by great people.

Basketball star Paulina Hersler in the Njarðvík team colors.
Basketball star Paulina Hersler in the Njarðvík team colors.

Icelandic weather and darkness can be tough in winter—how are you adjusting?

Luckily I am from Sweden, so I am actually quite used to this. However, I definitely did not expect the weather to be this “bipolar,” haha. One day, it can be a sunny winter da,y and the next day, it’s a big storm. But I started to realize that it is normal now and just appreciate those sunny days even more.

A woman dressed in a beige puffer coat, blue jeans, and gray boots sits on a large rock at the edge of a frozen crater lake. She is wrapped in a long cream-colored scarf, wearing black gloves, and has a relaxed expression as she looks at the camera. The crater’s steep walls in the background have patches of green moss and reddish-brown earth, with small figures of people walking along the rim. The lake’s icy surface is scattered with small rocks, and the overcast sky gives the scene a cool, wintery atmosphere.
Paulina Hersler is chilling out at Kerið.

What are your goals for this season, personally and with the team?

Our goal this season is to compete for the championship, both in the cup and throughout the league. Personally, my focus is to do everything I can to help my team get there. I have a big role on the team, and I know I need to produce, but I also want to make sure I make my teammates better. We have a very young team, so at 30 years old, I know my experience can make a real impact. My goal is to bring as much of that knowledge as possible, guiding and supporting my teammates while pushing us to be the best we can be.

The Sun Voyager (Sólfar) sculpture in Reykjavik, Iceland, stands on a snowy shoreline with the calm sea and distant mountains in the background. The stainless steel structure, resembling a Viking ship, reflects light against a sky filled with a mix of dark clouds and patches of blue. The contrast between the snow-covered ground, the metallic sculpture, and the dramatic sky creates a striking composition.
Ominous cloud over Faxaflói Bay by Reykjavik. The Sun Voyager is in the foreground.

How has your experience playing internationally shaped you as a player and a person?

I think playing basketball internationally and living in so many different countries has had a huge impact on me, not just as a player but also as a person. Experiencing different cultures, meeting people from all over the world, and truly immersing myself in new environments has given me a perspective that goes far beyond playing basketball. I definitely think it has made me more open-minded and adaptable in ways. I see things from different cultures that I love and try to bring with me after being a part of it.

As a player, I’ve had the opportunity to compete against some of the best teams and players in Europe during my college years. I really love those high-level moments. However, it can be tough, and I have definitely learned how to stay mentally strong on and off the court. As a player, I have also learned the importance of focusing on my strengths. I ensure I bring value to every team I’ve been a part of, no matter what.

A woman in a black bikini stands partially submerged in the milky blue waters of the Blue Lagoon in Iceland. Steam rises from the geothermal pool, creating a misty atmosphere. The sun is low in the sky, casting a soft golden glow over the scene, with distant hills and other bathers visible through the haze. The tranquil water and mist blend with the overcast sky, adding to the spa’s serene and otherworldly ambiance.
Paulina Hersler enjoying the warmth of the Blue Lagoon on a cold, bright day.

Have you had the chance to explore Iceland? What are your favorite places so far?

I am such a tourist at all places I visit and live in, but because of practices and games, I have to take it step by step. I have so far visited Reykjavik, Gullfoss, Geysir, and Blue Lagoon and I have absolutely loved it. We were very lucky with the weather too so it was beautiful. I have also been to the amazing Lava Show that I think is a must for everyone who visits Iceland. Editor’s disclosure: I am the Sales and Marketing Manager for Lava Show.

I have only been here for around 3 weeks so far, and I know there is so much more to see. Visiting Skogafoss and Reynisfjara is definitely on the list for the next places to visit. I also visited the amazing bookstore Hus Mals og Menningar, which turns into a live music bar. the atmosphere was so good there, and I really enjoyed the music and the vibe there.

A lively indoor concert at a bookstore-themed venue, where a three-member band is performing on a small stage surrounded by bookshelves. The band members include a guitarist, a bassist with long blonde hair playing a keytar, and a lead singer with a black t-shirt playing an electric guitar. The crowd is packed and enthusiastic, with many raising their hands and singing along. The warm lighting, musical instruments displayed on shelves, and the venue’s cozy yet energetic atmosphere create an intimate live music experience.
Enjoying live music at Hús Máls og Menningar.

What is your advice for those coming to Iceland for the first time?

I would tell them to go and explore the beautiful nature, just like I have and will be doing even more too. Be ready for the wind, so bring your warmest clothes and swimsuit. You will need a car to get around, but if you get lost, you can ask anyone because people are very friendly and speak very good English. I really love how people use saunas, cold tubes and hot springs here, so I would encourage people to do that while they are here.