My name is Issy. I am a thirteen-year-old basketball player from the Gold Coast who has recently been given an amazing opportunity to advance in the sport I love. I am one of eight girls selected to represent our ‘Green and Gold’ and tour the USA as a team member in the East Coast Dunkeroos.

When I first started playing basketball three years ago, I instantly knew this was my sport. Many players started from an earlier age, so I understood that I would have to work hard if I ever wanted to make it to a higher level of basketball. I guess that drive helped me to develop the passion, motivation, and commitment to stay focused and work hard to achieve my goals.

Since then, I have been selected as a Gold Coast Representative player for two years running, with my team achieving Silver medals at the QLD State Championships in 2023. I play in my school's CBSQ team and was also selected by the Gold Coast Academy of Sport as a part of the 2023 Girls Development program.

Receiving the news that I made the Dunkeroos 2023 team was like a dream come true. This November, we will compete against Texas High School Basketball teams, tour colleges and expand opportunities for future development. I feel fortunate to be surrounded by such supportive and knowledgeable coaches and managers with experience at both State and National levels.

I appreciate that you have taken the time to read my journey up to this point. Hopefully, I can inspire other girls who find their passion a little later than others to realise that anything is possible if you have a good attitude, surround yourself with positive people and work hard. Your contribution brings me one step closer to achieving this dream, and for that, I am so grateful – thank you x