Historic victory for Girls’ First Basketball
The winter season of sport brought unprecedented success for Wesley College, with the Girls’ First Basketball Team securing their place in history as the first APS school to win the Victorian College Championships.
‘To win the Victorian College Championships was a huge feat by our Wesley girls, especially as we defeated Templestowe College, which is a specialist basketball school,’ said Head of Wesley Basketball and former Olympian, Natalie Porter (OW1998). ‘The girls scrapped hard, worked together, and got a very unexpected win. It was great to be a part of the team's success on the day.’
Team Captain Ella (Year 12), reflected on the significance of their victory: ‘It was amazing for us to win the final against a basketball school, especially as we had lost to them earlier in the tournament and had closely lost to another school right before the final. To have our Year 8 player, Eva, shoot the winning goal was a fantastic ending! It is a memory that I will take with me when I look back on my basketball experience at Wesley.’
For Vice-Captain Indianna (Year 11), the standout moment of the tournament came just before the final match. ‘Before the Grand Final, the coach and team came together to devise a winning strategy to defeat Templestowe College. I was so proud of the team. We stuck to that plan, played amazingly, and won.’
The team’s remarkable performance is testament to their dedication, skill and commitment. ‘Everyone is hard working and supportive of one another. We ride the lows together and bond when times are tough. There is so much talent coming through for future years, with some skilled young girls in the team. I love how energetic the girls are, and how willing they are to have a go,' said Ella.
‘Encouragement, empathy, high-energy, team spirit and a strong work ethic have been key in motivating our team,’ said Indianna. ‘We have had such an amazing team and coaching staff and have all worked really hard to achieve great things this year. I am really looking forward to the 2025 basketball season and hope we can bring home the APS premiership next year.’
Congratulations to all our student-athletes and coaches for this incredible achievement. Go Lions!
