She Hoops and Seattle Storm today announced an inaugural fellowship that will fund a young female Australian basketball administrator to experience the inner workings of a WNBA club.
The recipient of the fellowship will join Seattle Storm for the WNBA season being immersed in all aspects of administration from marketing, ticketing to event day operations.
Seattle Storm’s strong connection with Australia runs deep with some of our nation’s best players gracing its roster including Suzy Batkovic, Tully Bevilaqua, Abby Bishop, Lauren Jackson, Steph Talbot, Jenna O'Hea and current players Ezi Magbegor, Sami Whitcomb and Jade Melbourne.
The inaugural fellowship was granted to Courtney Schild the Communications and Events Manager for Basketball SA.
Lauren Jackson AO OLY former Seattle Legend and current Australian Opal is delighted with the partnership with her former club.
“I’ve wanted to set up this fellowship between my old Club and She Hoops, I know the incredible life changing experience it will provide. Seattle Storm are well known in the WNBA as being one of the most professionally run, it’s a credit to Alisha (Valavanis) and her team for what they have achieved both on and off the court. I’m really excited for Courtney who I know will come back inspired and ready to have a significant impact in our sport,” said Jackson.
The fellowship is for three months in the Seattle Storm office across all areas of administration. The fully paid opportunity is part of a pilot program between She Hoops and Seattle Storm.
“We are proud of the longstanding history between the Seattle Storm and Basketball Australia and are excited to partner on this fellowship to support women and girls and to grow the game.” said Alisha Valavanis, Seattle Storm CEO and Team President.
The fellowship is made possible through the generosity of Jayco owner and founder Gerry Ryan OAM who is committed to providing more women opportunities through sport.
“We are delighted to be involved with the She Hoops/Seattle Storm Fellowship to provide this opportunity for aspiring female basketball administrators to develop their skills with Seattle Storm in the WNBA and help advance women’s basketball in Australia,” said Ryan
“We congratulate Lauren and the She Hoops team and thank Seattle Storm for the opportunity, it is an honour for Jayco to join with them to support and develop more opportunities for women in sport, on and off the court.”
Courtney will spend the next three months in Seattle gaining experience across all areas of the business which will be invaluable in her role at Basketball SA upon her return.
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