Thanks to the sponsorship program, I have been able to improve my skills and grow into a much more confident player on the court. Before receiving this support, I struggled with self-doubt and lacked confidence when I had the ball. In the past, I was often teased while playing basketball at school, which affected my performance in games and made me hesitant in making decisions. However, with access to extra skills training and coaching, I realised that I am the only person who can stop me from achieving my goals—I can accomplish anything with hard work and dedication.

The coaching I received has significantly improved my game. My layups, mid-range shots, and three-point accuracy have all increased. The additional training has refined my technique and strengthened my overall gameplay, allowing me to read the court better and make smarter plays. One of my biggest accomplishments was being accepted to play U16 in an AAU tournament, where primarily Division 1 and 2 representative players compete. I had never played representative basketball before, but that didn’t discourage me from stepping up and giving it my all. At first, I felt a little intimidated being only 5’5″ while most of my opponents were over six feet tall. However, I used my speed to my advantage, making key steals, driving past defenders, and contributing to the team’s success. Even though our team didn’t make the semi-finals, we played our best, winning some games and losing others. The experience of playing with such skilled players reinforced my belief in my capabilities and motivated me to try out for a representative basketball team this year.

This incredible opportunity would not have been possible without the sponsorship program. The funding allowed me to access professional training, develop my skills, and compete at a higher level than I ever imagined. Now, I play Division 2 club basketball and proudly average eight points per game. This journey has not only made me a better player but has also shown me that with the right support, I can push past my limits and achieve more than I ever thought possible.

***

Ethan was a part of our sponsorship program – you can also participate! Go here to learn more https://aaaf.org.au/sponsorship-program