Tara Murray
Australia’s greatest basketballer Lauren Jackson was the star of the show at Keilor Basketball Association last Monday.
Jackson along with her former Australian Opals teammate Kristi Harrower ran two basketball clinics for junior girls, as part of Basketball Australia’s She Hoops program.
Players from across Melbourne’s west were among those in attendance.
She Hoops strives to empower women in basketball through visible pathways, mentoring, connection, insights, participation and education
After the clinics were held, the young girls were able to ask the two stars a variety of questions, before getting the chance to get photos and autographs.
Jackson, who is the face of She Hoops, said she loves getting out to the grass root clubs. She said girls just want to have fun and not be intimidated on the court.
“I guess to get out and do that with them, to be able to that every holiday period actually connect with the kids, with the likes Kristi, Maddy Rocci, other Opals come to just be viable and accessible to them, it’s so important,” she said.
“We’re so lucky to be able to go out there and provide that service. I just think having something that is dedicated to women and girls in basketball, this is what She Hoops is all about and being able to go out in communities and it’s not all virtual. This is so important and I love doing it and I love the feedback and support we’re getting from the community.”
Harrower, who grew up in a basketball family, said so much had changed since she was coming through as a junior.
“I think it’s a good program BA [Basketball Australia] have put in place, having Lauren as the face of it,” she said.
“We struggled back in our day to get a little snippet in the paper, that is what it is like. It’s amazing what is happening.”
For her, having a clinic at Keilor was extra special, having been recently announced as the Thunder’s women’s coach for the National Basketball League 1 South season.
Several Thunder players were also there helping out with the camp.
“It is good and of course having Lauren here makes a big difference,” she said. “A lot of people, kids these days wouldn’t even know who I was.
“Keilor is probably one of the bigger associations on this side of town, but still competing with such large associations on the other side of town.
“This one is still growing and they’re trying to bring, more people in, been at the higher level and that is maybe why recruiting me as a coach.”
