CALIFORNIA HERE I COME
CHANTEL Horvat will play her last game for the Supercats tomorrow night before fulfilling a long-held dream when she flies to California for a college basketball stint.
CHANTEL Horvat will live her long-awaited dream when she flies out to the US next week to start her college stint.
But it means her Supercats campaign will be cut short, denying her the chance to compete in the SEABL playoffs next month.
Horvat will play her final match tomorrow night before flying to California.
The 19-year-old said she would have loved to finish the SEABL season.
“I keep telling that to everyone, how I wish I could push it back a little bit or miss summer school so I could finish out the season, but, unfortunately, it is what it is,” she said.
“The Supercats knew that from day one; it’s just a shame because I’ve created such a great bond with my teammates. It is disappointing I won’t be there but I’ll be cheering them on.”
The 185cm power forward agreed terms with UCLA last September, after considering offers from rival schools.
“I was really fortunate to have a lot of great schools chasing me, but UCLA, there was something about it that I always knew I wanted to go there,” she said.
“They’re really big on the holistic development of the athlete and they have that family culture, and I just loved what they were about. They were all about growing as a person on and off the court.
“For a long time I didn’t know what I wanted to do, whether I wanted to stay in Australia or go over there. Some of my close friends I lived with went over to college, and I kept in touch with them.
“All of a sudden it clicked, I didn’t want anything else, I just wanted to go to college. It’s such a great opportunity.
“Ever since then I haven’t regretted the decision, I’m so excited to go over there and I’m really lucky to have a lot of people who have gone through that and can help me.”
Horvat is yet to select her subjects, but expects to pursue studies in business.
“As well as being able to provide me with a great basketball program, they’re also going to be able to provide me with many other opportunities can,” she said.
“I’m super excited about being able to study and play basketball. Really, it’s a two in one for me, being able to get a free degree and do what I love.
“I can’t wait to get over there and get stuck into it.” Geelong Supercats v Nunawading Tomorrow, 8pm at The Arena Geelong Supercats v Nunawading Tomorrow, 6pm The Arena Geelong Supercats v Sandringham Saturday, 5pm, Sandringham Basketball Stadium Corio Bay Stingrays v Whittlesea Pacers Saturday, 7.30pm, Mill Park Basketball Stadium Corio Bay Stingrays v McKinnon Cougars Sunday, 1pm, at Geelong Basketball Netball Centre