Belinda Mayger - Lady Hawks Captain Player Profile

 This week we check in with Lady Hawk’s Captain Belinda Mayger as she shares snippets of her basketball journey, thoughts on the season to date and a few of her favourite things.

Age: 29

Nickname: 'B' is what I get mostly.  Very original!

Work/Study: I’m a physiotherapist at a private clinic in Joondalup.  I’m also currently studying my Masters of Sports Physio part time, through LaTrobe Uni.

Why basketball? One of my school friends asked me to play when I was 5.  Ever since then I’ve been hooked and never really played anything else. I love the game and it's been a massive part of my life, taking me to many places and meeting some fantastic people along the way.

How long have you been playing? 24 years!  Minus a few (too many) years on the sidelines with knee injuries.  Even then I still couldn't stay away, so I coached, filled water bottles and did the taping and massage for the girls.

How have you found the season so far? A few words to describe it so far would be, refreshing, challenging, frustrating (after a few early losses that should have been wins!) and promising! We have a great team and some great new structures in place, but just need to string it all together. The league has been quite even the last few seasons and this year is no exception, with anyone capable of beating anyone on any given day.  As a team, we’re improving each week and I have no doubt that we’ll continue to do this. l'm really looking forward to taking our game to the next level as we develop and progress into the season.

Favourite players/inspirational people? Basketball wise, I used to love Trish Fallon and Michelle Timms back in the day.  I also remember keeping an eye out for past Hawks player Melissa Sinfield (McClure) in the WNBL, as she coached me way back at an under 12's camp in country Victoria. Some of my coaches have also been very inspiring and I treasure some of the advice that they’ve given me over the years. I think some of the most inspirational people are those everyday people that are prepared to fight for what they believe in, regardless of the circumstances! 

 Favourite moments playing? Over the last few years, my favourite moment would have to be playing my first SBL game for Hawks. After moving over from Victoria, I was new at Hawks and it sounds a bit silly, but I actually announced my retirement before setting foot on the court. I didn't think I would ever get there, but after five years in the making, my knees finally behaved and here we are today! One of my other favourite moments that I can still remember very clearly, is my first game at the Under 16 National Championships.  I was extremely excited and it showed - my first possession with the ball, I was called for a charge! Oops!

3 things you're good at other than basketball? My job, eating and telling fibs (for joke purposes only of course!).

8 of your favourite things you couldn't live without: Chocolate, lip balm, water, basketball (and sport in general), my car, breakfast, warm socks (for winter - I hate being cold) and my husband!

If you could hang out with any 5 people in the world, who would they be?

I honestly don't know!  I hang out with some wonderful people all the time who I love! - I suppose I would definitely have to choose some well-known and well-travelled people for an interesting time. Not ditzy celebrities though that’s for sure! 

Favourite quote/saying/motto: I’m terrible at remembering quotes and sayings, I always gets them muddled up!  As a general motto though, if you’re going to do something - do it well! Whether that be work, basketball, friendships or wherever life takes you. 

Anything else you'd like to add? We need to give ourselves a big home court advantage every game – so make sure you cheer and get loud for us Hawks fans! Thanks to all for the continued support, especially to those that are courtside every week!

 

 

Article - Lani Munnee

Photo -  Sebastian Komatsu