Woking College Basketball Academy

Why did you choose basketball over other sports?

Growing up I have always been in sports, mostly focused on football and basketball. By the end of year 11, I had to decide on which sport I was going to continue playing at a high level and, despite ankle injuries, basketball won me over. Ultimately, the competitiveness and my love for the game made my decision easy – I was addicted to playing, improving, training and coaching at my basketball club.

How did you get into basketball and who influenced me?

I was 10 when I joined my first basketball youth session, coached by a man named Costas. Here, I was fortunate enough to come across a friend for life, who I played national league basketball with for nearly 3 seasons. We enjoyed pushing and competing against each other, whilst learning the fundamentals at such a young age. It was also here where the sheer discipline of basketball was established for me: the coach was strict, shaping us kids in a way that is not only applicable to basketball but everyday life.

Who do I play for?

I have always played for Woking Blackhawks.  

After joining the youth session with coach Costas, a team of girls was put together and we played in a CVL league — at U14, I was playing against U17 boys. It was also here where I met a teammate who is now an U18 and women’s Great Britain basketball player, who I still look up to greatly. 

Following this, I was part of Woking Blackhawk’s first-ever national league girls team, as a first-year U16 player and I have been competing at this level since. I trained on weekends too at skills sessions run by coach Brett, enhancing my performance.

Since then, I received 2xMVP for U16 national league and was given the first-ever female player of the year award at the end of last season, for playing and for other commitments to the club e.g. coaching U14 girls who won the league, currently coaching U10 boys and table officiating for Blackhawks. I have been playing U18 National League basketball and playing for the women’s team since the start of this season, alongside college basketball.

What position do I play?

My coach has always played me in a variety of positions dependent on the 5 players on court. Ultimately, I enjoy playing point guard the most, bringing the ball up the court and beginning a motion on offence. I enjoy controlling the pace of the game and the playmaking side to the position – it is a creative role and you must vision the movement of players on court.

University basketball?

I hope to continue playing basketball at university. The relief of playing basketball, or any sport for that matter, alongside studies is immensely important. It gives us balance. I believe balance is essential to success as sport provides an outlet for stress and gives us a focus. Competing in sports also changes your mindset as it can be both frustrating and rewarding, similar to studying in a way.

Why should you play basketball at Woking College?

Basketball at Woking is incredibly beneficial. We train four times a week, including a gym session, which allows us to grow and develop as a team rapidly. As a result, we have all become closer through competing and pushing one another ahead of game day.

The coaches here are outstanding, with combined years of experience at the highest level, e.g. aspire (which is an England talent programme). They push us players and have the intention of bringing out the best in us, there’s not much more you could ask for truthfully.

Also, for any girls hoping to join the basketball team at Woking College. The women’s programme is rapidly developing, and, from experience, I highly recommend Woking College to play basketball alongside studying. Recently, Woking College entered the first women’s Woking College team into the AOC tournament, and we came runners-up to Farnborough with only 5 players!