Born from courage.
Built on character.

Athena was founded on June 19, 2019, by seven young girls who refused to accept injustice.

Athena players in black hoodies with red smoke

The girls had achieved something extraordinary: an all-girls basketball team competing against boys and beating them all. It was something never seen before in Icelandic basketball, and something the sporting culture at the time seemed unable to accept.

Despite girls being allowed to compete individually on boys' teams, the entire girls' team was excluded from the tournament without a satisfactory explanation.

When they challenged the decision, they faced a media storm, public criticism, and pressure from adults and people in positions of authority.

But instead of backing down, the girls turned adversity into opportunity. They founded their own basketball club, built on courage, equality, and the determination to stand up for what is right.

What began as a stand against injustice has grown into one of Iceland's most ambitious youth basketball and character development programs.

The girls didn't just challenge the system. They created something better.

Raise the Bar

6 years later, they found themselves in a situation where they saw their own story unfold on the big screen when Raise the Bar premiered around the world.

Their inspiring but at the same time controversial story provides leadership lessons in real life and examples of what it takes to go against the flow.

Apartment blocks in Reykjavík under winter snow

Athena’s Vision

Empowering young people. Building character. Challenging inequality.

Athena’s mission extends far beyond basketball. We aim to create opportunities for children, particularly in postal code 111 Reykjavík, with special attention to disadvantaged families and children of immigrant backgrounds.

Character coaching is at the heart of everything we do. Through leadership, ethics, and mental training, we equip young people with the tools to take responsibility for their lives, overcome adversity, and become positive forces in their communities.

Our vision is to develop strong individuals, empower communities, and inspire meaningful change, far beyond the basketball court.

Brynjar Karl, head coach of Athena

Brynjar Karl

Brynjar Karl is a former national team basketball player, entrepreneur and the head coach of Athena.

  • Consultant to NBA, NFL, NCAA and Premier League coaches through Sideline Sports
  • Led the development of FIBA’s teaching material, 2004–2012
  • Founder of FSu Basketball and Key Habits, and the coach in Raise the Bar

People who have visited

“Íþróttaþjálfun barna á að leggja áherslu á að efla tilfinningafærni þeirra. Þess konar þjálfun er að mínu viti það sem 21. öldin er meir og meir að byrja að fókusa á. Fyrsti vísirinn að því hér á landi er Aþena, viskugyðjan.”
Ólafur Stefánsson Handboltakappi
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The Ethos of Athena course on a laptop and a phone, showing the first chapter with Brynjar Karl

Ethos of Athena

Stop chasing popularity.
Build character.

Ethos of Athena is the method behind the team. The same character training Brynjar Karl built with the Athena girls, from goal management to emotional intelligence and leadership, now online for players, parents and coaches anywhere in the world.

On the record

All appearances

Wear the crest

Shop all

Write the next chapter

Every girl is welcome to try a practice. See the season's schedule, summer camp, and the coaching academy.