PLANS are underway to revive Warrnambool’s high-calibre women’s basketball program.
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The Mermaids could resurface in the Big V in 2017 following a three-year recess – if they receive the required support on and off the court.
Warrnambool Seahawks and Mermaids president Jacob Sobey said an open forum at the Arc next Friday would help gauge interest and highlight the commitment needed to resubmit a women’s team in the statewide competition.
Sobey said the return of top-quality players to the region, such as former WNBL-listed duo Louise Brown and Nicole Gynes, could potentially bolster Mermaids’ ranks.
But he stressed any potential decision on the Mermaids centered on the ability to ensure their long-term viability.
The 2011-12 division one champions withdrew from the 2013 season before making a last-minute entry as a division two outfit.
A lack of numbers then forced them sit out altogether the following year.
Sobey said the open forum would give interested parties – players, administrators and supporters – a chance to hear the committee’s vision and share their own thoughts.
Warrnambool plans to field division one men and division two youth league sides in 2017 and the potential addition of a women’s team would add to the workload and finances.
The association is split into three sections – Seahawks and Mermaids, seniors and juniors.
Sobey said it would be “all hands on deck to consider running three sides at Big V level”.
“We’ve had a fair bit of interest the last couple of years but we’ve had a lot of conversations with potential players and helpers the last three to six months,” he said.
“We have to be able to have a strong plan in place, financially and off the court as well. There’s been talk of a separate committee for the Mermaids but I don’t think that’s necessary.”
Sobey said it was important off-court help matched on-court interest and emphasised any potential Mermaids’ comeback would need to receive Big V approval.
“There’s been a continual influx of girls playing basketball,” he said.
“The CBL (Country Basketball League) competition the last couple of years has been popular and with the likes of Louise Brown and Nicole Gynes back to Warrnambool in more senior roles and with experience generates a lot more interest than younger players running around against older bodies.”
The open forum is at 7.30pm Friday.
Meanwhile, the division one Seahawks travel to Melton on Saturday night for their final away game of the regular season.