Planas is still the only female to have been head coach of the senior Spanish national teamsPlanas is a true pioneer of Spanish women's basketball and to this day, she still remains the only female head coach in the long and rich history of her nation's senior national teams.
Revered for how she worked with children in some extremely poor conditions during her early days, basketball became a welcome escape for both. Although another challenge came for Planas when she realized that a part of society did not approve of the development of women's sports.
Planas led her country at two FIBA Women's EuroBasket tournaments in 1983 and 1985
Yet despite these hurdles, by 1978 her work had impressed the Spanish Federation and they proposed that she moved into the position of national team head coach. It was a role she held until 1985, with her reign incorporating two appearances at the FIBA Women's EuroBasket in 1983 and 1985.
These were critical times for Spanish basketball and the seeds were sown by Planas for future success by her successors - including eight years later, when Spain won their first FIBA Women's EuroBasket title.
Planas with Laia Palau and Silvia Dominguez as she gets a standing ovation at a recent Queen's Cup
Domestically, Planas was a huge success and won seven Spanish League titles, also shining at the prestigious Copa De La Reina and capturing this 'Queens Cup' six times. She also got to spend four seasons competing in Europe too, stepping out in the European Cup Winners Cup.
Meanwhile inducted to Spanish Basketball Hall of Fame in Seville during 2019, this came a decade after Planas was awared the Royal Order of Sports Merit of Spain.
The FIBA Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place on November 30 in Mies, Switzerland.
