Eight new athletes have been named in 2010 Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) women’s basketball program, following a rigorous national talent identification and recruitment process.

The new scholarship holders are: 

• Sara Blicavs (Victoria)
• Alexandra Bunton (Australian Capital Territory)
• Rebecca Cole (Victoria)
• Madeleine Garrick (Victoria)
• Tessa Lavey (Victoria)
• Carley Mijovic (Victoria)
• Georgia Minear (South Australia)
• Olivia Thompson (South Australia).

Returning AIS scholarship holders for 2010 are:

• Jillian Haughton (Queensland)
• Nadeen Payne (Queensland)
• Tayla Roberts (Tasmania)
• Nicole Seekamp (South Australia).

Head coach of the AIS women’s basketball program, Phil Brown, is looking forward to guiding the next generation of talented basketball prospects.

‘The talent and potential of the players we have recruited for 2010 is exciting,’ Brown said. ‘We have identified some outstanding athletes, from our point guards to our shooting guards, small forwards through to our post players.

‘We will be able to play an up-tempo style of game; pressing up the floor defensively and looking to run offensively at every opportunity. There is good depth at the perimeter positions and long, athletic post players who are suited to a fast style of game.’

Returning scholarship holders Tayla Roberts and Nadeen Payne are strong and versatile power forwards who are currently making an impact in the Women’s National Basketball League at just 16 years of age.

AIS Director Professor Peter Fricker said the Institute, in partnership with Basketball Australia, is continuing to help strengthen Australian basketball through the development of talented junior athletes.

‘The Institute’s basketball program aims to equip players with the mental, physical and tactical skills needed to perform at league, national and international levels,’ Professor Fricker said. ‘We are extremely proud of our record and tradition of producing talented basketball players who have gone on to excel at the elite level of the game.’