MIA Mills wanted to become one of Warrnambool Mermaids' youngest Big V debutants.
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She was 13 and poised for game time when coronavirus concerns forced the competition into hiatus in March.
The Mermaids were preparing for round one that weekend when their plans were put on hold.
The statewide league officially cancelled its 2020 season on Wednesday.
Mills, now 14, remains committed to her goal of suiting up for the Mermaids.
The Allansford-based player is developing her basketball skills off the court too.
She completed a Basketball Victoria Country level zero coaching course during her last school holidays and is now helping Warrnambool Basketball junior development officer Michael McGorm with clinics.
The point guard is helping with the under 12 and under 14 age groups and is participating herself in the under 16 sessions.
"We're trying to keep kids ready to go for when sport does come back and we're ready to get back into games," she said. "It's been awesome and I am able to pick up stuff fairly quickly to be able to tell them. I've really enjoyed it so far."
Listen to this week's The Main Break podcast with Carlton development coach Dan O'Keefe:
Mills said she had come to terms with the Big V decision.
"I am very disappointed but honestly it's understandable and I think it's going to be better for the community," she said.
"I guess being younger and that being my goal (to debut) it is a bit frustrating too."
But Mills, who also plays netball for Hampden league club Koroit, wants to make sure she's ready for the 2021 season tip-off.
"Fitness, because we have been out for so long, is obviously a key part of it," she said. "I'll just get back to learning the structures we were aiming to play with and playing against bigger bodies and the physicality would be ideal before we get back."
The summer Country Basketball League competition is on Mills' to-do list.
"I'll be old enough this season so I am hoping if and when that goes ahead I'll be able to get a debut in that too," she said.
Mills can call on dad David, who is Premier Speedway general manager, and younger brother Mack, 12, for help.
"It's been a shock. Some nights you go outside and shoot and then come back inside and you're like 'right, what do I do now?'," she said.
"I have been trying to get lots of shots up and keep somewhat fit so I am not back to level zero when we get back. Sometimes I grab him (dad) in a lunch break and get some shots up, otherwise it's been a lot of individual and one-on-one against my brother."
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