Bellarine Peninsula Basketball Association Inc (BPBA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Great Britain Olympic representative and former Australian Opal Natalie Hughes as Development and High Performance Manager.

The appointment of Hughes follows the resignation of former WNBL Coach of the Year David Herbert after nine months in a part-time position as he focusses solely on his role at Basketball Geelong.

“Although disappointed to lose someone of David’s calibre, we believe the appointment of Natalie to a full-time position will continue the good work that David has already done in the areas of school programs and coach development,” Operations Manager Vicki King said.

“Natalie will play a key role in our day-to-day administration and expand our development programs as well as ensuring the continued emergence of the Bellarine Storm program.”

“We believe Natalie’s experience will be of major benefit to all areas of BPBA and the Storm.”

Hughes played WNBL with Dandenong and Sydney after a US College career that included a stint with the University of Oregon.

She played in a WNBL championship with Sydney in 2001 and at the same time was part of the Australian squad.

 “I am looking forward to working with all of our coaches and players in the Storm representative program and cultivating a culture that separates Bellarine Peninsula from other associations,” Hughes said.

 “I am also keen to develop our junior development programs and camps and increase our membership numbers.”

“I feel that my passion for basketball along with my vast playing and coaching experience will benefit me in this position.”

 A qualified school teacher, Hughes also spent time playing in England, which allowed her to qualify with Great Britain at the London Olympics in 2012.

Most recently, Hughes spent two seasons as coach of Northern Suburbs in the NSW Waratah League.