More than 80 girls took to the court in Mandurah as She Hoops brought together Tess Madgen, Amy Atwell and Ally Wilson, alongside Basketball Victoria's Multicultural Diversity & Inclusion Officer and incoming Perth Lynx guard Nya Lok, for an afternoon of basketball, connection and community ahead of the Boomers' FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers in Perth.
Across two sessions, 82 participants took part in on-court skills and drills before sitting down with the players to hear their stories, ask questions and finish the day with photos and autographs.
While basketball is at the heart of every She Hoops clinic, the greatest impact comes from the connections that are created. Training alongside leaders in the game, hearing their journeys and having genuine conversations turns inspiration into something tangible, giving young girls the chance to see what is possible both on and off the court.
That impact is something Adelaide Lightning General Manager of Basketball Tess Madgen believes extends far beyond basketball itself.
"When girls see women leading, competing and coaching at the highest level, they begin to picture themselves in those roles too," Madgen said. "There's so much more we can do, but we have to keep showing up. She Hoops is about doing more, doing better, and doing it for her."
For the players and leaders involved, it's also an opportunity to reconnect with young girls who are where they once were, give back to the communities that support them and help strengthen the game for the next generation.
Lok said the opportunity to connect with the Mandurah community ahead of her first season with the Perth Lynx made the clinic particularly memorable.
"It was really special to spend time with the Mandurah community ahead of my first season with the Perth Lynx," Lok said. "The support for basketball in WA is incredible, and I'm really looking forward to building those connections throughout the WNBL season."
That same spirit was reflected across the entire delivery team. Local Mandurah Magic player and She Hoops Leadership & Confidence Scholarship graduate Sienna Eade coached alongside six female coaches from Mandurah Basketball, showcasing the pathways being created through the program. Competition Manager Steph Delamere played a key role in bringing the clinics together, while local teacher Michael Bailey from Hyperfocus Images captured the day through his ongoing support of the association.
Supported by the Western Australian Government through Tourism WA, together with Mandurah Basketball, Basketball WA, Jayco, Tissot and Kulbardi, the clinics reflected the spirit of Australian basketball. As the Boomers prepare for their FIBA Basketball World Cup campaign, players, coaches, volunteers and partners continue to come together to support one another and create opportunities for the next generation.
The Australian Boomers are returning to Perth for the first time since 2019 with a double-header in July against Guam and Philippines at RAC Arena. Tickets available via Ticketek
'The Boomers FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers in Perth is supported by the Western Australian Government through Tourism WA.
