Indyanna’s on the ball
Recruit shines light on disease
GEELONG girl Indyanna Harper, 9, has made history by becoming the youngest, and shortest, player to sign with Women’s National Basketball League.
Indyanna, who has been fighting a serious bone marrow failure disorder, aplastic anaemia, “signed” with the Deakin Melbourne Boomers at a special press conference yesterday.
A successful stem cell donation from her older sister means the youngster’s future is bright, but not all young people with the condition have the same outcome.
Maddie Riewoldt, sister of St Kilda superstar Nick, died of the same disease in February 2015. Maddie Riewoldt’s Vision was established in her honour with the aim of raising funds for research into a cure.
Indyanna, who is still recovering from her transplant, will suit up alongside the Boomers team for their match in Canberra on November 18 to raise awareness and money for MRV.
The Boomers will wear a purple match singlet and ask supporters to don the same colour as a show of support.
Boomers coach Guy Molloy said the presentation of her own uniform signified Indyanna was now part of a “very special club”.
“Indyanna has signed a legitimate contract, she is a fully fledged WNBL player and we can’t wait to have her in the Boomers family,” Molloy said.
“Indyanna will be involved in everything asked of the team, including the pre-game and our extensive planning.”
The WNBL’s newest recruit stepped out with her teammates for the first time yesterday, as they revealed the oneoff uniform.
Riewoldt said his sister Maddie was a “competitive sports woman” in her own right and had a love of basketball.
“Having this game in her honour is a calendar highlight,” he said.
To raise funds for the cause, all match worn singlets will be signed and auctioned on the Boomers Facebook page after the game.
The match will be broadcast live on Fox Sports at 3pm.