Head Coach & Founder of Aspiring Basketball Academy.
I came to New Zealand in 2018 from Scotland and have been living in Wanaka since early 2019. I was playing professionally in the British Basketball League for Caledonia Pride, before an injury forced me to retire and I moved to New Zealand on a whim!
In my youth, I played every age group for Scotland, representing my country for years throughout Europe. I went on to compete for our Senior Women's National Team both domestically and abroad, a goal of mine since I was just 10 years old!
After 2 years in New Zealand I began representing Central Otago and then was recruited to the Otago Gold Rush Women's professional programme as an import in 2021.
My heart is still very much with the game of basketball but my passion is in coaching and the future of the game here in New Zealand. This is how Aspiring Basketball Academy was born!
There is a huge gap in the opportunities available to young people in basketball, especially here in Central Otago. I want to see those kids have the same opportunities I had through this sport and help produce the next generation of New Zealand basketball players!
Assistant Coach & Head of Player Pathway Development
Relocating to New Zealand from Australia in 2022, Clayton’s prior coaching experience covers a broad range across both junior and senior programs at club and state level.
His primary focus is on developing junior athletes and maximising the pathways available to them.
He is of the firm belief that there is a future Tall Fern or Tall Black amongst the mountains of Central Otago!
Although he and his family have only been in Wanaka a short time, they hope to settle here long term and return the kindness the community has shown them since arriving in May.
Support & Competition Co-ordinator
Jolanda and her partner Matt, moved to Wanaka with their 3 basketball mad boys in 2020. They are very active and passionate members of the community, especially when it comes to basketball!
Jolanda set up and ran Alexandra basketball club for a number of years whilst they lived there. Her expertise in capturing the imagination of the kids and the parents in Central Otago is immeasurable. She knows what parents and kids both want when it comes to basketball participation, development and competition in Central.
With her full-time job actually being with Build7 Homes, she created the perfect link to our Major Sponsors Build7, without whom none of this would be possible!
Thank you Jolanda for your incredible support and passion for the sport of Basketball in Wanaka and Central!
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