One of Australia’s most decorated basketballers Amber Merritt has called time on a 15-year-career announcing that she will be stepping away from the sport.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest female wheelchair basketballers of all time, Merritt, competed at two Paralympic Games, a Commonwealth Games and four World Championships with her greatest success coming in the United Kingdom winning silver at the 2012 London Paralympics then a decade later in the 3x3 format at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games.
In a statement, Merritt, 30, said it was time to move into the next phase of her life.
“Basketball has been the most incredible chapter and I’ve lived every single moment with passion, love and dedication movement,” she said.
“The team is a second family to me and every moment created will be forever cherished.”
Born in England, Merritt moved to Australia with her family at the age of 10.
Originally a swimmer, it was legendary Paralympic Hall of Fame coach Frank Ponta who recruited her to basketball in 2007.
She would dominate for the Perth Western Stars in the Women’ National Wheelchair Basketball League, earning an array of personal accolades as well as captaining the team to its first championship in 2013.
Merritt’s outstanding senior international career began in 2009 when she made her debut for the Gliders.
A natural leader and prolific scorer with a high basketball IQ, she has inspired a generation with her work ethic and determination.
Australian Gliders Coach Craig Campbell praised Merritt and the enormous contribution she has made to basketball.
“Amber was a scoring machine on court and constantly caused headaches for our opponents,” he said.
“Her tenacity at both ends of the court is something for future Gliders to aspire to.”
The basketball family wish Merritt all the very best and congratulate her on her achievements and all she has given to the game.
Merritt has left the door open for a possible return.
“It’s not farewell forever, this game is just too good, but for now it’s time for me to lean into life’s challenges and see what lies beyond the horizon.”
