A special farewell from Lady Hawks Captain Belinda Mayger

Having been a part of the Hawks family over the last nine years it is with great sadness that I have played my last game as part of the women’s SBL team.  Entering the last few games of the season and working towards finals, as a player there is no better time to be on court. With our team’s progress this season and some tough games ahead, I’m disappointed that I won’t be able to play.

However, the reason for my early exit is extremely exciting, with our first baby due in January. Being just over three months pregnant, I don’t feel that I would be able to continue playing at the level that myself or my team expects. So I will be taking up a resident spot on the bench. I’m no stranger to watching from the sidelines, which I did for my first 4 years at Hawks due to injury. So I will be cheering just as loudly from the bench for the remainder of the season.  It has been an honour be involved with the club and to captain the women’s team over the last two seasons.

I wish my teammates the very best on court and I’m sure the ongoing hard work and dedication will lead to great things. I would like to thank the coaching staff, both past and present. As head coach CJ’s commitment to our women’s program has been second to none and I look forward to seeing him further develop our squad over the next few seasons.  I’m not sure he has had one of his players spring a pregnancy on him mid season, so I thank him for being extremely supportive of my decision.

I would like to thank all of those who I have had the pleasure of knowing through the Hawks over the years.  I have many fond memories and I’ve met some fantastic people, many of whom have become friends for life.  I was also lucky enough to meet my husband Trent who himself has been a very successful player in the SBL, sharing four championships with the men’s squad.  We now both look forward to starting our own little family! It’s hard to completely give up a sport that became my life and that I’ve loved since I was five.  Having learnt from some of the very best, I look forward to taking up a coaching role at some stage and staying involved with the club in some capacity in the future.

Thank you to everyone at Hawks for your best wishes! ‘B’ x