The opportunity to train with the Australian Opals is a long way from the basketball courts at Broadmeadows for Sarah Portlock.
Twelve months ago she was an emergency for the under-18 Victoria metro team of the national championships.
While she didn’t make the team, there was something that basketball watchers liked and with it a whirlwind 12 months since.
“It has all kind of ramped up a lot,” she said.
“Getting a scholarship to the COE and playing for an Australian team is something I could not have dreamed of.
“It’s impressive for 16, but I don’t feel like I’ve done much, it’s all blurred into one.”
Portlock was as shocked as anyone when she heard she was invited to the camp to possibly represent Australia.
She thought they had the wrong name.
They didn’t and Portlock made the team and competed in the under-16 Asia championships and the under-17 world cup.
“It was a dream come true to even be out there,” she said. “Out of everything to be representing my country with pride, especially Australia, is amazing.”
Portlock said the experience of keeping at that level was difficult and something she learned a lot from.
She said if she was to get a second opportunity, it would be a much different story.
One of the main reasons for that has been the move to the Centre of Excellence, which is for the best young players in the country.
Portlock said the decision to move to Canberra, is one that she has no regrets.
“I had a rough idea what the COE was about,” she said. “Getting a scholarship, there was no hesitation.
“It’s been good to get the coaching and I’m getting stronger and better. Everyone is telling me they see the difference in my game.
“Twelve months ago if I’d seen where I am now, I’d be blown away.”
The challenges and excitement of Portlock’s basketball journey will take another step in the coming months.
Despite being just 16, the teenager has been invited to be part of the Australian Opals training camp.
Portlock had no idea that was coming.
“I was in the car and I got a message from one of the Vic girls congratulating me,” she said. “They didn’t tell me first, Basketball Australia just put out a release.
“I was truly shocked. I see it as a great opportunity for me to see the culture as well. Hopefully I can participate in some small stuff.
“For me it’s about being able to assess and get an idea what it would be like if any opportunity opened up in the future.”
It’ll be a big few months for Portlock with the under-18 nationals coming up and then she’ll be part of the COE’s National Basketball League 1 side.
Long term, Portlock is keen to play basketball in college in America and then play professionally.
No matter where she plays though, she won’t forget where she comes from.
“I started playing at Broadmeadows domestically for TLS and stayed with that club,” she said.
“The coaches put a lot of time into helping me. I’m proud to be from Broadmeadows and I still wear my stuff around.”
