New coach of the Lincoln University women’s 3x3 basketball team heading to China for the tertiary world champs (31 October - 3 November), Shea Crotty, is ensuring the team is ready for the challenge.
Shea says the team is determined to make this tournament one to remember “and are preparing that way”.
Members of the team have been on the last two trips to China for the championships with mixed fortunes.
She said they know they have not produced results that they are happy with over the last couple of years and are focused to make changes to have a successful campaign in 2019.
“The preparation includes specific training for what we are going to face such as a significant temperature increase, so we are challenging the girls in many different ways to be ready and acclimatised early to make the transition over there much easier on them.
“The preparation will be both on court and off court, mental work and scouting.
“Of course, it’s all good and well saying that but we are extremely lucky to have six girls, who are all very capable of being in the team, ready to work for one and other.
“I believe for us to be successful we have to nail our preparation, we have to be ready and be on top of our game leading into China and ensuring we aren’t peaking towards the end of the tournament.”
She said she has come on board as a bit of a “fresh but familiar face” to the team.
“I come from a complete player’s perspective.
“I have played 17 years for Canterbury, 10 for the Wildcats and was a part of the first Lincoln University team when the scholarship program was just beginning up until my last year in 2018 when I stepped back from club basketball due to ongoing injury issues. I have also had stints in America and Australia as well as with the Tall Ferns.
“With knowing all of them very well by playing with them for many years I am excited to be able to push them and work alongside them to achieve the goals that they want to achieve.
“There weren’t any reservations about jumping on board when I saw how determined this bunch is to succeed.”
The women’s 3x3 basketball team of Lucy Brown, Rosalia Samia, Connie Poletti and Ajiah Pepe were named Team of the Year at last week’s Lincoln University Blues and Golds awards, which recognise student sporting achievement and service to the community.