Hopes to inspire others

Tall Ferns squad member.

But it’s coaching where she has found her home in the game. For the last five years she’s been part of the Breakers’ community junior programme, helping to nurture young talent and grow their understanding of and passion for the sport under the ANBL club’s banner, and has also guided the Rosmini College premier girls’ team in the Auckland schools competition.

Asked how far she wanted to go with her coaching, she said: ‘‘As far as I can. I’d love to coach

Chanel Pompallier the New Zealand programmes here, and get overseas if I can. But being in this league is a good stepping stone for me.’’

She’s not hiding from her lack of experience in the top levels of the game either.

‘‘There’s a lot to learn, especially under these two coaches,’’ she said, flanked by Shamir and Maor. ‘‘But basketball is the same at all levels. The game doesn’t change and this is a really good opportunity for me.’’

She also confirmed that Becky Hammon and her fellow trailblazers for women in the NBA had been a huge influence as she set out on this career. Hammon has been an assistant coach with the San Antonio Spurs since 2014 and has been the longest serving of the 13 females to hold coaching roles in the world’s biggest league.

‘‘She’s an icon to myself. I follow her and the Spurs a lot and what she has done there the last few years.

‘‘There are a few other females coming into the NBA as well, so that’s exciting.’’

‘‘Being in this league is a good stepping stone for me.’’