Sport
20 December, 2024
State award for Hoops leader
WARRNAMBOOL Basketball’s Louise Brown has been named joint winner of the Ford Aussie Hoops "Coach of the Year” award.
In a statement issued by Basketball Victoria earlier this week, Brown was named the state winner alongside Pakenham Basketball Association’s Chelsea Schreuder.
Brown is a popular leader of Warrnambool’s Aussie Hoops program, which is offered at the Caramut Road stadium each Thursday night during school terms.
“Until I received a phone call earlier this week from Basketball Victoria I had no idea I was even nominated for an award,” Brown said.
“During the call I was told I had been nominated and was asked for a statement about that, and then I received a second call the day after to say I had won – it took me completely by surprise.
“I’ve only been running Hoops in Warrnambool this year but it’s very much a team effort – myself, Harry and Zac run the boys sessions while Nicole, Mia and Sophie run sessions for girls.”
Brown praised her entire coaching team for their efforts and said the award was due recognition for them all.
“Hoops is a lot of fun for kids and a great introduction to basketball at a young age; we also run a session for under 10s to further develop their skills.”
Brown is no newcomer to the sport, having played the game all her life.
She played college basketball in America and has also played WNBL in Bendigo, played for the Warrnambool Mermaids (and is the current coach), and has played in teams in Adelaide, Brisbane and other locations.
“We (the Mermaids) are currently in our off-season so it’s lovely to still get out on the courts with the kids through the Hoops program,” Brown said.
Ford Aussie Hoops is the perfect starting point for kids of all abilities to discover the joys of basketball in a fun, friendly and welcoming environment.
With more than 18,000 participants across 100 centres in Victoria this year, these recent awards recognise the amazing coaches and volunteers who’ve helped introduce the next generation to the sport.
