One of Hume City Broncos new imports for the Big V women’s championship was sitting right under their nose.
Maddi Geislinger joins the Broncos having played with Melbourne University in the division 1 competition.
The Broncos say that Geislinger bring athleticism, defensive presence and guard skills that you don’t see often from players at her height.
Having called Australia home since she first came out to play basketball three years ago.
She lives not too far from Broadmeadows Basketball Stadium.
“I’ve come and shot around before as it’s the closest stadium to home,” Geislinger said.
“I thought that it was a really nice stadium. I played in lower divisions like division 1 and always wanted to play in a champ outfit.
“It was actually really perfect.
“We ended up calling [acting general manager] Glen [Milner] myself and going hey to do you need an import and it worked out really well.”
“They really liked me and I appreciated what they could offer me and really like everyone here.”
Geislinger said she enjoyed her time at Melbourne University, after joining the side as she had a friend playing there.
The side fell just short against the eventual champions.
She said she could have never imagined where her career would have gone after coming out to Australia for the first time.
“I was playing semi-professional in America … This agent came up to me and asked the owner of my team, do I want to play in Australia
“Pursue more of a basketball career in another country, [Isaid] that would be awesome.
“I always wanted to travel and be in another country and it’s a really great opportunity coming to me like that.
“I thought I would come out her and then go back home and vice versa go home after the season, playing basketball back in America
“Ended up staying for almost two years without going home.”
While she’s been around the stadium, Geislinger said she didn’t know much about the Broncos before joining the side.
She said she was excited for the challenge to playing against tougher opposition.
“I’m really excited to have more competition and playing with another import and playing against the teams that have more than one import.”
After a tough season last year for the Broncos, the group is hoping to rise up the ladder.
Geislinger said they thought they had a really good balance within the side.
“I feel like we have a mix of players,” she said.
“A bit of the younger side and veterans and older players and some young talent coming up to give us some more energy.
“Our first practice matches are in February and I’m excited what we can produce against another team.”
