Tara Murray
Excitement is growing for the Whittlesea Pacers as they prepare to make their return to the court in the Big V women’s competition.
After not having a team the past couple of seasons, the Pacers will make their return in the division 1 competition.
Coach Shannon Bodley said it was his understanding that there were enough teams coming back into the competition that division 1 and 2 would be separate divisions all season. This year the two competitions split midway through the season.
“It’s really exciting,” he said. “It is great for the club to come back into the league and back at that level.
“It’s a little romantic. I left when we were in division 1 six years ago and now I come back when we’re in division 1.
“It’s a nice fit.”
Bodley said they had to submit their team list at the time to the league ahead of the decision where each team would play.
He said they also saw how the club had put together their wider basketball program in the last few years with their men’s program back on track while their youth league women’s team has tasted some success.
“I’ve got some good players in my team,” he said. “We have our last open run tonight [Tuesday].
“We’ve got some girls from other clubs who are handy players. Some players are coming back to the club which is really good as well.”
Bodley remained coy on who they had signed with the squad not complete and players to still inform their previous clubs.
He did reveal a couple of signings, who are familiar to Pacers fans.
“My daughter [Indiana Bodley] is one of them, which is great,” he said. “She brings that college experience and was in YCW [youth women’s championship] and was an NBL1 [National Basketball League] development player.
“We’re bringing two girls up from youth league. Rani Taylor has aged out and will step up.
“Ïssy Ryan will probably play a both in bit divisions. She had a great season and led the scoring in youth league 1.
“I spoke to her about what the next step was for her game and that is probably playing womens.
“She’s got the opportunity to play an important role in the team.”
Bodley said it was important for the side to have some players coming up from youth league to show the juniors that there is a pathway there.
