More than 100 times she played for the national team of the Federal Republic and the GDR, now Birgit Menz died at 52 years after a serious illness. This was announced by the German Basketball Federation.
"We are stunned and very sad, we knew that Biggi was seriously ill, but her death is still a great shock to us, she was a great player and a wonderful person, we will never forget Biggi and keep her an honorable memory." said DBB President Ingo Weiss.
Menz (nee Eggert) was considered one of the best defenders in the Bundesliga for years and was one of the ten best throwers in the league. One of her biggest successes was winning the bronze medal at the 1997 European basketball championship. A year later, she took part in the World Cup for the first time and for the only time ever, and finished 11th.
In 2013, Menz became World Champion with the Ü45 national team in Thessaloniki. It was the first title of a German national team at a basketball World Cup. At the same time, the senior men's team (U55) also won in the final against Moldova.
At the end of her career she played from 2005 to 2007 together with her daughters Tina and Jenny at the second division TuS Jena. Since 2005, she has been married to Frank Menz, who oversaw the men's national team as national coach between 2012 and 2014.