With the conclusion of the NZ U17 Women’s National Team cycle following last month’s FIBA U17 Women’s World Cup in Mexico, BBNZ would like to give thanks to everyone who played a key role in the success of this age group programme.
Head coach Mel Bennett acknowledged the “massive honour and privilege” it has been to lead this team over a three year period, including three international age group tournaments held in Guam, Jordan and Mexico.
“Just to even qualify for every part of this cycle was an achievement in itself; years one and two were very performance-related, and then in year three you’re at the pinnacle of the age group and you’re battling against some of the top teams in the world,” says Bennett.
“These girls have been an absolute inspiration, just in their professionalism and how they train and prepare for each game; they’re good humans, good tourers and they’ve got good character. They’re a credit to themselves and their families.”
Coach Bennett paid tribute to the athletes, staff and families who have supported the squad over the past three years.
“We’ve had a lot of people on board to help prepare the girls as best they could for this journey, in terms of preparing them both on and off the court.
“A multitude of athletes have come through this cycle, and I want to thank them all for being a part of this amazing journey. It’s been such a privilege to coach them; I look back at the last three and a half years, from when we started at U15 nationals at Pulman Arena, and to see where some of these girls are at now is amazing.
“It’s also about the team behind the team, our team manager and physio and doctor, and also the coaches of these players in their Associations and schools; there’s so many individuals involved in the massive village that supported our team, and without the support of these people we wouldn’t have been able to achieve what we were able to.”
Coach Bennett says that it has been a long and rewarding journey for her and the assistant coaches.
“At the start, nothing really prepares you for what happens over the three years; by that I mean the level that the athletes develop at every year, the new players who come into the picture for each squad, and also the international exposure for these girls – and how to best prepare them to embrace that during their journey.
“The biggest thing to remember is that the age group is very much a development phase – it’s a pathway for these players to wear the Tall Ferns jersey or whatever the next step is of their basketball journey. So it’s been an eye-opener for myself, the staff, the girls and the families involved.”
Coaching & Support Staff:
Head Coach: Mel Bennett
Assistant Coaches: Sarah Molisa and Igor Cvjetkovic
Team Manager: Maine Mareko-Johnson (years 1 & 2) and Samara Gallaher (year 3)
Team Physio: Courtney Wilson (years 1 & 2) and Maisey Kilner (year 3)
Team Doctor: Dr Courtney Storm (year 1)
NZ U17 Women’s National Team Cycle:
Year 1 – FIBA U15 Oceania Champs
Guam, November 2022
2nd place (Silver)
Year 2 – FIBA U16 ASIA champs
Jordan, July 2023
3rd place (Bronze)
Year 3 – FIBA U17 World Cup
Mexico, July 2024
12th place world ranking
