MOSCOW (EuroBasket Women/FIBA World Championship for Women) - There's never been any doubt about the most influential player in the Russian women's basketball team in recent times.
When push came to shove in international basketball tournaments and the squad needed stops on defense, big rebounds or points, Maria Stepanova always answered the call.
Having missed last year's London Games while recovering from a serious knee injury, the 34-year-old has decided to call time on her successful career with the national side.
For many basketball fans, it seems just like yesterday that a tall and thin Stepanova was stepping onto the floor at the 1996 Olympics, making her Olympic bow.
She towered above teammates and opponents in that 1996 competition at 2.03m in height.
Fans watched as the center with striking blond hair and a long pony tail came off the bench to make her first appearance in Atlanta, playing one minute in a 73-63 victory over Japan.
She remembers Atlanta well.
"I was only 17," she said in an interview with the Russian Sport Express newspaper.
"I couldn't believe it and was absolutely happy. The emotions I experienced when we were walking in the stadium during the opening ceremony are unforgettable."
Year after year, she turned out for the Russians and became not only their most recognizable figure, but most reliable player.
In 1998, she helped Russia capture silver at the FIBA World Championship for Women in Germany.
After playing in her second Olympics two years later in Sydney, Australia, Stepanova claimed her first gold with Russia at the 2003 EuroBasket Women held in Patras, Greece.
One of her more celebrated moments came at the 2006 FIBA World Championship for Women in Brazil.
Stepanova, averaging 16 points and 8.8 rebounds, led her country past the favored United States.
She poured in 13 points, corralled 11 rebounds and swatted four shots as Russia shocked the USA, 75-68, in the Semi-Finals.
Stepanova was just as good against Australia in the title game, scoring 17 points, grabbing 13 rebounds, blocking two shots and coming up with two steals, yet the Opals won to finish top of the podium.
While they had to settle for silver, the win over the Americans is what Stepanova remembers from Brazil.
"We showed perfect basketball at that time," she said. "Each girl gave her maximum and even more…"
Again in 2007 (Chieti, Italy) and 2011 (Lodz, Poland), Stepanova led Russia as they won EuroBasket Women gold medals to underline their status as the best team on the old continent.
Gold medals from World Championships and Summer Games are missing from Stepanova's awards cabinet, although she did claim bronze at the Athens and Beijing Olympics.
Stepanova has made sure to recognize Vadim Kapranov as the national team coach who gave her confidence and helped her blossom into a superstar.
The last time she played for him in the Russia shirt was at the 2004 Olympics in Athens.
"Without any doubt," she said.
"I did not have any players as idols. Kapranov was my coach-idol."
Stepanova is still playing for Russian league juggernauts UMMC Ekaterinburg, the side that won the EuroLeague Women this season.
She is under contract with the team until the 2013-14 campaign.
Only time will tell if the country can retain its spot as Europe's leading side without her.
While Russia have talented centers, there is only one Maria Stepanova.
The first test will be this summer at the EuroBasket 2013 in France, a qualifying tournament for the 2014 FIBA World Championship for Women.
Russia will take on Italy, Spain and Sweden in the First Round.
FIBA
