Basketball Australia has today announced the 12 players who will represent Australia in the upcoming friendly series against world number-two ranked China.
The team sees the inclusion of three NSW junior representatives in the team with Shyla Heal (Sutherland Basketball) and making their debut for the senior women’s national team, Saffron Shiels (Newcastle Basketball) & Isla Juffermans (Coffs Harbour Basketball). 2023 NSW u18 Metro Girls Head Coach Renae Garlepp (Norths Basketball) also has been appointed as Assistant Coach for the team.
Basketball NSW General Manager of Coaching and Development Brett Coxsedge said he was ecstatic with the news of NSW players and a coach featuring in the line up.
“How great it is to see three players in Shyla, Saffron and Isla who have represented NSW as junior players, be selected to tour China with the Opals. It shows that the pathways in place are providing our players with opportunities to achieve success,” said Coxsedge.
“Also, having Norths NBL1 Women’s and NSW U18 Metro Women’s State head coach Renae Garlepp on board as an assistant coach is fantastic news and recognition for all her hard work in the NSW Coaching Pathway. Basketball NSW looks forward to more “BLUES” representing Australia in the near future.”
The five-game friendly series also provides valuable international senior experience for a number of younger players which highlights the junior national pathway for athethes here in NSW and Australia.
The tour will be the first time since 2019 that as women’s national team has played in China, and comes a month after the Opals were defeated by China at the 2023 FIBA Asia Cup in Australia, with the Chinese going on to take the title.
Team List:
Shyla Heal – Sutherland
Alice Kunek
Stephanie Reid
Zitina Aokuso
Anneli Maley
Amy Atwell
Isla Juffermans – Coffs Harbour
Saffron Shiels – Newcastle
Shaneice Swain
Nyadiew Puoch
Alex Bunton
Alex Sharp
Staff:
| Head Coach | Cheryl Chambers |
| Assistant Coach | Kristi Harrower |
| Assistant Coach | Renae Garlepp |
| Lead Physiotherapist | Michelle Istria |
| Physiotherapist | Jenni Candler |
| S&C Coach | Brent Goriss |
| Doctor | David Bolzonello |
| Head Of Delegation | Trish Fallon |
| Team Manager | Sarah Monck |
Game Schedule:
Game 1: Yulin | 25th August
Game 2: Yulin | 27th August
Game 3: Xian | 30th August
Game 4: Yinchuan | 2nd Sept
Game 5: Yinchuan | 3rd Sept
