Congratulations to the ten Victorian Basketball community members selected by Basketball Australia to participate in the second She Hoops Leadership and Confidence Scholarship program.
We would like to congratulate the following successful applicants who have received a scholarship for the second round:
Casey Tumino
Meher Sidhu
Chloe Knezevic
Nidhi Baligar
Hannah Lentine
Paige Schultz
Isabella McEwan
Sarah Dawson
Jess Gilbert
Sienna Politini
The 5-month scholarship has been designed for girls aged 15 to 18 and goes well beyond basketball. The program provides a transformative experience that equips young women with the mindset training, skills and confidence to excel both on the court and, in life. Successful applicants undertake online workshops with mental health organisation EQ Minds, in addition to mentoring sessions with current WNBL players. Participants then travel to a three-day camp at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) in Canberra where they complete an introductory officiating course and their Club or Community coaching accreditation. Through these activities, participants emerge as leaders, empowered and ready to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond.
We reached out to several Victorian participants who completed the first She Hoops Leadership and Confidence Scholarship program to understand in depth, how the scholarship has given them elevated confidence and motivation.
Amrit Sidhu said she was absolutely thrilled to have her application accepted for the scholarship, and she now feels she has the inspiration and determination to chase her dreams. “This program was incredibly enjoyable. I had the chance to meet other girls my age who shared my passion for basketball and we participated in a variety of activities together. One of the highlights was meeting LJ (Lauren Jackson) which was truly amazing! Experiencing the Centre of Excellence...opened my eyes and inspired me to aim for that level one day.”
Sidhu was paired with WNBL players Tess Madgen and Abby Cubillo in the mentoring component of the program, which she described as particularly valuable.
“The skills I've gained from this program will undoubtedly help me become a better School Captain at my high school, a better basketball player, both on and off the court, and a better person. This program has been a transformative experience, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities it has provided. The combination of practical skills, personal growth, and inspiring mentors has made a lasting impact on me, and I am excited to apply what I've learned in my future endeavours.”
Katie Tomaro also took part in the first scholarship round, and spoke about how mentors Lauren Jackson, Tess Madgen, Kristy Wallace and Steph Reid shared their stories, experiences, and advice with the participants.
“They are so knowledgeable; sharing their own stories, experiences, and advice. The mental health organisation EQ Minds taught me how to maintain a positive mindset and mental toughness whilst equipping us with many breathing/mindfulness techniques! These takeaways are not only applicable as an athlete but also in my everyday life.”
Like Sidhu, Tomaro also loved travelling to the Centre of Excellence, and a key takeaway for the whole group was the mantra to ‘lead with positivity’ shared by Head Coach of the CoE Women’s Basketball team David Herbert which the girls intend to use going forward, both on and off the court.
With this amazing feedback about the She Hoops Leadership and Confidence Scholarship program, we can’t wait to hear about the experiences of the Victorian participants who have just been selected.
For more information about the Basketball Australia She Hoops Leadership and Confidence Scholarship click the link below.
