Italian Basketball Champion Paola Mauriello Dies at 44 After Illness

Former national basketball star Paola Mauriello has died at the age of 44 after a battle with illness. She passed away on Sunday morning in a Pescara hospital, surrounded by her family.

Paola was a key player for the Italy Women’s National Basketball Team, winning a gold medal at the 2009 Mediterranean Games. She also celebrated major victories at club level, securing a league title and an Italian Supercup with Napoli Basket Vomero.

Born in Benevento, in Italy’s Campania region, Paola played as a forward for several Serie A teams across the country. After retiring from professional basketball, she dedicated her career to developing the sport, working for the Italian Basketball Federation (FIP) in Abruzzo. She also served as president of Yellow Wave Pescara, a local basketball club.

FIP Abruzzo president Francesco Di Girolamo paid an emotional tribute, recalling how Paola remained calm and hopeful after receiving her diagnosis. “You’d won so many battles on the court, but this one didn’t end the way we hoped. Your ideas and dedication to helping young girls in basketball will always be remembered,” he said.

Paola is survived by her husband Antonello, her young son Luciano, her parents Maria and Giovanna, her sister Mariolina, and her brother Antonio. Her funeral took place on Monday in Francavilla al Mare, Abruzzo.

A spokesperson described her as “beautiful inside and out, strong and brave, yet kind and sensitive,” while friends and teammates remembered her fighting spirit and inspiring smile.