Team Hawks has a team of dedicated and talented volunteers who help out behind the scenes each and every week. Their contributions to the club are valued and we want to share the great work they’re doing.

This week we’re paying thanks to our dedicated and talented volunteer Sebastian Komatsu, who has been volunteering as a Hawks WABL and SBL photographer and SBL floor-wiper since 2010. Team Hawks are proud to be showcasing Sebastian this week, at just 12 years of age, one of our youngest volunteers.

How long have you been involved with the Hawks?

Since 2008, when I helped out my brother's Hawks U12 Development Squad in a carnival because they were a little short of players.

How long have you been volunteering?

I've been floor-wiping for the SBL games since 2010 and taking photos of WABL games since 2008 and SBL teams since 2011.

What are the main things you to do help out around the club?

Floor-wiping for SBL games and taking action photos during the games.

Why did you decide to volunteer? What are the best things about it?

Because I love watching the game, and as a floor-wiper, I have the best seat in the house! It's great being on the court and so close to the action during the game. I can also enjoy the highlights afterwards as I look through the photos, and I like sharing the special moments with the players and their family and friends on my website: sebpix.smugmug.com

Tell us about your own basketball experience:

I started playing basketball when I was six years old with the Woodlands Warriors, and I'm currently playing in an under 14 Raiders team on Saturdays and in the u13 Hawks team on Sundays.

You obviously attend all of the SBL games - who are your favourite players and why?

Ben Purser is my hero, because he's an awesome player and a really nice guy off the court. I cheer the loudest for him at Wildcats games. He keeps me very busy at SBL games because he sweats so much!

Travis Hayto is also a favourite because he's another awesome player, and he has given me some great photo advice since I first started bringing my camera to the stadium. Actually, the whole Hawks men's team is awesome!

In the women's team - Gabbi Clayton because I love fellow point guards, and Belinda Mayger because it's easy to take great photos of her.

We use a lot of your photos in our programs and website, they're great! How long have you been taking photos for? Is it something you want to pursue as a profession in the future?

Absolutely! I've been bringing my camera to all my brother's sporting events since I was six, as a way to pass the time if I wasn't allowed to join in. I really enjoy trying to capture the action and unexpected moments, like the "kiss" I caught at the Stirling game a few weeks ago.

Anything else you'd like to add? Please do so here…

I want to thank the Hawks, and especially Jenny Purser, for their support and encouragement, and for letting me take photos while I'm floor-wiping.