Sarah Mozley

Willetton Tigers WSBL coach Simon Parker has experienced the high level of female talent in basketball first-hand with his time coaching the WSBL side. 

Parker has been the head coach of the Willetton Tigers WSBL since 2014, making play-offs every year and two championships in 2015 and 2016.

Chatting about the upcoming SBL Women’s Round this week, Parker believes it's important for the SBL to recognise the spread of talent in the WSBL and other sporting codes.

“There are some very talented athletes in all codes of sport and it’s starting to gather momentum in the community by the promotion of players and of the sports,” Parker said.

“Our club/team has been very successful over the years in the WSBL and to recognize that achievement is great.

“WSBL has some amazing players competing in it from international imports, players who are returning from overseas competition, current lynx payers and many talented local players, so it deserves the recognition it will receive this weekend in women’s round.”

After being involved with the WSBL for several years, Parker says he most enjoys assisting junior players transition to state level.

“We have had some quality players in the WSBL program at Willetton and it’s been great to be able to work with and coach them and also experience success,” Parker said.

“I enjoy working with our local players, players who come from our junior teams and able to be involved in their transition into WSBL and would be great to take them to a championship in the not too distant future!”

The Tigers WSBL are well on track to experiencing some of that success this year, as they currently sit in third place on the ladder and have only lost one game since round two. 

Parker says the girls have confidence on their side, making them tougher to beat.

“We are playing with confidence now and playing really well as a team, our work rate on defence seems to be a contributing factor in determining the outcome of the game,” Parker said.

As the women prepare for Friday’s match against the Perth Redbacks, Parker says they have a good chance of winning if they maintain their form.

“One thing I’ve learnt about coaching is that nothing is a certainty, I think we should be confident in the way we play and if all play our part, do our roles well we are a good chance at winning any game,” Parker said.

The Tigers will take on the Redbacks this Friday at Willetton Basketball Stadium for the SBL Women’s Round. WSBL tip-off is at 6:30pm followed by MSBL at 8:30pm.