Lorraine Eiler
Hall of Fame Class: 2007 Role: Player
In 1957, Lorraine Eiler was captain of the first Opals team to represent Australia at a World basketball Championship and is a true pioneer of women’s basketball in Australia.
A splendidly talented athlete known for her inspirational leadership, smart play and natural athleticism, Eiler self-financed her 1957 journey to Brazil, including the 1100 pounds for the two month boat trip, and was rewarded after the tournament by being the first ever Australian woman to gain a scholarship to an American University.
She was also an A grade tennis player, she played squash for South Australia, and she represented Australia in netball. Incredibly she only started playing basketball a mere three years before her historic selection as Opals captain.
Achievements
– Led South Australia to two State Championships- 1955, 1956.
– Captain of the Adelaide Vikings- 1955, 1956 (both undefeated seasons).
– Played at World Championships – 1957.
– Captain of first Australian Women’s team to play at World Championships- 1957.
– First Australian woman to receive USA college scholarship.
– A true pioneer of Women’s basketball in Australia.
– Inducted to the Basketball Australia Hall of Fame – 2007.
