Young female basketballers will develop skills and gain professional development beyond the court through a new scholarship program as part of Basketball Australia’s women and girls’ strategy.

The She Hoops Leadership and Confidence Scholarship will propel 62 recipients, across two intakes in 2023, on to various pathways within the Australian basketball landscape.

Connecting and empowering females in all facets and levels of the game, She Hoops is led by Basketball Australia’s Head of Women Lauren Jackson AO OLY.

“She Hoops is my passion, being able to spend so much time with young girls all over Australia has been such a highlight for me. To be able to provide scholarships has been the ultimate dream, I know what these girls are capable of and now they have an incredible opportunity to become the leaders of the future,” said Jackson.

Launched in Canberra today by Federal Minister for Sport the Hon Anika Wells MP, Jackson and Basketball Australia Chief Executive Officer Matt Scriven, the fully-funded scholarship will have a holistic focus with resilience, mindset and confidence and leaderships sessions with EQ Minds as well as Level 0 and 1 coaching accreditations and an introductory official course.

Recipients will also participate in a three-day camp at the Australian Institute of Sport and be mentored by WNBL players and Australian Opals including Tess Madgen, Kristy Wallace, Nyadiew Puoch, Abby Cubillo and Steph Reid.

WNBL player and mentor Abby Cubillo says the scholarship will empower young women to lead and excel both on and off the court.

“I feel super honoured to be a mentor. To be identified by people like LJ (Jackson) to give guidance and advice to the younger generation and share my own journey is special and I’m excited to be part of it.

“The idea of the scholarship being a holistic program, and not just basketball, with leadership and confidence components is so important for young girls as well as the resources and connections to the athletes is something I wish had access to growing up in Darwin,” said Cubillo.

Minister for Sport, Anika Wells, praised She Hoops for offering tangible development and mentorship opportunities for young women.

“She Hoops is a crucial resource to developing our next female leaders on and off court so we have more Lauren Jackson’s and more Abby Cubillo’s.

“Women’s sport is growing rapidly and the Albanese Government is committed to ensuring there are more females in leadership roles.

“Put simply, we need more women making decisions for more women.”

Applications are open for girls aged 15 to 18 who have a demonstrated interest in basketball beyond playing, in coaching, officiating or administration. To apply for She Hoops Leadership & Confidence Scholarships, click on the below button:

She Hoops – Leadership & Confidence Scholarship – Application